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malstroem

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Interests:

It might also be worth searching for a tandem partner (i.e. on [Tandem.net](https://Tandem.net) or through the Glasgow Language Exchange on Meetup/Facebook) to help practice. It can either be somebody who wants to learn Urdu(?) or even somebody else who's also looking to improve their English. I'm not suggesting this as an alternative to a proper programme but rather as a free add-on. by malstroem (Sat 5th Sep 2020 10:57pm)

I also got picked up at the airport three weeks ago without any issues. With face masks and distance, obviously. I think the only change now/soon is regarding whether traveling to other council areas will be allowed if you aren't in Renfrewshire. by malstroem (Thu 5th Nov 2020 11:16pm)

I can't recommend any Urdu teachers but have you considered looking for a tandem? Either through [tandem.net](https://tandem.net) or the Facebook group "Glasgow Language Exchange". It might not entirely replace a teacher but could be great for extra practice. by malstroem (Thu 19th Nov 2020 12:12pm)

It's currently paused due to covid restrictions though. There are smaller, local groups for different parts of Glasgow. by malstroem (Wed 25th Nov 2020 5:54pm)

We recently got afternoon tea delivered - quite a few places do this, we went with G5 Deli for £18 and there would have been enough food for four, tbh. It's adorable and especially fitting with Valentines Day being a Sunday. Edit: seems G5 they've increased the price a wee bit by malstroem (Fri 5th Feb 2021 4:11pm)

What does gender critical ribbons look like? I never heard of that and I'd like to be able to spot and remove them in the future. by malstroem (Sat 20th Mar 2021 10:26am)

I know people who used to put up poster with crushed glass mixed in the glue. Razor blades seems expensive in the long run so I doubt anybody would do it. by malstroem (Sat 20th Mar 2021 11:06am)

Later today somebody will ask here whether it's fine that they hate their creepy neighbour who's gone out of his way to spy on them. The creepy neighbour is complaining about things they do inside their own house, about the music their friends listen to while driving, and is upset because of a total of 10 minutes of noise on two different days within several weeks of living there - and the creep even admits that it wasn't offensive noise. &#x200B; I wholeheartedly agree that anybody who breaks the restrictions are arseholes but it's not your job to police them and definitely not ok that you purposefully try to watch them. I'm not a football fan but I'd much rather have them as neighbours than you. by malstroem (Mon 22nd Mar 2021 12:43pm)

I got most of mine off Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. IKEA does their "bargain corner" on Gumtree these days so that's also worth checking for deals. by malstroem (Sun 4th Apr 2021 1:26pm)

I've got very wide feet and get shoes from [Wider Fit Shoes](https://www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/) as I got them recommended by an NHS podiatrist years ago. I don't know if it's relevant for your friend but it's been a game changer for me. To use them both her feet have the same issue and be wider and/or higher than standard feet. I still can't use all their shoes but I tend to order \~4 pairs at the time and return \~2 pairs, getting my money back. I'd recommend new customers to get their catalog as it comes with measuring options though you can also check out the "[Fitting Advice](https://www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/pu+fitting-advice+fittingadvice+1)" on the website. Just so you know for the future: If she goes down the NHS then she should become eligeble for discounts. by malstroem (Fri 9th Apr 2021 12:34pm)

Is there per chance a map showing where these are located? by malstroem (Sun 18th Apr 2021 11:12am)

I like living in larger, busy streets. Having public transport right by the door step is important to me so I have to walk down small alleys alone after dark. And there's always people around who I could approach for help. I haven't lived here long but feel pretty safe. by malstroem (Mon 19th Apr 2021 4:00pm)

