Free things to do around our campuses
UWS has four campuses in Scotland. Yes, four. And you know what that means? Well, quadruple the fun of course. What does it not mean? Quadruple the price. We’re rounding up the best free things for our students to do in Paisley, Ayr, Lanarkshire and Dumfries. Check out our recommendations.
Work out for free
Oh my quad. UWS offers free (yes, free!) gym memberships to all our students and staff. We’re talking uber modern gyms here. Dumbbells. Kettlebells. Slam balls - excellent for exam stress. Check out our new UWS Sports pages for more details on how to register for a UWS gym membership.
Increase your step count
And I would walk 500 miles. Well, you certainly can in Scotland. Each of our Scottish campuses are next to the most spectacular walks and country parks.
Sitting to the south of Paisley, Gleniffer Braes Country Park offers cracking views of Ben Lomond and the Campsies. In Dumfries, Galloway Forest Park is honestly the *chef’s kiss of forest parks. The only confusing thing about Chatelherault Country Park in Lanarkshire is the pronunciation of its name. Everything else is ruddy brilliant.
And the Ayrshire coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland. From Prestwick to Ayr, Saltcoats to Irvine and Troon, beaches really are your oyster in Ayr. Every pun intended.
Parkrun
If running is more your thing, consider Parkrun. A 5K social run every Saturday morning at parks up and down the country, there’s plenty to choose from around our campuses.
Lanarkshire students will love Strathclyde Parkrun. Flat as a pancake. Or there’s lovely Linwood Parkrun for our Paisley students. Big up Ayr and Troon Parkruns for our Ayr campus students. Oi oi. And Crichton Parkrun is a must for Dumfries. Remember, it’s completely free to take part!
Burrow in a cosy library
A tardis on Paisley High Street, Paisley Library opened last year. And, gosh, what a nook. There are floors upon floors of books and more books. Very mindful, very demure. Very late to this trend.
It also has the most serene study spaces for you to burrow away in and doomscroll on your phone *cough, study. Remember, it’s free to enter any public library, so no breaking the bank with this activity.
Walk the Paisley Mural Trail
Glasgow is one of the best cities in the UK for street art. But Paisley be like - hold my beer.
From ceramic lions and peacocks to John Lennon and Paolo Nutini (quite the dinner party), the mural trail is an incredible showcase of Paisley’s local artistic community. Walking the mural trail is a great way to get to know Paisley better. Why not make a day of it? There’s many a cafe, bar and restaurant on the trail to, ahem, refuel as you go…
Blog written by UWS Digital and Marketing Team | January 2025
Last updated: 06/01/2025