University of Strathclyde is over 200 years old, and is situated in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. It has a very lively and relaxed ambience, and a wide variety of students making it a fun and interesting place to study. Here are some facts that you may not have known about Strathy!
1. Bigger than you think
Beaten only by the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Strathclyde is the third biggest university in Scotland with nearly 20,000 students and over 3000 members of staff.
2. Party central
Strath’s Student Union is the biggest in Scotland, and also contains the biggest pool hall in Scotland. Students go all out at Freshers Week, with this year’s events including performances by Neon Jungle and Scouting For Girls, as well as a ‘Game of Thrones’ themed night with Hodor as a special guest. Due to the uni’s central location, there are also hundreds of bars and clubs within walking distance.
3. Doctor Oscar
Just four months before shooting his girlfriend, Oscar Pistorius recieved an honorary doctorate because of his para-sport success. Despite his prosecution, the university decided not to strip him of his degree – a decision that remains very controversial.
4. World War Z
Part of the Brad Pitt film was shot in Glasgow’s George Square, which is next to campus. Some of the uni’s buildings can be seen during one of the scenes.
5. Cool-umni
John Logie Baird (inventor of the television), Andrew Ure (inspiration behind Frankenstein) and David Livingstone (famous explorer) are all Strathclyde alumni.
6. Gender balance
The male:female ratio of students is 51:49 at Strathy, gender equality at its finest!
7. Fire in 2012
The third biggest building, James Weir, had a fire in the chemical engineering department in 2012 that took four hours to put out. No one was injured, but whilst the building was getting repaired, replacement classes were held in the student union and in the local Cineworld.
8. The sports facilities are fantastic
The facilities at Strathclyde have been used by the likes of the Spain men’s football team and, during London 2012, Strath’s gym was the only Scottish venue selected for athletes to train in.
9. “The place of useful learning”
Most Scottish unis have fancy, latin mottos. Strathclyde’s, however, is simple. They want to teach lessons that will benefit their students in the future.
10. Seal of approval
University of Strathclyde has won a variety of awards and accolades between their departments – from winner of Time’s ‘University of the Year’ award in 2012, to 4th in WhatUni’s Student Awards 2014.
Are there any facts that I’ve missed out? What do you think of the university? Leave your comments below!