You might struggle to find a 2 bed flat for short term rent as 2 foreign students. Most flats will require that you have employment or a UK based guarantor - the not entirely legal work around is to offer 3-6 months of rent up front but even that doesn't always work. [Rightmove.co.uk](https://Rightmove.co.uk) or [gumtree.com](https://gumtree.com) are good places to look though. You can look at student accommodation, it's pretty expensive in my experience though. Alternatively, check out [spareroom.co.uk](https://spareroom.co.uk), you might even be able to find a flatshare with 2 available rooms. It's usually a lot easier to rent a room than a flat. I don't know where you're from and your cultural norms but I got a few surprises when I first moved to the UK. You often can't get accommodation sorted a long time in advance. They'll often expect you to move in within a week or two of you getting in touch. And you can move in on random days of the month, doesn't have to be at the beginning or the end. Before the pandemic, it was pretty common for EU citizens to move into AirBnb or a hostel for the first 2 weeks while looking at flats, it's normally possible to view a place and move in within that time. Furthermore, you need a UK address (and proof of it, which can be hard to get!) to get a bank account, and you need a bank account to get a UK address. It's a struggle. Some international student bank accounts will let you open one just with your passport though, for a monthly fee. Giffgaff is usually the cheapest mobile provider. Internet is usually on a 12 or 24 month contract, and impossible to get out of. Another reason to rent rooms instead of a flat. Let me know if you have any other questions ;) I don't know Glasgow that well but I know way too much about what it's like to move to the UK as a foreigner. by malstroem (Tue 20th Apr 2021 11:10pm)

Except this is few flowered leek, not ramsons, and thus highly invasive. So please do pick the bulb and all! by malstroem (Fri 23rd Apr 2021 11:02am)

[https://www.spareroom.co.uk/](https://www.spareroom.co.uk/) is the place to check. Be aware that as a student you wont need to pay council tax but some flats if they don't just have students will still try to get you to pay "your" share of the tax. Try to negotiate your way out of it though you might not be able to. by malstroem (Mon 26th Apr 2021 12:16pm)

If you don't need to talk then the libraries have opened back up now. by malstroem (Mon 26th Apr 2021 10:07pm)

Maybe post them for free on local bartering or freebie Facebook groups if you have a few. Somebody might be able to reuse them as tupperware. by malstroem (Sun 2nd May 2021 8:39am)

People here strike up conversations everywhere whether at the check out till in a supermarket, on a bus, or even on the street. I don't know whether any particular incident you've had was related to your ethnicity but as a white foreigner who looks local I was really shocked when I first moved to Scotland. I remember carrying this huge, heavy box of kitchenware from the bus to my first flat and I struggled. I had to stop several times and the walk that'd normally take less that five minutes maybe took twenty. In that time, three people offered to help - it was a quiet residential area so that was 100% of those who walked by. I turned them all down because why would they do that?! Surely there'd be an ulterior motive! So I kept struggling and later learned that people here actually talk with strangers and are often nice. by malstroem (Sun 2nd May 2021 8:56am)

I've read a little about wild asparagus that made me not bother learning more: It only grows in the south of England (maybe Wales, too? IDK, I didn't pay that much attention to the map) and it's endangered and thus probably shouldn't be picked. I occasionally collect bivalves but that season just ended. Next up for me is gorse (for spirits) and then I guess the elderflowers will be ready in a month or so, and summer mushrooms will soon show up. by malstroem (Mon 3rd May 2021 9:40am)

Bivalves should generally only be collected in months with an r due to spawning seasons and bacterial growth. Here's a [map of water quality](https://marinescotland.atkinsgeospatial.com/nmpi/default.aspx?layers=471) for bivalves in Scotland which also gives you a nice idea of where to go for them. But wait until September and do read a bit up on the different types, minimum sizes, etc. As for mushrooms, you can find them anywhere depending on the species. Some are all year around, some are in summer, most are in autumn. Just go to the least kept parts of whatever park is closest to you. I have a few spots but I don't want them to get over-foraged and destroyed so that's my little secret. by malstroem (Mon 3rd May 2021 10:16am)

