You get a massive, sociable student scene in a city famous for its warmth and its music, at prices below Edinburgh. It is also the quickest gateway to the Highlands, so weekends outdoors are easy.

• Glasgow University, Strathclyde and Caledonian give it a huge student population.
• It is a UNESCO City of Music, with live venues on every corner.
• It is noticeably cheaper than Edinburgh and famously friendly.

The West End around Byres Road is the student heartland, packed with pubs, cafes and Ashton Lane. The live-music scene is world-class, from tiny venues to the legendary Barrowland.

• The West End around Byres Road and Ashton Lane is the student core.
• King Tut's Wah Wah Hut and the Barrowland Ballroom are must-visit live venues.
• The Studcasa Glasgow group is great for gig-goers and flat-hunters.

Glasgow offers real value for a major UK city, with cheaper rent than Edinburgh and famously good-value food. The Subway and curry houses stretch a budget nicely.

• Budget around GBP 850-1,350 a month, good value for a major city.
• A Subway smartcard makes short hops cheap, and student season tickets save more.
• The Barras market and the curry houses do brilliant cheap eats.

The West End is the classic student area near Glasgow Uni, while the Southside and Dennistoun are cheaper and up-and-coming. Where you live often follows your university.

• The West End (Hillhead, Partick) is the classic student area near Glasgow Uni.
• The Southside (Shawlands) and Dennistoun are cheaper and rising.
• The city centre suits Strathclyde and Caledonian students.

The circular Subway loops the centre and West End, backed by the UK's largest suburban rail network outside London. Buses fill in the rest.

• The Subway, the circular Clockwork Orange, loops the city centre and West End.
• ScotRail's suburban trains and First Bus cover everywhere else.
• Central and Queen Street stations link the rest of Scotland.

Glasgow has a strong spread of universities and a big international community. The academic year follows the Scottish semester pattern.

• The University of Glasgow, Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian and the Glasgow School of Art are the hosts.
• Semesters run September-December and January-May.

Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have free movement, so most non-Irish students need permission to study. For an exchange of up to six months you can often come under the Short-term study route or simply as a Standard Visitor, depending on your nationality and course length. For a full year you will need a Student visa sponsored by your host university.

What applies depends entirely on your passport, so confirm with the university and official UK government guidance early. The Student visa needs a CAS reference from your uni, proof of funds and usually the immigration health surcharge, so budget both time and money for it.

• Exchange under 6 months, often Standard Visitor or Short-term study
• Full year, Student visa with a CAS from your uni
• Irish citizens, no visa needed under the Common Travel Area
• Budget for the immigration health surcharge on longer visas

Glasgow takes its food and its culture seriously, from a famous curry scene to free world-class museums. Everyday treats are cheap and hearty.

• Glasgow claims the chicken tikka masala, and its curry scene lives up to it.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is free and unmissable.
• Try a roll and square sausage and a Tunnock's teacake.

The West End, city centre and Southside each have distinct characters and price points. Finnieston has become the foodie favourite.

• The West End for students, cafes and the Botanic Gardens.
• Finnieston for the best food and bars.
• Merchant City and the Southside for a mix of nightlife and value.

Glasgow is the fastest jumping-off point for the Highlands and islands, with Edinburgh close too. Some of the train journeys are attractions in themselves.

• Loch Lomond is about 45 minutes, the quickest taste of the Highlands.
• Edinburgh is about 50 minutes by train.
• The West Highland Line to Fort William and Mallaig is one of the world's great rail journeys.

The accent takes a little tuning but the welcome is genuine. Bring waterproofs and be mindful of football rivalries.

• Give the Glaswegian accent time; it is warm once it clicks.
• Carry a hood rather than an umbrella, which the wind will destroy.
• Be careful which football colours you wear on derby day.