Do you want to live off campus while studying at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)? Private accommodation offers a wide range of options. On this page, get an idea of different areas you can live and learn how you can stay safe and informed.
Finding your new home Start searching for accommodation early as Glasgow has a competitive housing market. Areas outside of the city centre can offer more affordable accommodation.
Read about different areas in our accommodation dossier file (PDF)
When deciding where to live, consider:
the length of contract you need the cost of the full length of the contract (not just the price per week) what happens if you were to withdraw from your course. Do you have to pay for the rent until the end of the contract period even if you leave early? what support is available for students. Student halls Private student accommodations often have en-suite bathrooms and are part of a cluster flat or studio. They aim to be an easy option, often with Wi-Fi and energy bills already set up and included in your bill.
Renting a room or property You can rent a room or a whole property from private landlords or estate agents. These are good options if you'd like to live with friends, in a room in a shared house, or are moving with your family. Look for private rentals on estate agents' websites:
Some agents specialise in working with students. Contacting providers directly can help you compare prices, check availability and find the best option for your budget.
Read our trusted estate agent file (PDF)
Need a guarantor for private accommodation? Many landlords and letting agents need tenants to have a guarantor who agrees to pay the rent if the tenant is unable to do so. We partner with Housing Hand, allowing GCU students who don't have a UK-based guarantor, to access their service at a discounted rate upon successful application.
Start your guarantor application at Housing Hand with 5% discount.
Frequently asked questions Read below for specific details and questions about accomodation.
Ways to remain safe when looking for property
Scams
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Please be aware of who you are dealing with and any fees you’re paying. There have been some scams reported and it's important to keep yourself safe and informed.
While searching for accommodation, make sure you:
always read through and sign a contract take extra care when using platforms such as Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and SpareRoom check that the landlord or agency you’re dealing with is registered through the Scottish Landlord Register check this useful information about rental fraud be aware that landlord or agencies asking for holding fees, especially before seeing the property, is illegal don't transfer money with Western Union or any other services don't pay any money upfront unless you have your lease agreement and have seen the property in person check that your deposit is within the Deposit Scheme. This need to happen within 30 days of paying it. too-good-to-be-true advertisements are mostly scams if the landlord or agent doesn’t have a UK-based phone number or only wants to converse through email or WhatsApp messages, you should be very careful. This can be a sign they are not legitimate.
Landlord Registration Scotland
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All landlords letting properties must be registered with Glasgow City Council unless they're just letting a room in their own home.
Some people use websites to advertise properties which don't exist and take money illegally, so always make sure the landlord is registered. All properties housing two or more people who are unrelated must be licensed as a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO).
If properties are not registered or licensed, there is a real risk of difficulties arising during the tenancy. Landlords must register your accommodation deposit with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Check the landlord is registered, call Landlord Registration Scotland on 0300 343 0414 or email LicensingEnquires@glasgow.gov.uk.
Rental responsibilities
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The landlord must:
provide safe and secure accommodation give receipts for all payments keep the property wind and watertight organise repairs not enter the flat without the tenant’s permission give at least 24 hours’ notice of a visit. As a tenant, you must:
keep the property in a reasonable condition notify the landlord of any repairs needed and allow them access inform the landlord if the property is to be empty during vacations dispose of rubbish in the bin areas clean communal areas such as stairs respect neighbours by limiting noise levels be responsible for paying for electricity and gas arrange insurance cover for your personal possessions before departure, make sure the property is in the same condition and clean state as when the inventory was signed.
Temporary accommodation
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While you are looking for a permanent place to live, temporary accommodation could be an option. Glasgow Caledonian University has partnered with a variety of hotels in the local area to provide you as a student with reduced rates for accommodation in the city.
Read more on temporary accommodation.
If you are at risk of homelessness, or have been facing unprecedented difficulties and need to access homelessness services, Shelter is a charity that helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through advice, support and legal services.
Find more guidance on Shelter’s webpages .
Legal support
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If you require any legal help with your private rental, contact Shelter Scotland. You can also check their pages:
Understanding private renting
Guarantors: what they are and when you need one
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What is a UK-based guarantor? A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you don't pay it. They sign an agreement which confirms their responsibilities and when they have to pay. It's normal to be asked for a guarantor if you are a student.
Guarantors act as a security blanket for renters as well as landlords in case there is substantial damage to a property or if the rent is missed. Usually, landlords and estate agents will ask for a UK-based guarantor.
Check you meet guarantor requirements .
Who can be a guarantor? Guarantors are usually a relative or close friend of the tenant, but they don't have to be. Guarantors usually need a good credit history and income or savings above a certain amount.
What is required from a guarantor? Proof of residency Proof of income Three months' most recent bank statements Proof of identity (for example, a valid passport) National Insurance number Bank details, including branch name and account number Agree to pay the rent if the tenant cannot In some cases, agree to pay for any damage caused by the tenant if the tenant cannot. International guarantors An international guarantor lives abroad, making it difficult or impossible for UK landlords to run credit checks or legally enforce rent payments, so they are rarely accepted.
