Why the West End of Dundee is one of the best places to live for students

The West End is a neighbourhood in Dundee, close to the University of Dundee's city campus on Nethergate. It centres on Perth Road and sits within easy walking distance of the River Tay.

Dundee’s West End is popular with students and is a fun place to live if you’re studying here. It’s full of cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants, and one of our favourite parks, Magdalen Green. Here's why so many of our former students have fond memories of living there, and why the Times called it the best place to live in Scotland in 2024.

Close to Dundee's city campus

The University of Dundee enjoys an ideal city centre location. Staying in the West End puts you right by campus, making it easy to walk or cycle to lectures. Excellent bus services also connect the West End with the University and the rest of the city. 

Living so close to the campus at the heart of Dundee, you'll have the buzz of the city on your doorstep, including easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The West End itself boasts many of the city's highest-rated independent food and drink spots, as well as convenience stores and supermarkets. 

Perth Road: the West End's independent shopping and dining scene

Perth Road, the West End's main thoroughfare, is a popular spot for students to socialise, with plenty of affordable cafes and bars within walking distance of campus. Popular student pub Braes sits alongside independent record stores, delicatessens, and boutiques, while Fisher & Donaldson - a local bakery famed for their fudge doughnuts -is a Perth Road institution. 

For food and drink, students are spoiled for choice, from Dil'Se for Indian cuisine and Mas for Mexican, to Crollas Gelateria for ice cream, Tartan Coffee House and EH9 Espresso for coffee, and Giddy Goose for a relaxed dinner out. 

If you're after handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find anywhere else, the West End is where you want to be.

Cultural quarter

Where the West End meets the city centre, you'll discover Dundee's cultural quarter. This area is home to the Dundee Rep Theatre, the Whitehall Theatre, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and a variety of independent galleries and studios, such as Ron Lawson West End Gallery. 

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) is located on Perth Road and epitomises the area's creative spirit.

Heart Space Yoga, run by Finlay Wilson, the Instagram-famous Kilted Yogi, takes place in an old church nearby. 

Accommodation in Dundee's West End

Our West Park student accommodation is situated in a residential area in Dundee's West End, conveniently located between our main city campus and Ninewells Hospital and Medical School. West Park offers two types of accommodation: 

• West Park flats: Self-contained units with 5 or 6 bedrooms, each featuring a shared kitchen, dining area, and lounge.
• West Park villas: Houses with up to 10 bedrooms, shared kitchen facilities, a dining area, dedicated study space, and a communal lounge. 

All bedrooms at West Park are single occupancy with en suite facilities, ensuring your privacy with a private room, toilet, and shower. 

While self-catering, West Park is conveniently located near a variety of affordable and high-quality food options. Numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes are just a 10-15 minute walk down Perth Road towards campus. 

Explore our range of high quality student accommodation, all with great facilities and within easy reach of campus 

In terms of the West End’s private accommodation offering, there is a blend of old and new. Historic tenements and houses are prominent in the West End which is an area once overshadowed by industrial buildings from Dundee's reign as the world's jute production capital. Some of these former jute mills have been beautifully transformed into modern flats, while contemporary housing developments have sprung up in areas where factories once stood. This eclectic mix of architectural styles caters to a wide range of tastes, making it a popular areas for students looking for private rentals. 

DUSA has prepared guides and advice on matters related to private accommodation and housing matters 

Green spaces in Dundee's West End

The West End offers a wealth of green spaces where you can unwind after lectures. Magdalen Green, Dundee's oldest park, is a popular spot and boasts stunning views of the River Tay. Its bandstand, a landmark since 1890, reflects the area's history as a recreational space since the Victorian era. The student magazine The Magdalen is named after this favourite spot.

At the opposite end of the West End, along Perth Road, lies the University of Dundee Botanic Garden. Spanning 9.5 hectares overlooking the River Tay, the garden showcases a diverse collection of plant life and is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Even better, entry is free for students with a valid ID card!

Join student Meghana on a trip to the University of Dundee Botanic Garden

A short walk from campus, the University of Dundee Riverside playing fields offer floodlit all-weather artificial pitches for football and hockey, alongside several grass pitches, and two for rugby. These outdoor facilities host competitive and friendly events, including Sunday league matches, Scottish University fixtures, and casual bookings for a game with friends.

Find out more about University of Dundee sports and societies

West End Community

The West End has a strong sense of community. Each year, Magdalen Green hosts WestFest, a free community festival with food stalls, children's activities, and live music. Run entirely by volunteers, WestFest is undoubtedly a highlight of the year.

Dundee West End Community Fridge is an initiative that aims to reduce local food waste by collecting surplus food from supermarkets and local businesses and redistributing it to the community. Anyone can use the Community Fridge – simply turn up and see what's on offer.

Transport links

The West End offers excellent access to Dundee's main transport hubs. Dundee Airport is conveniently located parallel to Perth Road, and the city's rail and bus stations are just a short distance away, near the university campus. Dundee is also ideally situated for exploring the rest of Scotland. Its central location makes it easy to reach nearby locations like St Andrews and Perth (just 30 minutes away), while cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are less than two hours by road or rail.

How to travel to the University of Dundee by car, train, bus, or plane