The Student Guide To Dundee

Dundee might not be the biggest city in Scotland but what the City of Discovery lacks in size it makes up for in energy, party spirit and a great student lifestyle.

The Universities

The University of Dundee: The bigger of the cities two universities. The main campus is situated along the Perth Rd towards the fashionable West End. Most of the Universities halls are based on the campus or very nearby.  Dundee Uni is famous throughout the UK for it’s science and medical departments. The university is also home to one of the best Union’s in Scotland - officially.

The University of Abertay: The University of Abertay is situated in the city centre behind the large Overgate shopping centre. The university is famous for it’s games and IT departments.

Pubs

The better pubs in Dundee are based around the Perth Rd, Nethergate and South Tay St area. There are a couple of other bars in the city centre but these are normally reserved for locals.

The Speedwell: This traditional pub is situated at the top of the Perth Road and is homely with a wood fire and traditional music. The pub is great for a quiet night with friends and a couple of foreign pints.

Drouthys: Drouthys is just across from Duncan of Jordanstone art school and hence is popular with the art student type. The staff are a friendly bunch and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. The Sunday Jazz club also gives you something different.

Laings: The biggest and best beer garden in Dundee. Laings recently under went a revamp and the bar is a great space and is normally packed. Especially when the sun comes out. The prices aren’t on the low side sadly.

DUSA: Dundee universities’ union and all round great place. DUSA has been voted the top Scottish University union several times in recent years and it’s easy to see why. Two great bars and two good-sized nightclubs mean there is something for everyone. The union and societies regularly put on theme nights, which are always a great excuse to dress up.

Braes: This pub is situated just across form the main university and is a great place to drop in for a pint or a relaxing coffee after class. As you would expect with it being so close to the University Braes is often full of students.

DCA: The DCA is one of the classier joints in Dundee and the bar staff know how to make a cocktail. The bar is often busy with Dundee’s young professionals at the weekend and can make a serious dent in your wallet with its higher prices.

The Social: Located on South Tay Street The Social is defiantly the party place to go before you head out. The bar is popular with students and locals and has a trendy vibe to it.

Dukes Corner: Located just along from Liquid and Fat Sams Dukes Corner is the newest venue in Dundee and is very popular with older students due to its closeness to the living area of the Hub and others.

Other pubs worth checking out include the Nether Inn, The Art Bar and The Phoenix.

Clubs

DUSA/MONO: The University of Dundee’s best nightclub. You can’t miss Skint on a Tuesday night with £1 drinks and no entry free. It’s busy though don’t forget to bring your sharp elbows to get to the bar. The theme nights are also normally great nights out.

Fat Sam’s: Once the biggest nightclub in Dundee “Fatties” has lost its way in recent years. Check out the old school fun on level 3 on a Friday.

Liquid: Liquid is the so-called “place to be” these day’s. Liquid has launched the infamous Octopussy night and will soon place host to Jelly Baby. The exclusive VIP area provides a great place for birthdays and big nights out. Has been described as the “brightest” nightclub in Scotland.

Underground: This basement style club is under Number 25 the bar. Undergound is more urban than a lot of the other nightclubs in Dundee but normally has good drinks promos and a friendly staff.

The Reading Rooms: Dundee’s alternative nightclub, The Reading Rooms is situated on the far side of the City Centre and hosts nights such as Neon Nights. It’s popular with the Art and Fashion students. If electro and dance is your thing then The Reading Rooms is for you.

Shopping

Dundee has two shopping centres. The main one is the Overgate centre. In a true claim to fame this is the biggest one sided shopping centre in Europe. You will find everything that your standard shopping centre has along with a massive Primark. The other centre is on the other side of the city centre and is called the Wellgate. This centre has become run down in recent years.

For more unusual shops and vintage stuff check out the charity shops along the Perth Rd and in the streets in front of the Overgate.

Restaurants

Dundee might not be a culinary capital like Edinburgh there is still plenty of great eateries and some good takeaway joints.

DCA: One of the classiest joints in Dundee that has great food to match. Not entirely suitable for the student budget but a great place for a parental treat or a fancy dinner date.

Don Michelle: Located on the student centred Perth Rd Don Michelle is a great family Italian that won’t break the bank.

Rancho Pancho: A nice Mexican joint in the city centre that serves up classic Mexican cuisine. Don’t worry if your stomach is a bit soft though as they do plenty of easy on the stomach dishes.

Agacan: A great Turkish restaurant on the Perth Rd. It’s on the small side so you might be hard pushed to get a table but they do a great takeaway service and will change your opinions on kebabs.

Chopstick: The best Chinese takeaway in town. This delivery only service offers two for one on main meals during the week. The delivery service is also one of the quickest I have had the benefit of.

Other Bits and Bobs

Dundee might not have as much to offer as other cities but there is still plenty of things to do.

Dundee and Dundee Utd FC: Both Dundee teams are situated in the East of the city and offer student ticket prices. Utd play in the premier league and the quality of the football is higher but there is something to be said for watching Dundee play in their small ramshackle stadium.

The Rep Theatre: The Rep Theatre is well respected for the performances they put on throughout the year. The venue offers good value student tickets for most performances.

Cinemas: There are three cinemas in Dundee, one in the city centre at the DCA, which shows more alternative films and two in the outskirts.

As you can see Dundee might not be the biggest city but it certainly has plenty to offer for students of all tastes.

CR with help from Tim Roome, Matthew Ward, George Sleator, Ryan McKennon, Donald Irvine, The Girls and everyone else from the Dundee days.