- Libraries:
- The main library is on the City Campus, but it can be fairly noisy. The University has around 350,000 books and 1,380 study places in total. The library is open until 9:00pm during the week and 7:00pm at weekends. There are also libraries in the city and a reciprocal aggreement has been made between Paisley and Strathclyde Universities, allowing access to their libraries, including their specialist ones.
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- Computing:
- The students often complain that they can never get a computer when they need one and so on. The university seem to be doing little about this. One student told us that it was even difficult to get a computer during the holidays.
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- Sports:
- This really is where Glasgow Caledonian falters! We got the distinct impression that Gcal students rarely, if ever, do any exercise. Although £4 million has been spent on a new sports centre, facilties are still considered limited when compared to other universities. However, since many students live at home, and football in the park is always an option, the University may not need many facilties. There is also a multigym at both campuses.
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- Disabled Students:
- Along with the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the University have set up a Visual Resource Centre for sight impaired students. There is also a Disability Advisor and access on all campuses is improving. The largest lecture theatres have induction loops.
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- Student Welfare:
- There is a University Health Centre as well as a couselling service, but judging by the numbers of staff (1 nurse, a visiting doctor and 1 full time cousellor) you would think that all the students are a happy bunch of campers! Perhaps they are. There are, however, limited services for women, with no free attack alarms, and no women's groups. To be honest we receive more complaints about Glasgow Caledonian than any other university. Check out the comments section before you think about adding it to your shortlist.
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- Parking:
- Its probably best not to take a car because parking is quite expensive, traffic congestion is a problem and the traffic wardens are almost as keen as London's. All in all the public transport system in Glasgow is well organised and cheap.
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- University Shops:
- There are two shops on campus. One sells stationery while the other sells groceries and general amenities. Overall the range is good and the prices are cheap. There is also a shop selling pizza. Fantastic!
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- University Bookshops:
- There is a reasonably large and extremely friendly branch of John Smiths' bookshop on the campus, they work very closely with staff to ensure availability of textbooks. There are loads of other bookshops in the city.
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- Banking:
- There are banks all around the city. There are also cash machines near the Student Union. English students should keep in mind that Scotland has different banks from south of the border and it may be best to wait until in Scotland before opening a student account.
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- Transport Policy:
- Generally, public transport around the town is frequent, cheap and well maintained. Trains around Lanarkshire and the rest of Scotland are plentyful.
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- Green Areas:
- Its a city centre! However, the mountains of Scotland and the Highlands are within easy reach of Glasgow.
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