Information for Parents

We've compiled a list of questions that are frequently asked by parents:

Living in University Accommodation

 Do students need a television licence?

Yes, if a student lives in university accommodation and uses a TV in their own room, they will need a separate TV licence. Your TV licence will not cover any children away from home.

Students who use a laptop or PC to watch TV also require a television licence.

More about TV licences

 Can I pay a student's hall fees myself (on their behalf)?

Yes, parents can make residence fee payments on behalf of their child. Please visit the University's online store.

 Does a student living in university accommodation need insurance?

If your son or daughter is going to be living in University accommodation, then basic insurance for personal property is included in the accommodation fees. However, there are some exclusions to be aware of (such as bicycles) so you may wish to top-up the basic policy. See the Accommodation webpages for full details.

 How secure is the campus? What about University accommodation?

The security of staff and students is of paramount concern to the University and a comprehensive network of security measures is in place to ensure that Dundee remains one of the safest places to study in the UK. A 24-hour manned security station at the heart of the city campus co-ordinates regular security patrols by uniformed officers, while numerous CCTV cameras at strategic external locations complement systems located in all University buildings. In addition, all Residences have security door entry, emergency telephones, Student Support Assistants and bicycle storage facilities. For further information, please consult our Security website.

 Does the University have a list of "recommended" non-uni accommodation?

The University does not keep a registered list of private accommodation. No private properties have been inspected by University staff therefore the University is unable to give any recommendation, endorsement or guarantee in regard to any private property, property owner or agent.

 My child will be living at home, not in University accommodation, and I'm concerned they will feel isolated in Welcome Week.

Before the start of Welcome Week, we invite all new students who live in the local area to come to an informal welcome evening on campus. This allows students who live at home to meet each other before classes begin.

We also have Peer Connections, student volunteers, who will be running various events during Welcome Week to ensure that all students settle in. This support network will connect new students to existing students and services so your son/daughter need not worry about feeling isolated.

Finance

 How much money, realistically, will a student need to survive?

We canvassed some of our students and put together a typical student budget detailing what students typically spend per week and over the academic year. This table can be found on our Living Costs webpage.

You'll be pleased to learn that the cost of living in Dundee is approximately 14% below the national average.

 How easily can students find part-time work?

Dundee has more students per head of population than any other Scottish city. This fact is recognised by local employers who employ students for a range of part-time positions. Students can find out about current vacancies on the Careers Service Jobshop database. For more information please consult our Careers Service.

Academic matters

 When are the exams? When do the results come out?

Undergraduate exams take place twice a year, in December and in April/May, with a resit session in August. Dates for results vary each year, so please check the registry's exams webpage to learn more.

 Do you have a plan of the academic year - i.e. when do lectures start? When are the vacations?

Our term dates webpage gives you basic dates for teaching and vacation periods. Students will also receive a detailed timetable, either from their advisor of studies, or at the start of their course.

 Am I able to find out how well my son/daughter is doing academically?

The only way to find out how well a student is doing is to ask them directly. For reasons of confidentiality, the University is unable to provide information about a student to any third-parties, including parents.

 What measures are in place to help my child if they fall behind in their studies?

Every student is assigned an Advisor of Studies to ease them through all academic matters during their University career. In times of difficulty, their Advisor would be their first port of call. The University's Academic Achievement Teaching Unit also offers a number of courses and opportunities to improve upon academic skills.

General Questions

 Where can my child go for help if they have a problem?

Our professional and experienced student support services provide help for students with any personal, financial, health, disability or work related problems. Encourage your child to get in touch with them, no matter how great or how trivial the problem seems. They're also there to help all students learn the personal skills needed to build the lives and careers they want.

If you are concerned about your child and would like to speak to someone, you can call our Advice Team on 01382 388 590. Although we can't give out any information about students, this will at least alert us to any potential problems.

 Where are the nearest shops?

Dundee's main shopping area is only a five minute walk from campus. Find out more from our city guide.

In terms of food shopping, there are several supermarkets (and speciality international grocers) within walking distance, although for larger grocery trips, students might want to share a taxi.

 Where do I park?

Over the main arrival weekend students and parents may park in any of the designated parking bays on campus without a permit. See the Car Parking - Map detailing Univesity car parking.

 Is there an opportunity for students to get to know their classmates before starting the course?

We give all applicants access to My Dundee for Applicants, our virtual learning environment, as soon as we receive their application. The discussion forum feature on My Dundee also allows applicants to communicate with each other online, and many new students 'meet' their flatmates virtually before setting foot on campus!