Why Dundee is one of the cheapest cities in the UK for students

As a student, budgets are often limited. So, when choosing a university, you need to be mindful of the overall costs you will have to pay every month. In my opinion, Dundee is an affordable city to live in and I think it's one of the best university cities in terms of prices and overall costs. I also found that there were many things I could get for free as a student in Dundee.

Free bus travel

A great benefit of studying in Scotland is the Young Scot National Entitlement Card. If you are a resident in Scotland and under 22 years old, you are eligible for free travel on buses all over Scotland. This saves so much money on transport.

Affordable activities

There are free activities to do in your spare time. At the start of the semester most societies and sports clubs offer free Give it a Go sessions – a fantastic opportunity to try out new sports, find a hobby, or make friends. Additionally, you can always join a society or club and go to their events year-round. Some cost just a few pounds and others are completely free to attend all year!

There are also lots of other free activities for students in Dundee, such as the V&A Dundee, McManus Art Gallery, and Broughty Ferry Castle.

Financial support

Students from Scotland may be eligible to get their tuition fees paid, while students from the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland may qualify for a loan to pay their tuition fees. Students from Scotland, the rest of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland may also qualify for a loan towards their living costs from their funding provider – you can check with them directly for details.

The University offers bursaries and scholarships to eligible students (T&Cs apply).

There are also local independent sources that can help, such as The Community Fridge close to the University, that aims to reduce local food waste by redistributing surplus stock to the community.

Shopping tips

A personal, friendly suggestion to help save money as a student is going to cheaper shops – there is a Lidl five minutes away from campus! This is a game changer. It is always good to create a grocery list before your weekly food shop – you can plan your nutritious meals and not get sidetracked. 

Another tip: instant meals might seem cheap in the moment but end up being expensive in the long run, so meal prepping is key to living on a budget.

Part-time work opportunities

Another way to ease your financial worries is to get a part-time job if you're able to – there are opportunities on campus, from being a barista in the University’s Top of the Tower Cafe to being a Student Content Creator or Ambassador!

And there are more opportunities off campus, as the University is located right in the city centre near shops and restaurants.

Focus on making memories

Remember that your student years should be about making memories, absorbing new information, and making lifelong friends. In my experience, choosing a more affordable city and swapping out some spending habits can make a huge difference!