Dundee, often referred to as Scotland’s “sunniest city,” is home to a vibrant student population. With the University of Dundee and Abertay University attracting thousands of students from across the globe, finding affordable student accommodation is a key concern. Whether you’re a fresher looking for university halls or a returning student seeking a budget-friendly private rental, this guide will help you navigate your options.
In this blog, we’ll explore different types of student accommodation in Dundee, highlight the most budget-friendly areas, compare the cheapest student halls, and provide essential money-saving tips. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to secure a cost-effective place to stay in Dundee.
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5 Cheap Student Accommodation in Dundee
Finding cheap student accommodation in Dundee is easy, with a variety of budget-friendly options offering comfort, security, and essential amenities. Students can enjoy affordable living without compromising on convenience or quality. Here are the top 5 cheap student accommodations in Dundee:
The Old Mill
The Old Mill in Dundee is one of the most affordable, secure, and aesthetically pleasing student housing in the UK available. Its close proximity to universities and educational institutions ensures a convenient and hassle-free student life, complemented by modern amenities. With excellent transport links, students can easily explore Scotland and the rest of the UK.
This student accommodation provides a welcoming environment that feels like a home away from home, offering everything students might need for a comfortable and fulfilling stay. The Old Mill offers two types of accommodations: studios and flats. Studios come with a double bed, private bathroom, washer/dryer, storage space, and a desk.
The flats range from one-bed to six-bed options, all equipped with a kitchen, private bathroom, desk, chair, and storage. Situated on Brown Street, just a short walk from Dundee’s vibrant city centre, this location is ideal for students due to its accessibility to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
East Shore
East Shore is an excellent student accommodation in St Andrews that caters to students’ needs and budgets while providing a comfortable living experience. Its close proximity to universities allows students to save time on commuting, and the abundance of public transportation nearby makes getting around easy and convenient.
This student housing offers a variety of room options, including Standard Ensuite, Standard Plus Ensuite, Premium Ensuite with Sea View, Deluxe Ensuite, Deluxe Plus Ensuite, and Superior Ensuite. Each room features a comfortable bed with storage, a study space, and access to shared facilities such as a communal lounge, TV, laundry, on-site maintenance, parking spaces, and 24/7 CCTV security.
Located in the scenic seaside town of St Andrews, students can enjoy local cafes, clubs, restaurants, and shopping spots while also exploring the town’s famous golf courses and museums. With a range of room choices and excellent amenities, East Shore provides a well-rounded student living experience.
Greenmarket Studios
Greenmarket Studios is a highly sought-after student accommodation in Dundee, offering a luxurious and peaceful living environment. It is particularly ideal for international students due to its close proximity to major universities. The fully furnished rooms come with modern amenities, including king-size beds, personal wardrobes, study areas, and attached bathrooms with high-end fittings.
This student accommodation ensures convenience and security with high-speed WiFi, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and inclusive insurance coverage at no additional cost. Its prime location at 6 South Marketgait allows students to reach Abertay University within 13 minutes and Dundee University within 10 minutes on foot.
The surrounding area offers easy access to shopping malls, street food corners, department stores, and cafes serving delicious Indian cuisine. With all-inclusive rent covering utilities like gas, electricity, water, and WiFi, Green Market Studios is an affordable and well-designed choice that caters to the needs of international students.
Peterson Hall
Peterson Hall is a fantastic student accommodation in Dundee, offering both individual and shared flats designed for comfort and affordability. Situated in the heart of the city, it provides easy access to several universities, making commuting hassle-free. The fully furnished en-suite rooms cater to different preferences and budgets, featuring essentials like a bed, desk, chair, double closet, bookcase, and private bathroom.
The shared lounge area includes a well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances such as a washing machine, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, and more, ensuring convenience for students. This student accommodation offers a range of facilities to enhance the student experience, including all-inclusive utility bills, contents insurance, laundry services, and cleaning.
Uniquely, Peterson Court is also pet-friendly, making it a great option for animal lovers. Its prime location allows students to explore Dundee, a coastal city known for its cultural heritage and prestigious universities. With its affordability, security, and top-tier amenities, Peterson Court provides an ideal home for students looking for a vibrant and convenient place to stay.
Parker House
Parker House is a top student accommodation in Dundee, highly preferred by students for its prime location and modern facilities. Its close proximity to key areas and universities makes it a convenient choice, while the well-maintained property ensures a comfortable and hassle-free living experience.
The accommodation offers a range of studio and ensuite rooms, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze studio variations, all of which are private, newly renovated, and include double beds. Additionally, there are ensuite rooms in the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Platinum categories, each featuring a private bathroom and a compact double bed.
IQ Parker House provides excellent amenities ensuring a well-rounded living environment. Located in Dundee, Scotland’s fourth-largest city, this student accommodation is surrounded by a vibrant cultural and educational scene, attracting both domestic and international students.
Types of Student Accommodation in Dundee
Before diving into the most affordable accommodation options, it’s essential to understand the various types of housing available to students in Dundee. Each type has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, convenience, and facilities.
University Halls of Residence
University-provided accommodation is often the first choice for freshers. Managed by the University of Dundee or Abertay University, these halls provide a convenient and safe option for students. They are typically located close to campus, eliminating travel costs.
Pros:
- Bills are included in the rent.
- Close proximity to campus and city amenities.
- Social opportunities with fellow students.
- Maintenance and security provided by the university.
Cons:
- More expensive than private rental options.
- Limited availability, especially for returning students.