`I didn't know even parks have them, wow.` I picked maybe 2 kilo of just 1 species of mushrooms in Pollok Park last year, just to give you a vague example. I've also seen wild strawberry, elder trees (for flowers and berries), and blaeberry-plants in some of the parks though I haven't lived here during the right seasons to collect those (yet!) Just walk around the parks, get off the trails and amoung the trees, and start looking for signs of edible plants. It gets easier over time as you start knowing what to look for, there's no magical shortcut other than reading, discussing, and maybe using an app (and double-check with a book) to identify plants. Keep in mind that some plants can literally kill you even if you just eat a small amount. by malstroem (Mon 3rd May 2021 11:03am)

Morels, though I've never found them. I've seen turkey tail (I don't find them worth picking) and wood ear recently. I've seen pictures from England of people finding Chicken of the Woods so they'll start here in another couple of weeks. by malstroem (Mon 3rd May 2021 11:09am)

> What is their season? Depends on which part of the rose you want to collect. You know Google exists, right? Or foraging books like mentioned above. Those have answers for a lot of your questions. by malstroem (Tue 4th May 2021 9:06am)

You might be able to find a flat if you have an employment contract so start looking for jobs. You can also consider renting a room instead of a flat for the first couple of months, that's usually a lot more flexible. You can stay in a hostel if needed be though I doubt you can get housing benefits to cover it. by malstroem (Fri 7th May 2021 12:58pm)

I think that's very wrong. Many people believe that independence is likely to lead to a decrease in GDP and higher taxes but consider it worth it to gain independence - but obviously with hopes to change the economics in the future by getting rid of austerity. Furthermore, Scotland has traditionally been in favour of welfare instead of money in the bank. If you look at a map of how people voted across the UK in 2017, you'll see that there's a massive difference in political views between the average English person and the average Scot: https://www.mapsinternational.co.uk/blog/parliamentary-constituency-maps-updated-to-reflect-ge-2017-results/ It's about values, not money. Scotland, especially Glasgow, is very working class which also traditionally comes with a lot of solidarity. Unfortunately, that is something the Tories in England don't possess and that's why there is a clash. by malstroem (Sun 9th May 2021 1:07am)

If it doesn't have to be specifically Mountain Warehouse but just cheap outdoorsy things then Decathlon in Braehead is HUGE by malstroem (Sat 15th May 2021 11:54am)

For romantic relationships, sorry to say, but you're the common denominator. Maybe it's time to consider why you're attracted to these people or what it is about you that attracts them. Maybe it's worth considering whether Tinder is the best place to meet potential love interests. Finding friends hasn't been easy with the covid restrictions. In normal times, I'd recommend [Meetup.com](https://Meetup.com) or facebook groups related to specific interests in Glasgow/Scotland. Find people to play ultimate frisbee with, meet up for hikes, or play board games - it really depends on your interests. I do find that people you have fun hanging out with in a pub might not be as excited about the prospect of hanging out once their BAC is back to 0. As for the work culture, as a Scandinavian I hear you, but you just gotta suck it up. You're not going to change how an entire company works just because you have ideas about fika or flexible hours. Alternatively, try to find a smaller company that has good values but it won't be easy. Personally, I've tried to focus on working to live and leaving my Scandinavian living to work mentality behind. With a rigid company, you need to make sure you leave your work at work and that your life outside work is awesome. Work will not be what makes you happy here, it'll simply be what allows you to enjoy your evenings and weekends. by malstroem (Wed 19th May 2021 6:34pm)

Thanks, you also just gave me something interesting to watch ;) by malstroem (Fri 21st May 2021 4:11pm)

Sounds great but £75/hour is a bit more than I was hoping to pay by malstroem (Fri 21st May 2021 4:10pm)

Practice is grand but I feel like I've already reached the level I'll get to that way. I've done English speaking schooling from high school until finishing my second postgrad degree, and lived in the British Isles for several years. It's fifteen years since I first started speaking more English than my native language. So while I'm not trying to soften a Glaswegian accent, it's basically the same issue - I already speak English in a specific way and would need serious training to change it. Having chats in the pub is unlikely to change it. by malstroem (Fri 21st May 2021 7:12pm)

