Dundee is one of the most student-friendly cities within the uk and often receives sky-high ratings for its university experience. It’s both reasonable and full of exciting things to do and quiet places to visit. Here’s the ultimate guide to this fantastic city in 2021.
One of the most exciting things about heading off to university is knowing you’ll have a brand new city to explore and make your own. Whether you managed to visit in person for an open day, or undertook a virtual tour, now’s the time to find out more about your new home in Dundee.Moving to university is one of the most important parts of a person’s life, and choosing where to spend at least the next three years of your life is a huge decision and not one that can be taken lightly. Most likely you’re leaving home for the first time, and whether your choice of university takes you 20 or 200 miles away from home, it’s a big step, and you want to be as informed as possible about your new home, which is where we can help!
Located in East Scotland, Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay and is known as Scotland’s sunniest destination. As one of the UK’s most student-friendly destinations, Dundee regularly receives top marks for its student experience. Scotland’s fourth biggest city is acknowledged as a cultural hub of science and the arts. It also boasts a large selection of bars and restaurants and is the perfect mix of exciting activities and relaxing vibes, making it a great place to call home while you study.Dundee is well known for its affordability for students in comparison to the other big cities in Scotland, with the cost of living being an average of 45% cheaper than Edinburgh, and almost 70% cheaper than London. And with a student population of 18,000, you’re sure to settle in straight away.
Dundee punches above its weight when it comes to the arts. Home to the only V&A museum outside of London and the first design museum in Scotland, the V&A is a stunning building inside and out, and is the focal point of Dundee’s recent £1 billion transformation project to its waterfront. The V&A certainly warrants a visit or several during your time in the city. If art galleries are more your scene, the McManus museum is full of fantastic pieces of fine art and a vast natural history collection. Dundee is also known as the comedy capital of the UK, as it was the place the Beano and The Dandy were first published, so be sure to snap a selfie with the bronze statues you’ll see dotted around the city when you’re exploring.If you’re a history buff, Broughty Castle Museum on the riverside is well worth a visit. The castle dates back to the 1400’s and features historic artifacts and a great view of the Scottish coastline. Also along the coast is Discovery Point, and RRS Discovery, a 1901 tall ship used by Captain Scott and his crew to explore the Antarctic. You can visit the ship and learn more about this fascinating story at the exhibition.
Dundee is full of beautiful places to relax and take a break from your studies. The city boasts botanical gardens which are a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, perfect for taking a break from student life. If you’re looking for green space even closer to campus, Dudhope Park is a stone’s throw away from your accommodation, The Old Mill, so you can start or end each day with some fresh air. For the animal lovers, Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a great place to check out local scenery and visit some well cared-for wildlife.
Dundee has plenty to offer for the shopaholic, with plenty of individual stores for unique and one-off items. Quirky Coo stocks a number of Scottish items and promotes small businesses with their stock. For bookworms, The Bookhouse on the High Street is a great spot to spend a Saturday afternoon. If you’re looking for stores on a larger scale, The Overgate Centre is a modern mall full of both high street shops and independents.
Once you’ve soaked up all the culture and explored the city, you’re bound to be ready for a drink. Small but perfectly formed, Dundee boasts plenty of watering holes to suit any taste. Local to your new home at The Old Mill, you’ll find plenty of pubs and bars. If you’re looking for late-night, Duke’s Corner is a great venue offering beers, bands and barbecue - what more could you need? For beer lovers, Scottish-native brewery Brewdog is just down the road from your accommodation, so you won’t have far to stumble home!If you’re a foodie, there’s restaurants a-plenty in Dundee, from well-loved chains to independent and local cuisine, the city is emerging as a culinary destination not to be missed. If you have family visiting, be sure to book a table at the Bridgeview Station Restaurant. With views of the V&A and waterfront, the restaurant promises to offer the best in local produce and seasonal specials. For a casual dining experience, there are plenty of cutesy daytime cafes to visit, like the Flame Tree Cafe or if pub grub is what you’re after, Tickety Boos and the Old Bank Bar are not to be missed. Don’t forget to stop by Tonic - a burger bar offering no less than fifty burgers and toppings!Dundee is a city packed with things to do and your new accommodation at The Old Mill is right in the heart of it all. Find your new student home here.
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