What kind of accommodation does GSA have?

The Glasgow School of Art is able to offer accommodation in Margaret Macdonald House, our own purpose built student residence, the Old School House which is a former guest house located on Garnethill Campus and Victoria Hall which is off Campus.

Is any of the accommodation suitable for students requiring adapted facilities?

At Margaret Macdonald House we have one standard flat, which accommodates 6 students in total where we have a room, toilet/shower room and kitchen, which have been built with a wheel chair user in mind.

The accommodation is sited on the ground floor and has access to the car park via a back door from the flat. In addition to this we have a limited amount of accommodation, which is adapted to be used by physically, or sensory impaired individual. For further information or to discuss the suitability of the accommodation please contact the Residence Manager.

Where is the accommodation in relation to the campus?

Margaret Macdonald House (MMH) is located on Buccleuch Street in the Garnethill area of Glasgow. The accommodation is sited right in the middle of the GSA Garnethill Campus and less than 5 minutes walk from the Mackintosh Building. The Old School House (OSH) is located on Renfrew Street behind the GSA library. Victoria Hall is located close to the Caledonian University Campus within a busy and popular student area and is approx 10 mins walk to the Garnethill Campus.

Is it possible for me to look at the rooms before I accept my offer of accommodation?

Yes. There are two accommodation only open days (with internal viewing available at MMH and OSH) organised for the summer months and the main GSA Open Day in October. Dates for 2013 are:

Sunday 30th June, 2-4pm
Friday 16th August, 2-4pm
Thursday 31st  October, GSA Open Day, 10-4 on the campus tour only

Viewing accommodation at Victoria Halls is not available. 

How do I apply for Residential accommodation?

You are eligible to apply for halls as soon as you are made on offer on a course with GSA - whether unconditional or conditional. You should complete and return the application form as soon as possible. The deadline for applications being received is 31st May 2013 for term 1 arrivals or 17th November 2013 for term 2 arrivals.

The form can be downloaded from the 'Applying for Halls' page of this web site.

What are my chances of being offered residential accommodation?

This really depends on many factors - please refer to application selection criteria on the 'Applying for Halls' page of this site. Everyone has a fair chance and all applications received before the applications deadline are considered. At no stage can we give any guarantees of accommodation. Unconditional applications are considered as soon as possible after receipt and the outcome will be sent to you by email to the address you nominate on your application form.

What is the accommodation like?

Photographs of the accommodation can be viewed via this site. We also have a virtual tour of the accommodation sites which will give applicants a much better idea of the accommodation and what they can expect if they come to live in halls.

What furniture is supplied in the bedrooms?

Each room has a bed, wardrobe, desk, wall-mounted bookcase, study chair and mobile bed side cabinet which can be used as under desk drawers. Curtains, pillows and a 10.5 duvet are also supplied.

What is supplied in the lounges/kitchen areas?

Fridges, freezers, cookers, kettle, kitchen units and sinks in the kitchen. Dining and lounge furniture including easy chairs in the lounge room. Curtains are also supplied in the lounge room.

What is normally the duration of an accommodation contract?

Approx 40 weeks from mid September to mid June. Exceptions can be made for students studying on an exchange at the School. In these circumstances a contract can be offered for 1 or 2 terms.

Do I have to move out over the Christmas and Easter holidays?

If you have a full session contract - no. You can stay right through the holidays or if you choose to go away for a break then possessions can be left in the room. Students with a shorter contract will have to leave at the end of their contract or can stay by arrangement only.

Are the start and stop dates flexible? Is it possible to arrive early and leave later?

Yes - by arrangement and subject to availability you can arrive early, leave later or extend for the summer vacation if required. There would normally be an additional rent cost involved.  Please note that it is not possible for new session arrivals to be accommodated before the Saturday of arrivals weekend.  Date for 2013 TBC.

What does rent include?

At MMH - everything excluding electricity (approx £10 weekly) and laundry (£3.00 per wash/dry).

At OSH - everything including utilities and laundry.

At VH - everything except laundry (£3 wash/dry load)

Please refer to the halls quick guide/comparison for a complete list of facilities offered on each site.

If I bring a TV or use IPTV through computer or laptop do I need at TV licence?

Yes. Each person who owns a TV now requires a licence. One per flat/room is not sufficient if there is more than one TV/laptop in use.

If you are using IPTV or even just watching DVD's on your laptop you should have a TV licence.

What are the local facilities like around the accommodation?

For MMH and OSH - These accommodations are located just off Sauchiehall Street and are therefore very close to the main city shops, cinemas, theatres and many of the shopping centres located in the pedestrian area of Sauchiehall Street. At the other end of that same street there are many bars, clubs and restaurants. There are several forms of public transport within a few minutes walk. A council leisure centre with pool is within 10 minutes walk.

For VH - The accommodation is located close to the Caledonian Uni Campus. Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street are located within a short walk. The sports facilites and student union of Caledonian Uni are very close by.

What should I bring with me other than personal possessions when I move in?

Bed linen, coat hangers, crockery, cutlery, dishes and kitchen utensils, pots, pans, etc for use in the kitchen. Additional electrical items not supplied include TV's, toasters and microwaves. For students coming from overseas it is not essential to bring all of these items with you. They can easily be purchased after your arrival in Glasgow and you might want to save some money by splitting the cost of some items with other overseas students. For students who move into halls in term 1 GSA arranges a free bus on arrivals weekend to Ikea. The students can then pick up what they need for rooms and kitchens (at the students own expense).

Accreditations

GSA residential accommodation is registered/graded by the following associations:

Term Time

HMO - Houses in Multiple Occupation

Summer Vacation Letting

Visit Scotland 2 Star Hostel - http://www.visitscotland.com/

Green Tourism Silver Award -  http://www.green-business.co.uk/

 

I have further questions regarding my accommodation requirements - who can I contact?

For halls please contact:
Fiona Sloan
Residential Accommodation Manager
Margaret Macdonald House
89 Buccleuch Street
Glasgow, G3 6QT
Tel/Fax: 0141 566 1414
f.sloan@gsa.ac.uk