The University of Dundee and Abertay University sit side by side near the city centre. Dundee is known for strengths in medicine, life sciences, law, art & design, and computing, with Abertay especially recognised for games and cyber security.
Most students live in the West End, particularly along Perth Road, which is packed with flats, pubs and takeaways. The city centre suits those wanting newer apartments, while Stobswell and Hilltown are popular for cheaper rents.
Dundee’s nightlife is compact and student-led, centred on Perth Road and the city centre. Expect busy union nights, cheap drinks and regular gigs at venues like Fat Sam’s and Beat Generator.
First years usually live in halls close to campus, then move into shared flats from second year. Dundee rents are among the cheapest for a UK university city, but West End properties go quickly.
Dundee is very walkable, with campus, the city centre and Perth Road all close together. Most students walk or cycle, with buses and trains linking easily to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Magdalen Green and riverside paths along the Tay are popular with students. The Law offers panoramic city views, while Camperdown Park is a good escape when you want more space.
Dundee is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, with lower rent, food and nightlife costs than Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Walk up The Law for views over the Tay, grab a pint on Perth Road, catch a gig at Fat Sam’s, and finish the night with late food after a union or club night.
Two main universities clustered around the city centre and waterfront
A tight-knit student scene in a small, friendly city
Well-connected to other Scottish uni hotspots
Are the universities in Dundee good?
Yes – Dundee has a strong reputation as a student city, with two main universities that punch above their weight in Scotland and internationally. The University of Dundee is known for strengths in medicine, dentistry, life sciences, law, education and art & design, with respected research and a campus that sits just above the city centre and waterfront. Abertay University has built a big name in areas like games design, cyber security and computing, alongside business, social science and environmental courses.
Together they offer a choice between a larger research-active university and a more compact, industry-focused institution, both with modern facilities, supportive teaching and good graduate outcomes. Because the campuses sit so close to each other and the city centre, Dundee has a genuinely student-led feel despite its smaller size.
What are the University of Dundee and Abertay known for?
The University of Dundee is recognised for its research and teaching in medicine, dentistry, nursing, life sciences, law, education and social work, as well as its highly regarded Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. Many courses have strong links with the NHS, schools, local councils and creative industries, and the main campus brings together libraries, labs, studios and student services on a compact, walkable site close to the city centre.
Abertay University is particularly well known for games design, computer arts, cyber security, computing and ethical hacking, alongside business and social science subjects. It has a practical, industry-facing approach with small class sizes, specialist labs and strong links to games studios, tech companies and employers across Scotland and beyond. Both universities offer placements, live projects and opportunities to build a portfolio of real-world experience during your degree.
Is Dundee a good city for students?
Dundee is a great option if you want a compact, friendly student city with a strong identity and slightly lower living costs than places like Edinburgh and Glasgow. The universities, unions, halls, shops and nightlife are all clustered around the city centre and waterfront, so you can walk almost everywhere – from lectures to Perth Road cafés, Union Street bars or the V&A Dundee – in 10–15 minutes.
Despite its size, there’s plenty going on: student nights, gigs, festivals on Slessor Gardens, art events, games meet-ups and sport, plus easy access to green spaces like Magdalen Green, Balgay Park, Camperdown Country Park and walks up Dundee Law for views over the Tay. Trains and buses make it straightforward to visit St Andrews, Edinburgh, Glasgow or the Highlands, so you get a chilled home base with big-city and outdoor adventures nearby.
How hard is it to get into the University of Dundee and Abertay?
Entry to the University of Dundee varies by course. Competitive programmes such as medicine, dentistry and some art & design or law courses have higher entry requirements and may look for strong Higher/A-level grades, specific subjects, portfolios, interviews or additional assessments. Other degrees have more moderate entry thresholds and may consider a mix of qualifications such as Highers, Advanced Highers, A-levels, BTECs or access qualifications.
Abertay University generally has slightly more flexible entry requirements and offers a range of routes in through Highers, A-levels, college qualifications and articulated pathways from Scottish colleges. Some computing, games and cyber security courses may still be competitive, especially at honours level, but there are often foundation or articulation routes if you don’t meet standard offers. Both universities use contextual information and widening-participation schemes, so it’s important to check the latest course pages for up-to-date entry criteria and any alternative routes.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Dundee for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
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Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Dundee’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Dundee for you.
iQ’s Parker House puts you right in the middle of Dundee’s student life, just a short walk from both the University of Dundee and Abertay University. Expect en suite rooms, social spaces and on-site facilities like a gym and lounge, all with bills included.
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Prestige Student Living runs premium student buildings like Parklands, Discovery Studios and Greenmarket Studios in Dundee. These are ideal if you want a more high-end feel, with stylish studios, strong WiFi, great locations and plenty of on-site amenities.
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Fresh manages modern student apartments in Dundee with en suite rooms and studios, all bills included and a busy events calendar. It’s a good match if you’re after contemporary halls-style living with social spaces and easy access to campus and the city centre.
