Danny Munro, Editor-In-Chief, Strathclyde Telegraph

What makes Glasgow a good student city? 

Glasgow boasts the country’s best nightlife and live music scene. And of course, a pint is always cheaper than it would be in Edinburgh.

Is ‘Freshers flu’ fake news or a real-life risk? 

When I was in first year, all pubs and clubs were shut, and parties were illegal (our ‘Freshers flu’ was covid). But I have it on good authority that it is in fact a real thing. Take care of yourself during Freshers Week, drink plenty of water and don’t feel like you have to say ‘yes’ to every night out.

Do you have to study journalism to work for a student publication?

Of course not! Our paper is open to all. If you have an idea for a story, or you’ve seen a pitch that takes your fancy, then we are happy to have you onboard.

Jeevan Farthing, Co-Editor-In-Chief, The Glasgow Guardian

Why did you choose to get involved in the student press? 

I was the slightly over-keen Fresher, insistent on involving myself in anything and everything possible. Student journalism is the one I stuck with, because everyone was super friendly and encouraging at socials.

What’s the wackiest on-campus news story you’ve reported? 

We broke the news that Glasgow University staff were misusing their expenses scheme. The claims included £130 for a porterhouse steak at The Butchershop restaurant in Glasgow!

Why is your publication important to you? 

The Glasgow Guardian is important because, without it, the university would not be sufficiently held to account, and a whole demographic would risk losing their voice.

Niamh Flanagan, Co-Editor-In-Chief, The Glasgow Guardian

How do you balance working for a media outlet alongside your studies? 

We’re all students, and so we all understand the unique challenges that student life can present. There are welfare systems in place to help support everyone and we’re all able to rely on each other.

Why is student journalism important? 

Student journalism offers equal opportunities for us to get a head start in an industry that is infamously inaccessible to people from state-educated, working-class backgrounds (or young people based outside of London, even).

What’s your all-time favourite story from your publication? 

We once revealed that a CIA spy was working in the Politics department of the university. But what’s more was that during his time working for the CIA, he had recruited his undergraduate class to produce data reports on suspected Soviet actors!

Ross Patterson, Editor, Radio ENRG, Edinburgh Napier University

What advice would you give to a Fresher? 

Get involved. It’s easy to think that everyone already knows everyone, that you’re an outsider, but you’re not. The whole point of university is to meet new people, expose yourself to new ideas, and to step outside of your comfort zone. Get in the mix as early as possible.

What is the craziest story you’ve reported on from your university? 

Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation. I was able to snap a few photos of her at Bute House on the day she resigned. It was my first taste of chasing breaking news.

What is one thing you would change about your time at university? 

Covid took away a lot of uni. This, coupled with a cost-of-living crisis, means the social aspect of uni has suffered. Either that, or I just don’t have any friends

Innes MacNeil, Editor, The Tab, University Of Edinburgh

What is your favourite place on campus? 

The university’s Old Medical School. The perfect place to study when it rains; you’ll hear the droplets patter on the glass dome that tops the rooms.

What advice would you give to a Fresher? 

Balance is key; in work, social life and personal time. While cramming with friends on the fourth floor at 4am may be a necessity every now and again, it’s essential to set a distinct time to get your work done so you can relax and let go at the end of the day.

Why has university been an important experience to you? 

The chance to connect with people from across the globe not only allowed me to form new friendships with countless people, but to widen my global perspective and understanding of different cultures.

Julia (@alunisae), YouTuber, Edinburgh College Of Art

What makes Edinburgh a great student city? 

I love how walkable and compact the city is. We’ve got plenty of beaches just a bus ride away, lots of interesting (and free!) museums and cute indie cafes.

What advice would you give to a Fresher?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, there is no ‘ideal Freshers experience’. Freshers Week most likely won’t be the best week of your life; and that’s okay. 

What’s your favourite food/drink spot near your campus? 

I’m probably very biased in this opinion, but I love the ECA café. Their bagels: *chefs kiss*. Vegan raspberry croissant: to die for. Chai latte: essential part of any study sesh.

Zara McIntosh, Blogger, Edinburgh Napier University

Do you have a favourite place on campus? 

I adore the upstairs library! It’s so quiet up there, you’re just surrounded by books. I can’t work in busy spots.

What makes Edinburgh a great student city?

It’s quite small so it’s easy to get around and you quickly get to know a lot of people. You start seeing the same faces everywhere, though that can be comforting or annoying!

If you could change one thing about your university experience, what would it be? 

I do wish I’d joined a society in my first year. I remember regretting it when I saw how community-like all the societies became. They seem fun!