Living costs in Dundee

We estimate that your living costs will range from £7,000 to £8,000 per academic year (39 weeks), but your own expenditure will depend on your lifestyle and the funds available to you.

You will spend more than normal in your first week or two as you get settled, but your expenditure will soon settle down, allowing you to manage your weekly budget carefully.

Average monthly costs for students

Our Student Funding team regularly check the average costs for living in Dundee as a student. These are based on a range of government statistics, charity research, and discussions with other Scottish and UK universities.

As of April 2022 we would recommend budgeting around £550-650 a month for living expenses. Some expenses include:

• Utilities (electricity / gas): £120
• Internet and phone: £65
  • This is based on a landline/fibre broadband connection, plus a mobile phone contract. Many UK companies such as BT, Virgin Media, or Sky may offer cheaper bundle deals if you take out more than one service with them.
• Food and groceries: £250
• TV Licence: £15
  • You still need a TV Licence if you watch live TV via streaming, or catch up via BBC iPlayer.
• Going out and socialising: £120

Other things that can affect your monthly spending

Most students in Dundee share accommodation with other students. This means you may be able to share some costs such as electricity and internet bills between your flat or house mates.

If you live alone, you may find some bills more expensive as they include a fixed daily charge which does not reduce with lower usage.

Academic textbooks are more expensive than books you would find in a high street bookshop. You may only need to spend money on these once a semester but you can often sell them second hand once you have finished with them.

Dundee is the most affordable place for students to live in the UK

In a study by international education provider Oxford Royale in 2021, Dundee was revealed as the most affordable place for students in the UK to live. When compared to the national average, there are some key differences that make Dundee the cheapest city.

• Travel to University: £0
  • Due to Dundee's compact city campus, most students live within walking distance of University buildings. If you have classes in Ninewells Hospital you may wish to take a bus.
• Council tax: £0
  • Full time students are exempt from council tax, or qualify the household for a 25% reduction if living with non-students
• Water: £0
  • Water bills are part of council tax in Scotland, unlike in England and Wales.
• If you are living in University accommodation, or certain private accommodation designed for students, some of your household bills will be included in the rent.

If you are applying for a Student visa

The minimum living expenses required by UK Visas and Immigration (Gov.uk guidance) is £1,023 per month of study. You should check you have the correct amount in your bank account before applying for your visa.

For other costs, visit:

• University accommodation fees
• Individual course pages for Undergraduate and Postgraduate tuition fees