In reply to climb the peak:
Will second Partick.
I moved to Glasgow (from abroad) 4.5 years ago and lived in Hillhead, Maryhill, Finnieston and North Kelvinside. I like North Kelvinside/Finnieston, though the latter is great for hopping into a train to get out of the city very quickly. I usually get around on foot most of the time as it takes just over 20 minutes to walk to the city centre, where I work.
After 4 years in West End, I wanted to find a small flat for myself and was looking in Ibrox/Govan initially. Since I was working in Ibrox Stadium as a student and frequented climbing walls often in Ibrox, I thought that would be an alright area. I changed my mind after few flat viewings. If you care about neighbourhood, you might want to take a look at those areas before renting a flat.
Keep in mind that most universities are in West End/City Centre (with exception of UWS which is in Paisley), so living across The River Clyde might be a bit annoying when commuting.
Just my 2p really. I wouldn't mind living in South Side, but I would prefer not to if I had a chance.