The University cannot stand as a guarantor Please note that it is legal for landlords to ask for up to six months' rent in advance, even if you have a UK guarantor. However, it is illegal for landlords or letting agents to charge holding fees for a property. Holding fees are charges made to "hold" a property while you arrange your documentation.
Rent guarantor schemes There are private rent guarantor schemes that can be your guarantor if you don't have someone who can do it. Private rent guarantor services are not vetted by GCU, and students must use them at their own discretion.Check out Housing Hand's private guarantor scheme.
Find help
References: Opening a bank account, renting, jobs
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Confirmation of student status letters can be used for opening a bank account, applying for a job, renting a flat and applying for a travel visa. They can also be submitted with your exemption form when applying for your Council Tax exemption.
Once you're a registered student, you can order student status letters through the student portal.
Read our instructions on how to get confirmation of student status .
Deposits and rent in advance
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Deposits You pay a deposit to cover any unpaid rent, bills or damage to the property. Before you move into your accommodation, your deposit should be no more than two months' rent.
As long as you've not breached your tenancy agreement, your full deposit should be returned to you when you move out.
Is your deposit safe? By law, landlords and letting agents must place your deposit in a tenancy deposit scheme to ensure it is protected and returned fairly.
This protects your deposit and is managed by independent companies approved by the Scottish Government. If your landlord does not place your deposit in a tenancy deposit scheme, you may be able to take action against them. A tribunal can order the landlord to pay you up to three times the value of your deposit.
For more information, visit the MyDeposits Scotland website .
When you sign your tenancy agreement, check the details carefully to understand what your deposit covers and how it will be returned.
Safety and security
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When you are looking for rented accommodation, it is good practice to check that the property has:
smoke/carbon monoxide detection system a gas safety record an electrical system certificate no bars on the windows effective door and window locks good external lighting late-night public transport.
Tenancy contracts
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When you rent a flat you will get a contract, lease or tenancy agreement. This will include:
the name and address of the landlord the landlord’s registration number a start and end date the address of the property the rent, what it includes, and when it is to be paid deposit required (should be no more than the equivalent of two months' rent) contact details for reporting repairs and faults the period of notice required to end the lease the names of each person living in the property must be on the lease each person must hold a copy of the lease the lease must be accompanied by an inventory signed jointly by the landlord and tenant. Take photos of any damaged items.
What is Council Tax?
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Council Tax is a charge that you pay to your local council. Only those over 18 are liable, and most full-time students are exempt and don't have to pay Council Tax charges. You will, however, still have to claim the exemption by letting the council know.
Check out our Council Tax exemption webpage .
Student travel discounts
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Glasgow has three transport hubs: Queen Street train station, Glasgow Central train station, and Buchanan bus station (which is just opposite our campus). You can buy seasonal transport tickets at student rates. Neighbouring areas also have excellent transport services.
Discounted bus travel:
Discounted train travel (discounted by 1/3rd with a railcard)
ZoneCard for unlimited travel by ScotRail
You can get a ZoneCard for access to the subway, most buses, and some ferries in Strathclyde wherever you see the ZoneCard logo. To buy a ZoneCard, go to any staffed ScotRail station with a passport-sized photo of yourself and select the zones you want to travel in.
Get a ZoneCard.
Where to live: travel times to Glasgow
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It might be more affordable for students to search for accommodation beyond Glasgow city centre.You can use First Bus' journey planner to plan your trip.
Commuting times Glasgow Caledonian University is:
a one minute walk from Buchanan Bus Station an eight minute walk from Glasgow Queen Street (QS) a 15 minute walk from and Glasgow Central Stations (GLC) . Check the table for local areas and their commutable distance to Glasgow. Travel times are approximate and may vary by service and time of day.
Name
Distance by train
Distance by bus
Airdrie
30 mins QS
27 mins Baillieston
14 mins QS
14 mins
Cardonald
13 min GLC 44 mins
Carluke
48 mins GLC
53 mins
Clydebank
15 mins QS
31 mins Coatbridge
23 mins QS
34 min Drumchapel
18 mins QS
32 mins
Dumbarton
26 mins QS
55 mins East Kilbride
40 mins GLC
53 mins
Falkirk
22 mins GLC
50 mins Gourock
41 mins GLC
1 hour 10 mins
Greenock
34 mins GLC
1 hour 6 mins
Hamilton
24 mins Argyle St
25 mins
Johnstone
14 mins GLC
45 mins Kilmarnock
40 mins GLC
45 mins
Kilsyth
45 mins
Kilwinning
36 mins GLC
1 hour 15 mins Lanark
56 mins GLC
1 hour 20 mins Largs
60 mins GLC
1 hour 40 mins Lenzie
09 mins QS
18 mins
Milngavie
24 mins QS
40 mins Motherwell
27 mins GLC
26 mins
Neilston
29 mins GLC
1 hour
Paisley
10 mins GLC
47 mins
Saltcoats
43 mins GLC
1 hour 20 mins Shotts
34 mins GLC
1 hour 10 mins Troon
39 mins GLC
1 hour 5 mins Uddingston
13 mins GLC
39 mins
Wishaw
40 mins GLC
43 mins