Regional accents can be nice. It's my foreign one I want softened. by malstroem (Sat 22nd May 2021 9:43pm)

Partly that people don't always understand me (usually specific words, I'm pretty easy to understand overall) so I often have to either do convoluted explanations or limit my vocabulary to get my point across. This makes my English appear worse than it is and I'm even a little worried about it affecting my career. Secondly, I find it frustrating that I pass as a local only as long as I keep my mouth shut. I know I'll probably never sound 100% Scottish/having a perfect regional Scottish accent, but I'd like to reach a point where people don't play the guessing game as to which European country I'm from every time I meet somebody new (hint: Your first 3 guesses will be wrong after which I'll interrupt and tell you as you'll never figure it out otherwise). It might be a bit naïve to aim for this change but I moved abroad the first time at 16 and find it frustrating that 15 years later my nationality is still the first question people ask me - often long before even asking about my name. While Scotland is pretty good at making me feel welcome, and people generally are curious and mean well, asking about my nationality off the bat is a way of "othering" me. by malstroem (Sun 23rd May 2021 11:41am)

That might actually be a great solution, thanks by malstroem (Sun 23rd May 2021 8:01pm)

If it walks like a racist and talks like a racist... Sorry to hear that happened. Please report it to the company. by malstroem (Mon 24th May 2021 2:24pm)

> I've seen at least 3 blue envelopes addressed to old tenants of flats in my close. Whereas my household has gotten 0 envelopes so far despite the GP being updated on the address by malstroem (Mon 24th May 2021 9:50pm)

Anyone under 40 is meant to get the choice between the two by malstroem (Wed 26th May 2021 10:00am)

I didn't downvote but I presume it's because estate agents are biased salespeople and not a reliable source of info. They'll always want to you buy a more expensive place to increase their commission. by malstroem (Sun 30th May 2021 7:47pm)

Check out your local community garden, some of them still take on volunteers by malstroem (Wed 2nd Jun 2021 11:46am)

Here's a few suggestions that are doable by public transport and are good for day trips: Inveraray, Arran, Troon, Pitlochry, and Balloch. Maybe Moffat. Not outside Glasgow, but I also want to mention Linn Park as it's a place where I feel like I'm out in real nature unlike the other parks here. by malstroem (Sun 13th Jun 2021 9:42am)

There was a lot of info in this post recently: [https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/mycnxn/im\_a\_student\_moving\_to\_glasgow\_this\_fall\_from\_the/](https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/mycnxn/im_a_student_moving_to_glasgow_this_fall_from_the/) by malstroem (Mon 14th Jun 2021 5:31pm)

It took two days for me by malstroem (Tue 15th Jun 2021 11:44pm)

Adding to this: They're indeed still meant to be "closed". There's more info [here](https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/) by malstroem (Tue 13th Jul 2021 8:26pm)

I've been very happy with Gateside Garage in Rutherglen. They've done minor things for me for free, have been happy to source used parts for my car when needed, and been up front about all costs. They also once made a mistake, admitted it, apologised, and fixed it for free - which is a bit more honest than I expected from any garage. I felt like the prices were pretty fair but I don't really know what they're like elsewhere. by malstroem (Tue 13th Jul 2021 9:23pm)

That's only for the tests needed during isolating upon returning home Edit: clarifying by malstroem (Sat 17th Jul 2021 2:43pm)

You do, but before the trip it can be done by multiple providers. by malstroem (Sat 17th Jul 2021 7:20pm)

It's not about being polite, it's about staying safe. Often being polite is just a tactic as you don't want to risk escalating things further. by malstroem (Thu 12th Aug 2021 12:28am)

To be fair, "we need to get shit faced and dance closely together without wearing a mask" is also a poor argument during a pandemic. by malstroem (Thu 12th Aug 2021 10:21am)

Forgive my ignorance, but hasn't that mostly been taking place outdoors? by malstroem (Thu 12th Aug 2021 10:25am)

