ONE of the biggest increases in Glasgow's population will see 17,000 new students descend on the city's universities.

It is nearly term time... and thousands of first year students are about to appear for Freshers' Week.

Almost 17,000 freshers will be in the city for induction weeks welcoming them to Glasgow's three universities.

And there will be hundreds of events on offer to introduce them to student life in Scotland's biggest and most buzzing city.

Jessica McGrellis, president of Glasgow University's Student Representative Council (SRC), said: "There's going to be lots of events going on in Glasgow for the new students. We have four student bodies -the SRC, Glasgow University Union, the Queen Margaret Union and the University Sports Association - that means four times the number of things to get involved in.

"We have everything from an international ceilidh to daytime events where you can just chill out with a coffee and meet new people.

"It's really just a fantastic time to get involved and find out about student life.

"Some people will be coming to Glasgow for the first time, they may even be coming to a big city for the first time, so it's important to use Freshers' Week to find their way around, find out what's on and get involved in groups that will help them make friends and ensure they don't become lost or isolated.

"We encourage people to stay on campus during the week. All our events are here on campus and we even organise transport back to halls of residence to make sure freshers get home safely -you don't have to worry if you don't know your way around."

Glasgow University's new student intake - all 9100 of them - will find the uni and the city offer a great range of sports and social events to get involved in.

At Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), in Cowcaddens, dozens of events are on offer the new intake of 4200 students.

Starting university can be daunting and the transition from the boundaries of school to the freedom of higher education difficult.

GCU is laying on a variety of gatherings for new students to help them learn about life on campus.

GCU Student Association President Matt Lamb said: "Freshers' Week is the start of the journey for students.

"It is the time when you will meet new friends from your course and get to know your university and Students' Association.

"Enjoy your Freshers' Week and all the various activities that take place and have a great experience that will last with you forever."

Freshers' Week, which begins on Thursday September 19 for all three universities, will also feature live gigs from Marvin Humes, formerly of JLS, and The X Factor's Amelia Lily.

There will be welcome parties and club nights in venues across the city from Walkabout to O'Couture and student hot spot The Garage.

Strathclyde University is to welcome an intake of more than 3500 students this year, with various events being staged on their city centre campus.

And the SECC is also helping new students adjust to life in Glasgow with the largest student fair in the UK, taking place on September 19 and 20

More than 120 exhibitors will be offering advice and information for an expected 14,000 visitors at the event.

This year, the festival offers a program of interactive entertainment as well as a new food and drink festival within the main event and an exclusive fashion show from the city's St Enoch Centre mall.

The event will also allow local bars, club, restaurants and retailers to engage with the new students.

There will also be model scouts from The Model Team searching for new talent, a live rap battle and lessons in free-style rapping with Louie, from Hector Bizerk, and Silvertongue; Beyonce dance classes, from Dance HQ; DJs from the hottest clubs in the city; photo booths and prize giveaways.

Following the festival, students will have the opportunity to take a free bus service to St Enoch Centre for a student shopping event that includes discounts from top retailers, free makeovers, food samples, live DJs and shopping spree competitions.

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk