Hello! I’m Eva, seasoned Westender and your guide to making the best of student life.
By Eva Curran
A couple of years ago, I wrote my very first article for Westender Magazine. I was a bright-eyed student who had recently moved to the West End and was absolutely loving life. I was out most nights, enjoying the chaos of Byres Road, and taking in all that Glasgow had to offer.
It didn’t matter what day of the week it was – there was always a pub quiz to join, an exhibition to wander around, or friends that were ready to gather in a cosy bar. I felt like the city had just opened up to me, and I wanted to share that feeling with other students.
So, on a bit of a whim, I emailed our editor, Suzanne. I asked if she’d ever considered having a student column. A space that spoke directly to the thousands of students who call Glasgow’s West End their home. I asked if I could write it, and thankfully, she was just as excited about the idea as I was.
What started as a love letter to my new home has grown into one of my favourite parts of living in the West End. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my favourite coffee shops, hidden gems, wellbeing tips, budget-friendly recommendations and the little places that make student life in Glasgow so special.
More than anything, I’ve loved encouraging people to get out and explore this incredible part of the city.
Now, with a degree under my belt but exactly the same love for Glasgow, it feels like the right time for a new chapter. I’m incredibly excited to be staying with Westender in a new role, writing about travel, tourism and culture. Which means it’s time to hand over the student baton.
I’M NOW LOOKING FOR THE NEXT WRITER TO TAKE OVER THIS COLUMN!
You don’t have to study at the University of Glasgow. If you’re a student living in or around the West End and you love discovering what makes this city special, I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested, send a little bit about yourself, along with any relevant experience, to eva@westendermagazine.com by 18th October.
I’ll be shortlisting applicants before inviting candidates along for an informal chat, with the successful writer taking over in the New Year.
With my final student column coming in the Nov/Dec edition, I’d also like to say a huge thank you.
Thank you to everyone who has read, shared or messaged me about these articles over the years. I hope you’ve found a new favourite study spot, discovered somewhere you’d never have visited otherwise, or simply felt a little more at home in the West End because of this column.
And, of course, thank you to Suzanne for taking a chance on a student with an idea and giving me the freedom to run with it.
It’s been such a joy to write for Westender, and I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes me.
For many of you reading this Freshers’ edition, this will be your first time living in the West End, and maybe even your first time living in Glasgow. So, read on for some of my favourite student spots across the city.
