University of Strathclyde Campus highlighted on a cropped map of Glasgow – Image Credit: University of Strathclyde
Starting university is often something that can be challenging for a plethora of reasons; everything is changing, from your daily routine, and everything you’re used to academically to your friendships and your surroundings. As much as navigating your way through a new, bustling city might be daunting at first, sometimes looking at it from a different angle can make the world of a difference. One angle could be seeing this scenario as a big adventure, exploring someplace new while you have the chance. So, here are five hidden places for you to explore to make your day more exciting, just a fifteen-minute walk from campus.
Record Fayre – 13-15 Chisholm St.
Sometimes, on a rough university day, you need a little pick me up, a treat for yourself to give you that extra kick of motivation. What better than some physical media, or a bit of clothing to let everyone know what your favourite band is? As someone who loves music and has a spending problem when it comes to buying t-shirts and records, I’m always on the lookout for somewhere that won’t drain my bank account in the same way HMV or Fopp will. If you’re the same, Record Fayre could be the place for you. The shop itself is filled with t-shirts, caps, records, CD’s, badges, and probably anything else your heart desires. I’ve found something worth buying every time, mostly thanks to the friendly staff that work there. The shop itself is only a 10-minute walk from Strathclyde, and only closed Sundays and Mondays. I’d say if it’s good enough for James McAvoy to pop in, then it’s certainly worth checking out.
Super Bario – 7 King St.
This is for the ones who would rather a tamer night out with their friends to wind down after a long learning day, or for those who want a little entertainment between classes. I, for one, love a good arcade game, especially if I can involve a game-themed cocktail. Therefore, I can see why NQ64 is so popular, but for me, it’s always too busy, loud, and I spend too much money trying to get drunk enough to stop being overwhelmed. Super Bario offers the same idea, but with a much more relaxed vibe for more awkward people like me. The bar has a wide range of beers from all over the world, most of which I’ve never heard of, but have had fun trying, as well as arcade themed cocktails, like the Crash Brandicoot. Super Bario also has plenty of arcade games to choose from; pinball machines, Pacman, Mortal Combat…all these games just an eight-minute walk from campus. Cheap, cheerful, and not too full on; I can’t think of a better way to bond with some new uni pals than trying some cocktails with funky names while trying to outrun the ghosts of Pacman in Glasgow’s first retro arcade bar.
Hide & Seek – 84 Buchanan St.
Tucked away on Buchanan Street is a funky little cocktail bar, which is befittingly called Hide & Seek. Hide & Seek is the perfect place to go for a night out, especially if you stay on campus and are looking for somewhere central to drink until the wee hours. The bar itself, inside and out, is beautifully decorated, making it the perfect place to take some aesthetic photos with your friends before you get too drunk and end up in Best Kebab. With a long list of cocktails (ranging from your classics to the bars specials and seasonal menus), wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, there’s something at Hide & Seek for everyone. This secret spot is only a nine-minute walk from campus, so why not book a table and try some of their alcoholic concoctions, especially Sunday – Friday when they offer selected discounted £4.95 cocktails? Well, that is if you can find the place first.
Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf – 15 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HY
The next hidden gem on my list is a nine-minute walk from Strathclyde and is another fun activity to do with friends during the semester as a much-needed break from all your hard work. In my first year at university, I was lucky to meet two of my closest friends. Although none of us live in Glasgow, it’s the most central place for us to meet, which does create a few problems. The first is we are all indecisive, so picking an activity is often like pulling teeth. Secondly, it’s very hard to decide a hangout spot in a city you’re largely unfamiliar with, so drinking in a Wetherspoons seems to be the go-to decision for our group, and most other students. One thing I would never have thought of is to have a game of crazy golf, so I’m glad I recently discovered how conveniently placed Jungle Rumble is to campus. Mini golf is an underrated way to pass some time, with most people easily being able to escape for around two hours in this fluorescently lit course, especially with there being more to do than just the golf itself. And as if it couldn’t get any better, there’s also student discounts on tickets, meaning one round of golf is just £10, two rounds are £17, or the golf and drink deal is £14. Next time you’re looking for something a little different to do, why not take a trip to Jungle Rumble? I don’t know many other jungles where you can play some eccentric golf, grab a drink and a bite to eat, then finish off with a game of pool or darts.
Glasgow Film Theatre – Image Credit: Jason Fong/Strathclyde Telegraph
Glasgow Film Theatre – 12 Rose St.
The final place on my list, and maybe the least hidden of them all, yet still a gem, is Glasgow Film Theatre. Around a 15-minute walk from campus, GFT is my favourite Glasgow cinema, and it’s enjoyable no matter if you’re with friends or alone. Films are an amazing way to escape the busy academic day, but I always hear people say they feel weird going to the movies by themselves. So, I’m here to tell you, as someone who works in a cinema, no one will bat an eye at you! You’re sat silently in the dark either way, and sometimes the best way to switch off your brain is to immerse yourself in another world without someone crunching their popcorn and talking loudly in your ear. GFT always has so much to offer, showing something different each day, from new releases to golden oldies, most of which are rarely screened. On Tuesday’s and Friday’s, you could also save some money as tickets are £7.40, although this might depend on when you’re visiting and what you’re seeing. Becoming a member can also save those pennies. The theatre itself has such a classy look, with all three screens offering a different vibe each. One of the best times to go is during the Glasgow Film Festival, where you can catch premieres and even attend filmmaker Q&A’s. Another perk for film fanatics is that there is a larger focus on trailers before the start of a movie rather than advertisements. Supporting independent cinema is so important, so check out this amazing venue and enjoy the more down-to-earth experience that chain cinemas fail to offer.
Culture Editor for the Strathclyde Telegraph 2026/7
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