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

Close to the University, 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.

Location

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. 

You'll find everything you need right on your doorstep!

Atmosphere 

Perth Road is the West End's main thoroughfare, with an eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants. Independent record stores, cafes, delicatessens, and boutiques create a distinct cultural atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city. If you're after handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find anywhere else, then 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, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and a variety of independent galleries and studios. Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) is located on Perth Road and epitomises the area's creative spirit.

Accommodation 

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 

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

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, while cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are less than a two-hour drive away.

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