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Mansion Student’s Peterson Hall offers purpose-built studios close to the University of Dundee and Abertay. With private kitchens, utilities included and a friendly on-site team, it’s a good option if you want more independence but still like being in a student community.
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Easylets is one of Dundee’s longest-running letting agents, with a big portfolio of residential and student properties across the city. Great if you’re looking for shared flats and houses near the West End, city centre or campus bus routes.
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Nethergate Lettings specialise in student accommodation, with most properties in Dundee’s West End and city centre. A strong pick if you want classic student flats and HMOs within walking distance of the main university buildings.
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Westport Property list student-friendly flats and apartments close to the universities and city centre. They’re a good option if you’re after well-located, modern accommodation rather than traditional student houses.
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West One Properties offer fully furnished student flats and apartments around Dundee, including popular student areas close to both campuses. Ideal for groups who want a self-contained flat rather than halls.
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Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
Compact, walkable and right between both universities, with the Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres, the waterfront, bars and bus links all close together. Ideal if you want to be in the middle of everything.
Classic Dundee student area running along Perth Road, packed with flats, indie cafés, bars and takeaways. Perfect if you want to be minutes from the University of Dundee campus and still close to town.
Streets of classic tenement flats between campus and the city centre. Popular with second- and third-years who want cheaper rent but still easy walks to lectures, pubs and the waterfront.
Neighbourhoods just uphill from the centre with more affordable rents and a strong local feel. Good if you don’t mind a walk (or bus) back up the hill in return for cheaper housing.
Cute seaside suburb with a sandy beach, castle and lots of cafés, pubs and ice-cream spots. More expensive and a short train/bus ride from campus, but dreamy if you love coastal living.
Residential area to the west with retail parks and cheaper student houses. Suits students who don’t mind relying on buses in exchange for more space and lower rent.
Late-night basement club just off the centre with big student nights, DJs and plenty of cheap drink deals. Expect packed dancefloors on midweek and weekend nights.
Throwback club nights inside Fat Sams with wall-to-wall 80s, 90s and 00s bangers. A Dundee rite of passage and one of the busiest student spots in the city.
Lively student bar on Perth Road with decent pub grub, drinks deals and regular events. Ideal for pres, society socials and watching the football.
One of Dundee’s best-known nightlife spots, Fat Sams mixes live gigs with big club nights across multiple rooms, including 80s and 90s throwback floors. Expect packed weekends, themed events and a very student-heavy crowd.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Busy student pub in the city centre with cheap drinks, big screens for live sport, quizzes, pre-club nights and open mic sessions. Great all-rounder for pres, casual pints and low-cost meals before heading into town.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Beautiful Edwardian “proper pub” on Perth Road, known locally as Mennies. Expect wood-panelling, a traditional bar, real ales and a friendly mixed crowd – perfect if you like characterful, old-school boozers over loud clubs.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Literary-themed pub on Perth Road with dark wood, bookshelves and a cosy, studenty feel. Known for craft beers, regular quizzes and artsy events – a chilled stop on the unofficial Perth Road pub crawl.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
All-you-can-eat Indian buffet on the waterfront, famous with students for its huge choice of curries and good value for money. Perfect for course dinners and big group meet-ups.
Union bar and kitchen at DUSA serving proper student comfort food with regular meal deals and cost-of-living-friendly prices. Great for casual lunches between lectures.
Cosy spot at the quay serving brunch, coffee and Scottish-inspired small plates. A nice pick for weekend treats or “parents are visiting” meals.
Instagram-friendly brunch spot on Perth Road serving big pancake stacks, eggs and speciality coffee. Busy at weekends, but a favourite with Dundee students.
Build-your-own noodle boxes with loads of toppings and sauces, perfect for a quick grab-and-go dinner between lectures or on the way home.
The hill you can see from almost everywhere in Dundee. A short but steep walk rewards you with panoramic views over the city, river Tay and bridges – especially good at sunset.
Redesigned waterfront with the V&A museum, Discovery Point and riverside walkways. Great for breezy strolls, photos and clearing your head after a library session.
Big green space in the West End overlooking the Tay, with a bandstand, paths and lots of room for picnics. Popular on sunny days and for gentle walks.
Wide sandy beach a short train or bus ride from the centre. Perfect for summer evenings, sea air and pretending you don’t have deadlines.
University of Dundee’s main library, with silent zones, group rooms, PCs and long opening hours in term time and exams. Base camp for most essay marathons.
Bright, modern library right in the city centre with a mix of quiet desks, PCs and group study spaces – ideal for Abertay students who want everything in one place.
Public library near the city centre with quiet areas, desks and free Wi-Fi. Good if campus is rammed but you still want a proper study environment.
Cosy café just off campus with strong coffee, cakes and a relaxed vibe. Handy for lighter study sessions when you want a change from the library.
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