Specter on 26/3/2009 at 22:34
Hello all.
Im sure this is a bit unorthodox, but Im here looking for some opinions. I was accepted to the University of Glasgow for an International Masters in Russian, Central and East European Studies, and University College in London for a MA in Russian Studies. While I doubt I would be lucky enough to find anyone on here who had taken either program, I was however hoping that some of you might have some opinions regarding either of the schools or either of the cities. I want to read as much as I can from as many sources as I can before making any kind of decision.
I have read some things online and have seen the world rankings, but I don't put much faith in them. I would much rather some opinions from real people who would be willing to share them. Anyone have any thoughts for me?
I greatly appreciate it.
Scots Taffer on 26/3/2009 at 23:11
I attended the University of Glasgow from '98 to '02 (and half of '03 on an ill-advised PhD) studying mathematical disciplines. Back then it was a fantastic University with a great reputation in what I was studying, I believe it also has a well regarded Arts department (which is I assume where your degree lies) though for strictly ART subjects like photography, journalism etc I think the Glasgow School of Art gets more weight.
If you know that Glasgow has a good reputation for what you're intending to study then what I can tell you that moving from Ottawa to Glasgow isn't probably going to be terrible from a weather perspective except the general lack of summer, expect lots of rain, overcast skies, cold winds (but not wind chill) and general miserableness. You do often get a great spring/early summer and late summer/autumn at Kelvingrove park around the campus.
It's a great University campus, bang in the heart of a half-trendy/half-cheap student mecca for food, drink and activities. Lots of shared housing going on. Lots of studenty stuff in general. I enjoyed my years there.
Glasgow as a city is a bit different and to be honest, while you'll inevitably spend a fair bit of time there while you toil away in the West End (campus area) for a few years, you're always in the best part of Glasgow right away. There are good spots and bad spots in the inner city and knowing when and where to be places is essential. I can always provide more info on this closer to the time, of course, if you need further advice.
TBE on 26/3/2009 at 23:12
Go to Glasgow. People there more down to earth. Food is better. Less pollution and people. More charming countryside real close. If I had to pick a country to live in for retirement, Scotland would be one of the top 3 choices. England, not so much. More like bottom 3.
Fingernail on 26/3/2009 at 23:20
Well, I study in central London, been to UCL a few times as well as our shared University of London Union buildings around there. It's got some nice buildings in a nice area, and as an institution it's certainly very well respected. You've got access to all sorts of stuff as a student in London, libraries (incl. British Library) and access to the other colleges of the federal university. Obviously London is very expensive to live in, but I love the place. I don't know Glasgow at all, or anyone who's studied there, so I can't really comment.
Specter on 26/3/2009 at 23:49
Thanks for the replies, guys. I really appreciate them. You all have given me some stuff to consider. If I do choose Glasgow, I'll be sure to ask you for more information, Scots Taffer. Thanks for the offer!
Aerothorn on 27/3/2009 at 14:00
I'm at college in Massachusetts, and (to make a long story short) it seemed a good idea for me to do an exchange. I *really* wanted to go to Scotland, but the University of Glasgow (which is the school my college has a set-up program with) didn't have anything in the area I was studying, so I'm going to Goldsmiths. It sounds like a great school and everything, but personally, I'd much rather spend four years in Glasgow than in London. Though I'm just not a huge fan of big cities in general, so take that with a grain of salt.*
*actually, more like a big heaping mountain of salt since I've never even been to Europe
Fingernail on 27/3/2009 at 14:04
If you're tired of London, you're tired of life.
Ulukai on 27/3/2009 at 16:41
Rab C Nesbitt vs Dick van Dyke right guys
My sister went to Glasgow School of Art and loved it. So much so, she still lives there 10 years on.
I've subsequently learnt, and seen with my own eyes, a mythical Glaswegian people called 'Neds' who wear white socks pulled up over Kappa Tracksuits in the belief that it is a good look.
It is not a good look. Avoid them if you can.
HTH :D
Tenkahubu on 27/3/2009 at 16:58
Quote:
so I'm going to Goldsmiths
New Cross is pretty rough but in a n obvious way, and there's lots of creative stuff going on there.
Hang out tip: The Amersham arms pub.
Glasgow is better, but at least you can travel to other places more easily from London.
sh0ck3r on 28/3/2009 at 00:35
Anyone here live(d) in Edinburgh?
