Help for those new to Scotland

Two adults and a child taking part in a creative colouring activity at a library table, with bookshelves in the background.

A warm welcome to New Scots

Whether you’re new to Glasgow or have lived here for some time, we’re here to help you find your feet, connect with your community and make the most of life in the city.

If you're looking to improve your English, find work or develop your digital skills, Glasgow Life can help.

If you're new to Glasgow, finding the right information and support can sometimes feel difficult. Glasgow Life can help you find activities, services and opportunities in your local community.

We can help you develop new skills, meet people, get online, improve your English and prepare for the Life in the UK Test. You can also find free information and support with benefits, employment and other advice.

On this page, you'll find information about learning, employment and community support services available to help you get settled and make the most of life in Glasgow.

Support that we offer

Helping you to feel at home in Glasgow

  • Improve your English

    We offer community ESOL classes for anyone over 16 who wants to learn or improve their English as a second language.

    Five women sitting at a desk in a library reading and writing while listening to a tutor who is speaking to them from over their shoulders

  • Find work in health and social care or work with children

    Find about the courses we offer that will help you to find work in health and social or to work with children.

  • Help with work and money

    We can help you increase your income through work. This is available to eligible parents. Find out how our Family Finances team can help.

  • Universal Credit support

    Free one-to-one appointments available at some Glasgow Libraries. Find help with Universal Credit, benefits applications, housing and more.

    A women and a man in an office setting sitting at a desk with a form in front of them the man is leaning over and pointing at the form

  • Free computer courses

    Free support for adults who want to improve their digital skills. We offer courses, workshops and support for all levels.

    Within a classroom, students are working on a project on their computers. A lecturer is assisting one of them.

  • Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

    The Mitchell Library is home to Glasgow Central Citizens Advice Bureau, it is located on the 3rd floor.

    Citizens advice bureau desk at the Mitchell

  • Help to get started online

    Free one-to-one help for people who need support with basic digital tasks. Available in some Glasgow Libraries with our Digi PALS support service.

    Two Digi-PALS volunteers wearing white t-shirts stand in front of bookshelves in a library.

  • Free bus travel for those aged 5- 21 years

    Find out how to apply for a Young Scot and National Entitlement Card. Get discounts, rewards & free bus travel.

    Glasgow Young Scot Card and National Entitlement Card NEC Free Bus Travel

  • Books in your language

    With a free Glasgow Life Library card you can borrow books in a range of different languages.

    Selection of book covers in a range of world languages displayed in a grid, representing a multilingual library collection.
Close up image of hands typing on a laptop keyboard

Life in the UK Test (British Citizenship test)

Free for all Glasgow Libraries members, you can prepare for the Life in the UK Test (British Citizenship test) or find help and legal advice in a user friendly format.

Help with preparing for the online UK test
Three performers dance on a stage with musicians behind them and a large red and silver decorative backdrop, as a crowd watches.

Events and activities in Glasgow

Glasgow Life run the city's libraries, art galleries and sports centres. We offer a wide range of events and activities, many of which are free. Keep up to date with what is on near you.

Find out what's on in Glasgow

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