Glasgow is a beautiful, thriving, and vibrant city in the corner of Scotland in the United Kingdom. Offering rich culture, buzzing nightlife, and ample beautiful places to eat, this city offers endless opportunities.
If you are a student living in student accommodation and want to explore the city, you can start with food. Fortunately, Glasgow is a place where you can find affordable meal options. Moreover, you don’t have to strain your budget when it comes to finding delicious yet budget-friendly eats in this bustling city. Thankfully, our blog will provide you with some of the top tips for finding affordable meals in Glasgow. So, let’s dive in and plan your weekend away from student housing in Glasgow.
1. Explore the Diverse Street Food Scenes in Glasgow
First thing first you have to start with the basic and local foods. You can leave your student accommodation and head to the diverse street food scenes in the city. Each street has something unique to offer.
Markets and pop-ups are the perfect place to enjoy affordable and mouth-watering options across the globe in the city. If you have to start, you can start at the Big Feed which is the biggest indoor street food market. You can get gourmet burgers and more. As for the prices, entry is usually under £3, and you can easily grab a meal for £5-£10.
The next place you could try is the Platform at Argyle Street Arches. This place is located right under the Glasgow Central Station, offering a wide array of food vendors. If you wish to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, this would be perfect for you. Lastly, there’s Street Food Trucks which you can find anywhere. You just have to keep an eye out for food trucks. Students living near the University of Glasgow or George Square can get burritos, fresh wraps, and more.
2. Explore Local Eateries for Affordable Meals in Glasgow
Glasgow is full of local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. You can easily find budget-friendly meals at independent cafes and bakeries. This will not only help you find local food but also in supporting local businesses.
Some of the great places to explore around your student apartments are as follows:
- Glickman’s Confectionery: A classic stop for those with a sweet tooth, offering affordable cakes, pastries, and treats.
- The University Café: A Glasgow institution, The University Café serves up hearty portions of traditional Scottish meals like fish and chips or macaroni cheese at wallet-friendly prices.
- Tchai-Ovna House of Tea: This quirky café offers delicious vegetarian and vegan meals, with a focus on affordable comfort food and globally inspired flavors.
3. Take Full Advantage of Student Discounts and Deals
Every city in the United Kingdom offers great deals and discounts for students. Being a student in Glasgow means being kind to your wallet. Almost every eatery and restaurant around student accommodation offers discounts if you show your student ID. Some of the top places for good student deals and discounts include:
- Paesano Pizza: Renowned for its high-quality yet affordable pizzas, Paesano offers a fantastic student deal, where you can enjoy a Neapolitan pizza for under £10.
- Bloc+: Known for its budget-friendly bites, Bloc+ has a range of discounts for students, along with special daily deals that include burgers and wings for as little as £3.
- Bread Meats Bread: With locations in the city center and West End, Bread Meats Bread offers generous portions and occasional student discounts, perfect for a satisfying yet affordable meal.
4. Enjoy Specials and Meal Deals
Different cafes and restaurants offer plenty of meal deals and special meals every week. Without overspending, you can simply keep an eye out for happy hours and lunchtime deals. Here are some of the places you can consider for your next meal:
- Greggs: A nationwide favorite, Greggs offers sandwiches, sausage rolls, and hot drinks for incredibly low prices. Their meal deals are particularly good for breakfast and lunch.
- Wetherspoons: This chain pub has multiple locations across Glasgow, offering hearty meals with drinks included for under £10. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner when you’re watching your spending.
- Kimchi Cult: If you’re craving Korean flavors, head to Kimchi Cult in the West End. They offer affordable rice bowls and Korean street food-inspired dishes, all bursting with flavor.
5. Opt for Home Cooked Meals
If you really want to save a few bucks every month, you can opt for cooking your own meal. Glasgow has plenty of farmers’ markets and supermarkets which offer great deals. As a result, you can head to supermarkets to get good deals and ready-made options. There are stores like Tesco, M&S, and others that offer food starting as little as £3. Hence, you can head out from student housing and get something for lunch. Plus, supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are perfect to get fresh produce.
Finding affordable meals while living in student accommodation is easier than you think. From local street food to high-end cafes, you can find plenty of options around the city. In short, you can keep an eye out for deals, take advantage of student deals, and explore local street food. Happy eating!
