Discover Dundee

A great place to live with a lively student-centred community and plenty of things to do

“Most fun city to be a student in Scotland”

Study Inn 2021

Dundee sits on the banks of the River Tay in an idyllic south-facing location on the east coast of Scotland. Houses hug the side of the Law, the extinct volcano in the heart of the city. From the top you’ll see two elegant bridges reaching over the Tay, and beyond that, beautiful countryside as far as the eye can see. Back on ground level, you can explore our compact city centre by foot or bike.

Creativity and innovation are in our blood, with Dundee being the birth-place of the Scottish video games industry and worldwide favourite, Grand Theft Auto. The V&A Dundee is further testament to this. Designed by Kengo Kuma, this innovative space provides a new centre of design for Scotland and the world.

A safe city

Dundee is also one of the safest cities in the UK, ranked 2nd safest city in Scotland the Complete University Guide 2022.

An international community

Like the University, Dundee is international and multicultural. It is home to residents from many countries and ethnic groups. Within easy reach of the campus, you will find specialist food shops such as Chinese, Indian, Polish and Russian supermarkets, as well as halal butchers. The major UK supermarkets also stock a wide range of international food.

There are places of worship for many faiths, including Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism, plus many Christian denominations.

Local schools are well equipped to support children for whom English is a second language.

“The city is a great size, you don’t need to get public transport to go anywhere unlike most other cities. You can walk or cycle anywhere, and it’s close enough to nature that you can get out if you want to. There’s a great city life with pubs and clubs and everything.”

Larissa Kennel, BSc Anatomical Sciences graduate

Of course Dundee has all of the larger chain shops and restaurants, but the thing that makes the city really special is the love and energy that has been put into local businesses. Contemporary restaurants, independent eateries, bars and social spaces surround the University. They are easy to find but hard to leave.

Dundee is a hive for students both home and away, full of life, excitement and an abundance of eccentric bars and cosy snugs that create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying your favourite food and drink. Comforting pub classics, healthy treats, international cuisine, and days spent out with friends will fuel your body and mind.

Finding the lifestyle you want is easy when you live in such an inspiring, friendly city.

Location

Dundee is at the heart of Scotland’s road and rail network and puts spectacular scenery, skiing, championship golf, mountain climbing, and sailing within easy reach.

Map of the UK with Dundee's location

 

The major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are a short trip away. Scotland’s four main international airports all operate both national airlines such as British Airways, and low cost airlines. This makes it easy to get to all the major centres of the UK and Europe.

Travelling to the University of Dundee

Discovering Dundee

Coming from Yorkshire, Georgia Nolan didn't know a huge amount about Dundee. On the Student Blog she takes us through some of the city's attractions.
Discovering Dundee

The best places to grab a coffee

Daniella Karaoglan Christensen

Student blogger, Daniella, wrote about her favourite coffee spots in the city

Beyond the books: The diary of a coffee addict in Dundee

Taking a stroll

DJCAD student Jakub Stepanovic takes a stroll around Dundee to take in the city's landmarks
Exploring Dundee

The best things about living in Dundee

Kiah Edwards

Student blogger, Kiah Edwards tells us some of the best things about living and studying in Dundee

Best things about living in Dundee

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Our students and staff are happy to answer your questions about studying and student life at the University of Dundee.
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Courses

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