I don't really think it's a big difference from a societal perspective. Getting covid isn't just about whether an individual is fine with the risk but rather about who they can potentially spread it to. As for forcing people back into lecture halls, I know some of the universities last semester were planning on making it optional whether to attend from home or in person by recording the lectures. by malstroem (Thu 12th Aug 2021 11:09am)

And to reuse your own words, I have yet to be told why clubs absolutely need to be open. Both are for the same reason: We all have social needs. by malstroem (Thu 12th Aug 2021 11:54am)

You need the day 2 test either way, you have to order it before returning to the UK so you can put the booking number on the location form that you also have to fill out. I got the test some weeks ago for £88 IIRC but have recently read it's £68 so I'm not certain what's the actual price. Also be aware that there are certain quality requirements regarding anti-gen tests. You can find more info here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/red-amber-and-green-list-countries/ by malstroem (Sun 15th Aug 2021 12:40am)

There's a Facebook group, Svenskar i Skottland (Swedish people in Scotland), you could ask there if anybody knows of a bakery or would be willing to make it for you. by malstroem (Tue 17th Aug 2021 12:29am)

Do you actually know whether you need to top up your gas card? Some flats don't get bills but rather pay in advance (in cash in shops) to top up their gas and electricity. If that's the case, or if there's any issues with the boiler itself, then you won't have hot water (outside of the shower) either so testing the tap in the kitchen is usually the first step in fixing this. If you do have warm water then it could be the thermostat and you need your letting agent. Also, have you tried just adjust the temperature directly on the radiator? by malstroem (Tue 17th Aug 2021 11:51am)

It's fine alone. I don't know that club but in general clubs aren't where I make friends. I find it easier to socialise in pubs or hobby-related groups. by malstroem (Thu 26th Aug 2021 9:09pm)

I've got no idea what you can do but I just want to send you some good vibes to make up for all the spiteful comments. Good on you for looking after yourself and others! by malstroem (Fri 27th Aug 2021 11:17am)

Call the polis. They have to update the crime stats! by malstroem (Fri 27th Aug 2021 2:57pm)

Pay for it like the rest of us! by malstroem (Fri 27th Aug 2021 3:43pm)

Could be fun! by malstroem (Sun 29th Aug 2021 3:37pm)

The Mitchell Library. They still have limited open hours and you have to book in advance though. I'm personally a fan of iCafe as it's a little more casual. by malstroem (Sat 25th Sep 2021 12:16pm)

You don't need the sodastream. Elderflower contains yeast, if you make an alcohol with elderflowers, sugar, water, and lemon it'll turn sparkling all by itself. by malstroem (Mon 4th Oct 2021 9:46am)

Just tagging OP for visibility: /u/thrillamilla by malstroem (Thu 7th Oct 2021 12:56pm)

Cut 'em out, ride 'em in, rawhide? by malstroem (Thu 7th Oct 2021 2:59pm)

>You could also look into G3. They meet on Tuesday nights not too far from the city center on Maryhill Rd. It leans towards wargamers, they do have a decent number of boardgamers as well. There's also [Glasgow Board Games](https://www.facebook.com/groups/263536471024016), meeting every Tuesday in a pub. And Strathy has a board game society (on Wednesdays), some of the other unis probably do too. by malstroem (Thu 7th Oct 2021 3:34pm)

If you register then it'll save that info for future tests. by malstroem (Fri 8th Oct 2021 6:22pm)

Maybe try rethinking your dates if you're unable to find accommodation? You're essentially going for both weeks (as you're going Friday to Wednesday) which means anywhere that's booked for either week is unavailable. by malstroem (Wed 13th Oct 2021 10:20am)

It was still there about a month ago by malstroem (Mon 18th Oct 2021 8:35pm)

Or do like Germany and only allow sale of fireworks on December 28-30. by malstroem (Tue 19th Oct 2021 9:49am)

