The club was founded at a meeting of students "dissatisfied that the Rugby game alone has been played at College" on 7 December 1877, under the captaincy of Arthur Mechan.

[2] They are based at the Garscube Sports Complex in Glasgow,[3] The first team play at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, which they share with Airdrieonians.

[6] Previously, on 28 January 1960, Glasgow University were routed 15–0 by Cup-holders St Mirren at their Love Street ground in a first-round tie, American-born striker Gerry Baker scoring ten of the goals.

The 2010–11 competition saw Glasgow University qualify for the Scottish Cup second round for the first time since their 1975–76 defeat to Albion Rovers, after a 1–0 victory at Garscube Sports Complex against Burntisland Shipyard.

In the 2016–17 competition, Glasgow University lost 8–2 to Junior champions Bonnyrigg Rose in a home tie staged at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.