Glasgow (pronounced glaz-goh)
Introduction
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and a major hub. It is one of the major economic centres of the UK. At the same time, it has a very distinctive Scottish character and is certainly very different from an English city. Walking down the streets in the city centre you can be awed by the impressive architecture and towering statues of George Square, and drawn in to the hubbub of Sauchiehall Street, and you will never forget you are in Scotland.
You may have heard that Scotland is very cold: due to its coastal position, Glasgow is one of the mildest places to live north of the border.
History
Stone-age evidence suggests that people have been living in the area that is now Glasgow for many thousands of years. The story becomes a bit clearer in the early Christian period, when Celtic Saints Ninian and Mungo was connected with the area and founded churches there.
In the medieval period, Glasgow continued to be an important religious centre, and its status as a Scottish bishopric was very influential in its growth as a city.
Throughout the next few centuries, Glasgow continued to grow slowly and to be significant within Scotland. In the 1300s, William Wallace (the man depicted in Braveheart!) defeated an English army of 1000 men in Glasgow with just 300 soldiers.
Glasgow has also been an important seat of learning for many centuries: Glasgow University was founded in 1451.
During the industrial revolution and the 1700s and 1800s, Glasgow became one of the most important merchant cities in Britain and indeed Europe, as is reflected by some of its towering architecture from that period. Its prominent west-coast location led to it becoming a significant port for trade with the American continent. Along with Liverpool, it also became a major focus for nineteenth century Irish immigration. In the twentieth century some areas of Glasgow become renowned for their social deprivation and poverty. Various projects in the later century encouraged the moving of people from the most deprived areas in the city centre out into new towns in central Scotland. This succeeded in decreasing the very high population density, although some pockets of poverty have remained.
Named the European City of Culture for 1990, Glasgow has left behind its rough and violent reputation to embrace the arts. One of the most appealing things to do in Glasgow is to visit a museum. The University of Glasgow houses some amazing art collections, including work from James McNeill Whistler and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glasgow is set to remain a major economic and cultural focus and the home to many successful industries. Although Edinburgh is Scotland’s political capital, Glasgow has a good claim to being its financial and economic centre.
Universities in Glasgow
1) University of Glasgow
2) University of Strathclyde
3) Glasgow Caledonian University
Nightlife
Glasgow’s big-city status is certainly reflected in its nightlife. There are dozens of pubs, clubs, cinemas and other venues for all tastes and interest groups[4].
Student Life in Glasgow
There are literally thousands of international students in Glasgow, and there is always lots going on for the Glasgow student. The three main universities are all located within easy access of the city centre, which like many British cities is compact and easy to explore. There is also a prestigious School of Art located in the city. The Glasgow Science Center is another favorite among travelers, and families in particular. The Science Centered has four floors of exhibits, as well as an IMAX theatre. The Glasgow International art fair also takes place every April.
The locals are famously friendly and welcoming.
Culture
There are always various arts and culture events going on in Glasgow.[5] It is home to a wealth of theatres and concert halls for the performing arts, including:
Theatre Royal[6]
The Kings Theatre[7]
Citizens Theatre[8]
Tron Theatre[9]
The Arches[10]
Scottish Youth Theatre[11]
National Theatre of Scotland[12]
The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall[13]
Vanishing Point Theatre[14]
Pavilion Theatre[15]
The Scottish National Ballet[16] and Scottish Opera[17] are also based in this city.
Furthermore, there are 13 different museums[18], including several art galleries and the famous and recently refurbished Kelvingrove museum[19]. Other notable museums include a religious museum and a museum of transport.
Glasgow is also home to an ancient and beautiful Cathedral[20].
Whatever your interests and passions, Glasgow is bound to have something for you. As a University city in a significant financial base, it is a very attractive prospect for any potential MBA student.
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Sources:
[1] http://www.gla.ac.uk
[2] http://www.strath.ac.uk/
[3] http://www.gcal.ac.uk
[4] http://www.glasgownightlife.co.uk
[5] http://www.csglasgow.org/
[6] http://www.ambassadortickets.com
[7] http://www.ambassadortickets.com
[8] http://www.citz.co.uk
[9] http://www.tron.co.uk
[10] http://www.thearches.co.uk
[11] http://www.scottishyouththeatre.org
[12] http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
[13] http://glasgowconcerthalls.com
[14] http://www.vanishing-point.org
[15] http://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk
[16] http://www.scottishballet.co.uk
[17] http://www.scottishopera.org.uk
[18] http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/
[19] http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4
[20] http://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk/
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