Some of the universities offer free therapy (though a limited amount and with a waitlist). Your uni should have a "well-being" department or something that can help you out. &#x200B; The Centre of Therapy was mentioned as a cheap option here: https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/nwxi31/comment/h1c3ean/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3 by malstroem (Tue 19th Oct 2021 10:22am)

Your comment comes off as whataboutism. It's possible to both be frustrated with the negative impact of COP26 in ones daily life and also be an environmentalist. Between this and First Bus and ScotRail potentially striking, it's going to be some rough weeks for a lot of people. by malstroem (Sun 24th Oct 2021 8:20pm)

They've been striking for half a year already just only on Sundays, now they decided to step up their game and use the COP in an attempt to strong-arm a solution. I'm not saying the planet isn't important but I definitely understand why they feel the need to do it as 7 months of playing nice mostly just got ignored. by malstroem (Mon 25th Oct 2021 3:54pm)

Seems people make Cumbernauld by malstroem (Mon 25th Oct 2021 5:35pm)

I plan on going to Edinburgh for the [Beltane Fire Society](https://beltane.org/samhuinn-audience-experience/)'s samhuinn event. It's like an outdoor pegan fire festival that feels a bit theatre-y. The info on this year's event is spares but will supposedly be released a couple of days in advance. Also, it's free/donation-based. by malstroem (Tue 26th Oct 2021 4:09pm)

>Most unis in glasgow sort it out for you themselves when you put in your term details during registeration This. If your uni uses Pegasus then you can get a letter from uni online yourself and either print it or digitally submit it directly from Pegasus. by malstroem (Tue 26th Oct 2021 4:12pm)

I both love and hate Wetherspoons for this. I hate it because, well, it's not great. But they've got wifi and sockets so I sometimes go with a laptop and have a few pints when I need to do boring, mindless tasks online. It's basically the alcoholic version of going to a Costa/Starbucks/Caffe Nero. by malstroem (Thu 28th Oct 2021 7:45pm)

I agree, a "random Scottish punter" doesn't need to know her but anybody claiming that they "follow US politics pretty closely" definitely should. by malstroem (Wed 10th Nov 2021 10:43am)

I said "not far enough" because I think the implementation hasn't been good enough. I don't want the current spot checks of the passport to also be the norm in bars, I want everyone checked properly. by malstroem (Thu 11th Nov 2021 12:45pm)

I pay £23/month so you might want to reconsider your provider (though it obviously also depends on the options in your area) by malstroem (Fri 12th Nov 2021 6:33am)

Indeed, or they might have it combined with a TV package or something. I still firmly believe in reconsidering providers and services regularly as it's an easy way to save money. Furthermore, I doubt OP needs to spend £50 on broadband. The 68 Mbps down/18 up that I get for £23 is more than enough for almost all single person households. by malstroem (Fri 12th Nov 2021 10:49am)

Adding to this: There are a few regular board game groups in Glasgow and the surrounding area. If that's OPs thing then that might be a starting point. by malstroem (Sat 20th Nov 2021 10:12am)

£45k is a lot more than the median salary here, you'll be fine. You won't be rich but your budget looks very healthy especially as you don't have kids. Not that it's a big difference in your budget, but living alone gives you a 25% discount on council tax. You might also want to add on insurances in your budget though that shouldn't be a major cost. by malstroem (Sun 28th Nov 2021 12:32pm)

I'd be inclined to agree if it wasn't for the £800/month of expenses that OP has back home. by malstroem (Mon 29th Nov 2021 10:22am)

I just booked for this week at the Mosque, there's still several appointments. by malstroem (Mon 13th Dec 2021 12:02pm)

I just booked at the Mosque for Wednesday (15th) and there were several other available slots. by malstroem (Mon 13th Dec 2021 12:01pm)

While I obviously support blaming Thatcher, another reason might just be that bikes are the most common means of transport in Copenhagen: More people commute by bike that car and there are more bikes than people in the city. by malstroem (Wed 15th Dec 2021 12:19pm)

I'd only consider it shocking if somebody posted something positive about First Bus by malstroem (Wed 15th Dec 2021 6:17pm)

