Stretching the budget in the affordable city of Dundee
It often comes as a shock to new students when they have to manage their finances independently for the first time. Even returning students can struggle to make ends meet, especially if they don't keep a close on their spending. The good news is there are plenty of opportunities for students to find discounts and special offers on many items, so savings can be made without spoiling the whole experience.
And the even better news for those who choose to study in Dundee is that the cost of living here in one of Scotland's most popular cities is relatively low when compared to other parts of the UK. Therefore, stretching the student budget over the course of an academic year will prove less stressful than you might originally have thought.
It perhaps goes without saying that one of the largest expenses will be on accommodation, but thanks to Citylets you'll find places for renting in Dundee that will match your budget. Our easy to use website allows you to filter out rooms, flats and houses that don't match your planned spend, leaving you with a list of wonderful properties that you know you can afford.
Getting the most from your budget won't always be easy, especially if you're new to university life and you want to sample everything that it has to offer. It's a good idea to look for places offering special discounts or deals for the student community. These price reductions can be found on anything from drinks and meals to haircuts and travel.
Keep a keen eye for a bargain at all times
On certain nights of the week, many eateries and bars will offer deals to entice you in. At the start of the academic year when you're still finding your feet, these places can be useful for meeting other students without having to spend a fortune in the process. Dundee is a compact city, so you won't have to go far to find great evenings out.
The same applies to sports and other activities. Be sure to ask around for good deals at golf courses, ski and snowboard facilities, leisure centres, cinemas and theatres. Dundee offers so much to see and do, and it's a great city to explore. Another benefit here is that public transport is cheap. Unless you plan to travel around a great deal, you won't need a car because most of the things the city has to offer are found close to the city centre itself.
If you do plan to travel around when you get the opportunity, Dundee has excellent transport links to the rest of the country. There's a new train station here, and with Dundee on the main East Coast Line it's easy to get to places like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Newcastle and London. Closer to home it's worth noting that the University of Dundee offers a free night bus for students in the city itself.
Plenty of competition for the student economy
There are two highly rated seats of learning here, the larger University of Dundee and the smaller Abertay University. They are less than a mile apart, and the area around the campuses is jam-packed with shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. As these establishments are in competition with each other for the student pound, it's easy to see why they offer incentives to attract customers.
As well as offering an excellent nightlife for students, Dundee is also home to a number of cultural highlights that should be on everyone's must-visit list. The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum plays host to some wonderful artworks and stages fascinating exhibitions and special events throughout the year. The recently opened V&A Dundee is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
The waterfront area has been the subject of a major regeneration project, and as a result of this it has become something of a magnet. Be sure to explore the area early on, and to make the most of a city that's really going places. You'll want to get the best from your adventure, and thanks to Dundee's affordability you can experience everything that it has to offer.
