Planning to study at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2025? Discover student living costs, including rent, food, transport, and lifestyle in Glasgow.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), located in the heart of Scotland's biggest city, is home to a vibrant and diverse student community. Known as the "University for the Common Good," GCU attracts thousands of UK and international students every year. While tuition fees are a fixed cost, the cost of living in Glasgow is an important factor for budgeting your student life. The good news is Glasgow is more affordable than other UK cities like London or Edinburgh, offering students a comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable price.
This guide breaks down all major expenses — from accommodation and food to transport and entertainment — so you can plan your 2025 student budget effectively.
Accommodation is usually the biggest student expense. GCU offers on-campus student halls, and private housing is widely available across the city.
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost (£) | Monthly Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCU Student Halls (en-suite/shared) | 130 – 180 | 520 – 720 | Bills included |
| Private Shared Housing | — | 400 – 550 | Per person, excluding bills |
| Private Student Accommodation (studios) | — | 650 – 850 | Modern facilities |
Tip: Sharing an apartment with flatmates is usually the most cost-effective option. Areas like Cowcaddens, City Centre, and Dennistoun are popular with GCU students.
Glasgow has a mix of affordable supermarkets and international stores catering to student budgets.
| Food Category | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Groceries (weekly shop at Lidl, Aldi, Tesco) | 30 – 45 per week |
| Eating Out (cheap student meal) | 8 – 12 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 15 – 20 |
| Coffee / takeaway snacks | 3 – 6 |
If you live in private accommodation, utilities are additional to rent.
| Bill Type | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Gas & Water | 50 – 70 |
| Internet & TV license | 15 – 20 |
| Mobile phone plan (SIM only) | 10 – 20 |
Many student halls at GCU include bills in the rent, which helps simplify budgeting.
Glasgow has excellent public transport with subway, buses, and trains. GCU is located centrally, meaning many students walk or cycle.
| Transport Method | Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Subway Card | 33.50 per month | Unlimited travel |
| Bus travel | 1.80 – 2.20 per journey | Cheaper with passes |
| Monthly student bus pass | 50 – 65 | Best for regular users |
| Taxi/Uber (within city) | 6 – 10 average | Per journey |
Tip: Students under 22 in Scotland can apply for a free bus travel card, making transport almost cost-free.
Glasgow is famous for its music, nightlife, and cultural scene. Luckily, it remains affordable compared to other UK cities.
| Activity | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Gym membership (student rate) | 20 – 30 per month |
| Cinema ticket (student discount) | 8 – 10 |
| Night out (club entry + drinks) | 20 – 35 |
| Shopping & personal expenses | 50 – 100 per month |
Educational costs are minimal thanks to GCU's excellent library and digital resources.
| Item | Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Books & Stationery | 20 – 40 per month | Many resources available online |
| Laptop/Software | 500 – 800 | One-time expense if needed |
| Printing/Photocopying | 5 – 10 per month | GCU library facilities available |
| Expense Category | Cost Range (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 520 – 720 |
| Food & Groceries | 120 – 180 |
| Utilities & Internet | 60 – 90 |
| Transport | 0 – 65 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 – 150 |
| Study Materials | 20 – 40 |
| Total Monthly Budget | 820 – 1,245 |
On average, most students at GCU manage on around £950 – £1,000 per month (excluding tuition fees).
The cost of living for Glasgow Caledonian University students in 2025 is manageable compared to many UK cities. With average monthly expenses between £820 – £1,245, GCU offers a balance of affordability and a vibrant student lifestyle. By budgeting smartly, using student discounts, and making the most of free university services, you can enjoy your time in Glasgow without financial stress.