Surely not £16 to Edinburgh Airport? by malstroem (Wed 15th Dec 2021 10:08pm)

What a wholesome comment :) by malstroem (Wed 15th Dec 2021 10:59pm)

Obviously, as the majority of the population is vaccinated. But the majority of the hospitalised or dead are unvaccinated. Here's some fresh stats (from Northern Ireland). Hospital Admissions: • 64% of adult COVID-19 inpatients aged under 50 are unvaccinated. 22% of COVID-19 inpatients aged 50 and over are unvaccinated. • Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are almost 6 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID- 19 than fully vaccinated individuals. • For adults under 50, whilst the numbers admitted to hospital are lower, an unvaccinated individual is more than 10 times as likely to need hospitalisation from COVID-19. Deaths: • Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are 4 times as likely to die than fully vaccinated individuals. Source: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/vaccination-status-deaths-and-hospitalisations-8-november-5-december-2021 Edit: formatting on mobile by malstroem (Sat 18th Dec 2021 11:23pm)

To be fair, plenty of people also wish death for fans of the "wrong" football team by malstroem (Sat 18th Dec 2021 11:28pm)

On the days with zero plans, you really should look at being out in nature. I'm sure you can find either a Loch Lomond and the Trossachs day trip or an overnight trip to somewhere further north. I'd suggest going to Edinburgh on one of the days with evening plans as it's just a short train ride away. by malstroem (Sat 22nd Jan 2022 9:48am)

I'm free if you still need somebody. Sounds like fun! by malstroem (Mon 24th Jan 2022 6:15pm)

There's a Scottish Norwegian society, and Strathclyde has a Nordic society. You could try reaching out to either and see if someone can help. by malstroem (Wed 26th Jan 2022 9:42am)

As another immigrant, I know what you mean. Many places don't have what I would consider a dining table - I'm used to a dining table being the centre of the living room and have space for minimum four (comfortably. 6+ uncomfortably) even in studios or 1 bedroom flats. Most of my friends here don't have that. Several flats I've lived in (in Scotland and rest of UK) don't have that. They often have a smaller table in the kitchen, fitting just a couple of people. And they have less chairs (I'm used to always having a million extra chairs in case of company). I think this is for two reasons: Most of the people I know here don't have kids/families so they're less likely to care about dining tables and often live in small-ish flats in the cities. Furthermore, it's a cultural thing. I'm from a culture where the main socialising is done by inviting groups of friends over for meals (or drinks) and thus larger dining spaces were needed. Here there's a pub culture where you meet up at the pub or restaurant rather than at each other's houses. So a large dining table just isn't a priority. It's not better or worse, it's just different. Pros and cons though: I miss cooking awesome meals for people. I don't miss not having to clean the house every time I want to hang out with friends. by malstroem (Sun 30th Jan 2022 10:14am)

I got some in M&S (though on Argyle St) a couple of weeks ago. by malstroem (Sat 4th Jun 2022 3:48pm)

Is there anywhere in Glasgow where you can get aabgoosht? I've been craving it ever since travelling in Iran some years back. by malstroem (Sun 12th Jun 2022 9:20am)

I second the "go to the airport early" suggestion. I'd go to a pub until around midnight or closing and then head to the airport. You can see info regarding sleeping in it on [sleepinginairports.com](https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/glasgow-international-airport-guide.htm). I've never slept in GLA but in plenty of other airports, and while it isn't exactly fun or comfortable, it's pretty safe and relaxed. by malstroem (Sun 15th Jan 2023 9:29am)

I just want to highlight a few similar groups on Facebook: There's "Brilliant Bartering (Glasgow)" and also another few locale batering groups. They also have things listed as "NBR" - no barter required, which is just free items. There's a few groups called things related to "sharing" or "freebies" though I find the freebie ones tend to be more spammy than useful. And there's Let Glasgow Flourish, which is plants for free or bartering! by malstroem (Thu 26th Jan 2023 12:06pm)