- Less flexibility in choosing roommates.
Private Student Halls
Private student accommodation providers such as Unite Students, iQ Student Accommodation, and Homes for Students offer modern housing options with various facilities. These accommodations often include gyms, social spaces, and high-speed internet, but they can be more expensive than university halls.
Pros:
- High-quality amenities such as gyms and study lounges.
- Inclusive bills for easy budgeting.
- Located near university campuses.
Cons:
- Generally more expensive than shared flats or HMOs.
- Can have strict contract terms and cancellation policies.
Many students opt for shared flats or houses after their first year. Dundee has a variety of affordable private rentals, particularly in areas such as Stobswell, West End, and Hilltown. A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a common choice, where three or more students share a house.
Pros:
- Cheaper than private student halls.
- More freedom in choosing housemates.
- Flexibility in contract length.
Cons:
- Bills are usually not included.
- May require dealing with private landlords.
- The quality of housing varies.
Homestay or Lodging with Local Families
Some students prefer to live with a host family, which can be a cost-effective option with a homely environment. This is a great choice for international students who want a more immersive cultural experience.
Pros:
- Often includes meals and bills.
- A comfortable and supportive living environment.
- No hassle of managing rent and utilities.
Cons:
- Less independence.
- Limited availability.
Tips to Save Money on Rent in Dundee
Finding cheap student accommodation in Dundee is a key concern for students. Here are some practical ways to save money on rent while studying in Dundee:
- Find Flatmates – Sharing a house or flat with friends or other students can significantly reduce your rent and utility costs.
- Book Early – Student accommodation gets snapped up quickly, so securing a place early ensures better prices and more choices.
- Negotiate Rent – Some landlords may be open to negotiation, especially if you’re willing to sign a longer contract.
- Consider Off-Peak Rental Periods – Some properties offer cheaper rent for 12-month contracts instead of just the academic year.
- Look for Utility-Inclusive Deals – Choosing a property where bills are included in rent can simplify budgeting and save money.
- Use Student Discounts – Some landlords or letting agents offer student discounts, so always ask about available deals.
- Opt for Less Popular Areas – Consider living slightly further from campus, where rental prices are generally lower.
- Sublet During Holidays – If you plan to leave during summer, subletting (with the landlord’s permission) can help you cover rent costs.
Cheapest Areas for Student Accommodation in Dundee
Dundee offers a range of affordable neighbourhoods for students. If you’re looking for cheap student accommodation in Dundee, consider these areas:
West End
The West End is one of the most popular areas for students, particularly those studying at the University of Dundee. This neighbourhood is well-known for its student-friendly atmosphere, with a mix of university halls, private rentals, and shared accommodations. Due to its proximity to campus, students can save money on transportation costs while benefiting from the many cafes, shops, and bars in the area. Rental prices here can vary, but shared flats tend to be more budget-friendly.
City Centre
For students who prefer to live in the heart of the city, the City Centre offers a balance of affordability and convenience. This area is particularly ideal for Abertay University students, as it is within walking distance of campus. While living in the city centre may come with slightly higher rent compared to other areas, students can save money on commuting and have easy access to supermarkets, public transport, and entertainment options. Many shared flats and private student halls provide cost-effective accommodation options here.
Stobswell
Stobswell is one of the cheapest areas in Dundee for student accommodation. It is a quiet residential neighbourhood that offers lower rent prices compared to the city centre and the West End. Students living in Stobswell can find a variety of affordable shared flats and HMOs, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget. The area is well-connected to the universities via public transport, and some students even choose to walk or cycle, further cutting down on commuting costs.
Hilltown
Hilltown is another budget-friendly area in Dundee, known for its lower rental prices and residential environment. While it is slightly further from the universities, it remains well-connected by bus routes, making it a viable option for students looking for cheap accommodation. The area has local shops, supermarkets, and markets that provide affordable groceries and essentials. Many students find that the quieter atmosphere of Hilltown is ideal for studying while still being close enough to Dundee’s vibrant student life.
FAQs
The cost varies depending on the type of accommodation. University halls range from GBP 120-GBP 140 per week, private student halls can be slightly higher, and shared flats in affordable areas can cost around GBP 300-GBP 450 per month.
Some of the most budget-friendly areas include Stobswell, Hilltown, the City Centre, and parts of the West End.
University halls are convenient but can be pricier. Private rentals, especially shared flats, tend to be cheaper but may require managing bills separately.
It’s best to start searching as early as possible, ideally a few months before the academic year begins, to secure the best deals.
University and private student halls typically include bills, but private rentals often require tenants to pay separately for utilities like electricity, gas, and internet.
Check the contract length, deposit requirements, included amenities, and any hidden costs before committing to a property.
Yes, some landlords may be open to negotiation, especially for long-term leases or if renting with a group.
Yes, students can apply for university hardship funds, bursaries, or housing support schemes if they need financial assistance.
Yes, Dundee is considered one of the more affordable student cities in the UK, with lower rent and living costs compared to places like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or London.
If you face issues with your landlord, contact your university’s housing support services, the Dundee City Council, or organizations like Shelter Scotland for advice and assistance.
Finding cheap student accommodation in Dundee requires research and early planning. Whether you choose university halls, private rentals, or shared flats, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. The key is to start searching early, compare prices, and take advantage of resources like university portals and rental platforms.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can secure an affordable place to live while enjoying everything that Dundee has to offer as a student city. Have any personal experiences or tips? Share them in the comments below! For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
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