In this week’s instalment of Movers and Shakers, a series where we explore the cities we call home, we look at Glasgow, Scotland.
We’re investigating migrating tech talent, ones to watch in the industry, and the reality for talent looking to live and work there.
In this edition, we take a trip to Glasgow, home to Orbis’s new Candidate Hub.
Read on for everything you need to know about this sometimes unsung gem!
We’re proud to have grown and expanded to a number of different locations globally, and one of our new homes is in the centre of Glasgow. But, unlike your classic “famous” cities such as London, LA, and NYC, Glasgow slips under the radar! We’re going to give you the low down of everything you can do in this incredible city, from the best eateries and social scene through to rent prices and the general cost of living.
What’s the city like?
Glasgow is the third-largest city in the UK, with London sitting in first place and Birmingham coming a close second. With the population sitting at just over half a million people, you can be confident that there will be a buzzing social scene, however less overwhelming than London which sits at a whopping 8.8 million people. Glasgow itself is picturesque and beautiful. With the perfect blend of modern buildings and streets littered with rich history, it’s a cultural feast with tons of things to do.
Art galleries and museums are scattered throughout the city, and botanical gardens and parks are also great in the summer if you want to do something more low-key. Public transport is also incredibly reliable and cheap. A weekly standard bus ticket is £17.00 and gives you access to all routes, enabling you to travel around this vast city freely without breaking the bank – great if you’re someone who is at entry-level and wants a slightly lower cost of living. Glaswegians as individuals are also incredibly friendly and open, and the city has a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Average rent price?
According to Home.co.uk, average rent prices are around the £1,100 mark for a two-bedroom, with a one-bed coming in at between £700-£800 including bills. Room rentals are even cheaper, starting at £250 and up to £600 depending on size and location. Overall the rental prices are a lot more affordable than in other large cities in the UK and can give you a lot more disposable income if you opt for room sharing over renting a flat on your own.
Weather (and the wardrobe)
We wish we could tell you it’s tropical beaches and year-round sunshine, but you know we’d be lying. It’s the UK – so you’re going to experience all four seasons in their extremes when living in somewhere like Glasgow.
Admittedly, it will be a few degrees cooler in the summer than its southern counterparts, but if you enjoy cosy nights in or a Sunday in the pub, Glasgow is appealing due to its homely and warm feel. Also, it’s an excuse to treat yourself to some reliable winter clothes such as boots, jackets, scarves, and of course, a decent umbrella.
Culture and food
We like to avoid clichés, so although you can get haggis (we recommend Stravaigin or Babbity Bowster), there are hundreds of restaurants that cater to every kind of dietary requirement or palette. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are all accessible in Glasgow, and there is also a great selection of pubs and gastropubs to choose from. The average pint prince is £3.97 and the average bottle of wine is around £8.00 – so, not completely breaking the bank!
Religion and faith
Glasgow is incredibly multicultural and has local Mosques, Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Orthodox churches, Christian churches, Catholic churches, and a number of Synagogues.
From an accessibility perspective, these are all dotted around the city and enable individuals to practice their faith whilst living in Glasgow. They also have a directory of religious festivals which can be accessed here.
Getting outdoors
Glasgow has excellent access to the highlands or the Lake District, both of which are only a two-hour drive away; great if you want to hike, go on a picnic, or get out of the city for a little staycation! The highlands are packed with a ton of activity centres in Glencoe and Aviemore, where you can ski as well as do water sports. If you’re into sailing and camping, you can hop on a bus to Loch Lomond if you don’t own a car. Due to public transport being incredibly reliable and affordable, you can get out of the city easily to experience the slightly more rural parts outside of Glasgow!
In summary, Glasgow is a gorgeous city full of activities, a diverse culture, and access to everything that you’ll need to build an interesting lifestyle. With a lower cost of living and population density than most major cities, it’s a great location that bridges the gap between the rurality of country living as well as the buzz of a lively city.
