Here are 7 of our favourite Gilmorehill locations!

Ok, we might be slightly biased, but we believe that the University’s Gilmorehill campus is one of the most photogenic anywhere in the world! Surrounded by stunning architecture and leafy green spaces, not to mention the iconic Uni tower, you’ll never be short of opportunities or motivation to add to your personal photo collection or boost your Instagram. 

Inspired by our brilliant graduate, and former resident, Nebula, who shared some of her favourite Gilmorehill graduation photo spots, we’ve pulled together seven picturesque campus locations that will help you get started on your UofG photographic journey!

1 – Quadrangles and the Cloisters

Aside from the tower itself, the East and West Quadrangles and the iconic Cloisters that separate them, are probably the most photographed areas in the whole University. Offering a number of stunning backdrops including the back of the tower, the beautiful University Memorial Chapel and the majestic Tree of Knowledge, you'll not struggle for a great photo or selfie. 

As we get closer to December and Christmas, you'll also find the pillars of the Cloisters being illuminated with lights. Perfect if you want to give your snaps a bit of festive flourish!

N.B. It is rumoured to be bad luck for current students to walk on the quadrangle lawns so maybe best to stay off the grass until you graduate - just in case😅

Find the Cloisters on the University's Campus Map.📍

2 – South Front

Once you're finished in the quadrangle just head outside to the South Front where you'll find the Uni flagpole alongside panoramic views of Glasgow.

Amongst the many iconic Glasgow landmarks you'll be able to see are Park Circus, Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, the Kelvin Hall, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the Clyde Auditorium (aka the Armadillo) and the OVO Hydro Arena, Ibrox Stadium and the Finnieston Crane. 

Keep an eye out for the special occasions when the University tower is illuminated in different colours to mark events, charities and appeals.

Find the South Front on the University's Campus Map.📍

3 – Memorial Gates

Installed in 1953 to help mark the Uni's first 500 years, the Memorial Gates commemorate some of our most illustrious alumni including the father of free market economics Adam Smith, Lord Kelvin and Lord Joseph Lister.

See who else you can find on the gates and bonus points to you if you can find your name on there😀

Find the Memorial Gates on the University's Campus Map.📍

4 – The Lion and Unicorn Staircase

On Professors Square, right next to the main entrance of the chapel, you'll find the Uni's famous Lion and Unicorn sitting regally atop their staircase. Not only aesthetically pleasing but also historically significant, the Lion and Unicorn have been impressing students, academics and visitors (including Albert Einstein) for over 300 years! Created by stonemason William Riddel in 1690, the staircase stood at the University's original site in High Street before being carted over to the new Gilmorehill site and rebuilt in 1870.

Symbolically, the unicorn, as national animal of Scotland, and the lion, as the national animal of England, represent the unity of both countries🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 

Find the Lion and Unicorn on the University's Campus Map.📍

5 – Professor's Walk

Tucked away behind the handsome, terraced townhouses of Professors' Square, you'll find the hidden gem that is Professor's Walk. With beautiful trees, plants and grassy areas, it's the perfect place to go for a peaceful stroll and record the changing seasons.

Don't miss the delightful little staircase that takes you up on to the Square. With the University Tower and Chapel peeking over, the stairs worn by the footsteps of centuries of students and staff and the attractive greenery all around, you'll be sure to grab some great shots here.

Find Professors' Walk on the University's Campus Map.📍

6 – James McCune Smith Rooftop Terrace

One of the newer spots on campus, the James McCune Smith Learning Hub has been a real gift for photographers ever since it opened in early 2021. Named after inspirational alumnus James McCune Smith, the building has numerous spots, both inside and out, where you can grab an interesting shot or two.

If you head to the Rooftop Terrance on Level 7 though, you'll be able to get some incredible photos of the Gilbert Scott Building and tower along with an aerial view of the campus and the West End. 

Find the James McCune Smith Learning Hub on the University's Campus Map.📍

7 – University Gardens

Sitting pretty behind the James McCune Smith Building, you'll find the scenic University Gardens. Whether it's the bright sandstone townhouses, beautifully maintained flower beds or the sculpted stonework, it's an area that just calls out to be photographed!

As well as being a shortcut through to Ashton Lane and Byres Road, you'll also find the Queen Margaret Union, the Boyd Orr Building and Lillybank Gardens in the immediate vicinity of University Gardens so keep your eyes open and you'll be rewarded with some great photo opportunities! 

Find University Gardens on the University's Campus Map.📍

And that’s just for starters!

Once you’ve had the chance to explore campus and get to know your way around all the eclectic areas and buildings, you’ll quickly find that there are hundreds of brilliant locations available to grab that perfect photo for your collection📸

Have a great time exploring and be sure to share your images with us on Instagram @UofGLiving😀