Your Guide to Students & Council Tax in Glasgow
1st April 2026
Living as a Student in Glasgow
Living in Student Halls in Glasgow
Shared Flat Accommodation in Glasgow
What is Student Exemption/Discount and who can apply?
Summary
Living as a Student in Glasgow
It is obviously a preference decision to live in Halls versus a shared accommodation such as a flat or house. There are a couple of extra considerations to think about when it comes to living in a shared accommodation compared to living in a Student Hall. If you are sharing with someone that is not a full time student, then they might be liable for paying part of the expected council tax. If the rental is only full of students, then they need to apply for Council Tax Exception. For more information please have a look here for the latest regulations on the Glasgow City Council website. Our experience is that the Council is both very effective and helpful in this and has not been an issue.
Living in Student Halls in Glasgow
Student who live in Student Halls in Scotland are automatically exempt from paying Council Tax and do not need to register with the council. It couldn't be easier as a student to get going and avoid some low level red tape. You need to remember that if you leave the halls you a obliged to register with the council if you are staying in Glasgow.
Shared Flat Accommodation in Glasgow
If all the renters in a flat may it be a one or two bed flat or an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) with 3 or more tenants, then each of the individuals need to apply for an exception. This is straight forward, but needs to be done as soon as you are confirming a move outside halls or arriving to Glasgow.
What is Student Exemption/Discount and who can apply?
Source : Glasgow City Council website
Student Exemption/Discount is an exemption or reduction from Council Tax liability where residents occupying a property meet certain criteria, namely:
- Full-time students who are undertaking a specified course of study for a minimum of 21 hours per week and 24 weeks per year. Specified courses include:
- A degree, certificate or diploma
- A doctor of Philosophy or Master's degree (or comparable)
- A certificate or diploma in professional studies (or comparable)
- A licentiate of a theological college
- In addition, students under 20 can also be studying courses no higher than:
- Higher or A-Level
- Ordinary National Certificate
- Ordinary National Diploma
Summary
It is not rocket science or complex to make this work, but staying compliant is in everyones interest. Talk to the council if you have any questions or issues. You can register on their website and learn more about how it works if you are sharing with a non enrolled student.
This information is correct at time of writing.
Student Renting Challenges seen from a Parents View.
1st April 2026
After a year she wanted to move in with a friend and started to look for a place. She was out late, which meant she couldn't find a great place to live. The situation became a nightmare for all of us and we ended up with short-term lease until we found a flat after a number of months looking. This taught us a very important lesson... start your search for accommodation early. We have friends where they singed up a year ahead of the coming year just to make sure they had a place. The access to a place to live, adding a nice place to live is almost impossible to find unless you plan ahead and seek advice from people that have been through this before.
No need to take my word for it... just read the following articles from 2022. The situation is reflected all over the UK.
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/23061050.durham-university-students-sleep-streets-secure-accommodation/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/22438747.renting-crisis-university-glasgow-students-warned-not-enrol-amid-lack-housing/
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/property/manchester-university-students-accommodation-crisis-24904327