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

As a student, our budgets are often quite limited. So, when choosing a university, you need to be mindful of the overall cost of living and your monthly bills. Dundee is an affordable city to live in and is probably one of the best university cities, in my opinion, in terms of prices and overall costs. There are also so many things you can 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 live in Scotland (regardless of where you are originally from), and are under 22, you can travel for free on buses all over the country. This saves so much money on transport.

Cheap or free activities for students

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 V&A museum, McManus Art Gallery, Broughty Ferry Castle, and the Botanic Garden.

Financial support

DUSA – our student union – also helps students that struggle financially as much as they can. There are hardship funds available for immediate help.  There are also additional local independent sources that can help, such as The Community Fridge on Perth Road, that aims to reduce local food waste by redistributing surplus stock to the community. 

Budget friendly shopping tips for students

A personal friendly suggestion to save money as a student is going to cheaper shops – there is a Lidl five minutes away from campus! This is a game changer. Additionally, 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 from personal experience: 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 – there are lots of opportunities for students on-campus, from being a barista in the University’s Top of the Tower Cafe to being a Student Content Creator! And there are even more opportunities off-campus, as the University is located right in the city centre near restaurants and a shopping centre.

Focus on making memories

Remember that your student years should be about making memories,,  absorbing new information, and making lifelong friends. Choosing a more affordable city and swapping out some spending habits can make a huge difference! Additionally, the University of Dundee and DUSA offer as much help as possible during this time for all students to focus on their studies.