Student Accommodation near Abertay University (AU)

Location: Situated in the heart of Dundee, the campus is compact, with all buildings within a quarter of a mile, making it easy to navigate. Dundee itself is described as a vibrant, edgy, friendly, and affordable city on Scotland's east coast. It's also known as the UK's only UNESCO City of Design and has been ranked as the "best place to live in Scotland." Dundee is a significant student city, with approximately one in five residents being a student. 

Academic Focus: Abertay is particularly well-known for its strong programs in computer games and art design, being the only UK university with official accreditation in both fields. It also excels in areas like IT, business, economics, biotechnology, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity. They were the first university in the world to offer degrees in computer games (1997) and ethical hacking (2006).  

Rankings and Recognition
Ranked 74th in the Times University Guide 2025. 
Ranked 79th in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 
Consistently ranked among the UK's top 10 for student experience and top 20 for teaching quality.  
Named UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality by the Sunday Times in 2021.  
Recognized as the #1 in Europe for video games education by the Princeton Review for several consecutive years.

Industry Connections: Abertay has strong links with various industries, including companies like Sony, Microsoft, Rare, and Codemasters, providing students with opportunities for work placements, projects, and guest lectures. 

Campus and Facilities: The city-centre campus offers modern facilities, including the Bernard King Library with extensive resources, Abertay Sport with a gym and various sports teams, and the Abertay cyberQuarter, a dedicated cybersecurity research and development centre.

Accommodation: Abertay offers four self-catering residences located within easy walking or traveling distance to the university. These are furnished flats with kitchen and laundry facilities. Priority for accommodation is often given to undergraduate students from outside the local area. 

Student life at Abertay is described as friendly and community-oriented, benefiting from the university's compact size and Dundee's welcoming nature. 

Living in Dundee: Dundee is considered an affordable city for students, with monthly household costs being roughly 20% cheaper than the national average. It offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Culturally, it boasts attractions like the V&A Dundee, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and the Dundee Rep Theatre. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are beaches, parks, and the nearby Angus hills. 

Clubs and Societies: Abertay University has a range of student-led clubs and societies covering diverse interests, from sports to cultural activities and academic pursuits. These are a great way to meet people with shared passions. The Abertay Students' Association supports these groups and can help students start their own societies. 

Sports: Abertay Sport offers a variety of sports clubs that compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues. The university has a strong rivalry with the University of Dundee, culminating in an annual Varsity competition. 

Accommodation: Student residences at Abertay are self-catered and en-suite, providing a comfortable and secure living environment close to the campus. 

Student Support: Abertay provides various support services for students, covering personal, academic, and financial matters. They also have a Careers Service to help students with opportunities and career development during and after their studies. The "MySuccess" modules and microcredentials aim to enhance students' skills and personal growth throughout their university journey. 

International Community: Abertay has a diverse student body with a significant number of international students (around 20%), creating a multicultural learning environment. They offer specific support and guidance for international students, including visa information and pre-arrival guides. 

Local Student Integration: Abertay actively encourages local students to engage fully in university life, emphasizing the benefits of Dundee as a student-friendly and affordable city. They promote participation in extracurricular activities to foster friendships and a strong university experience for all students, regardless of their origin. 

Events and Activities: While specific details of regular events aren't heavily promoted in the search results, the presence of a strong Students' Association and numerous clubs and societies suggests a calendar of social and cultural activities throughout the academic year. 

For students at Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, here's a breakdown of good areas for student housing, considering various factors:

Key Factors to Consider:

Proximity to Campus: Abertay University's campus is centrally located in Dundee.

Transport Links: Dundee has a good bus network, and the train station is also centrally located.

Amenities: Consider access to shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

Affordability: Dundee generally has a reasonable cost of living compared to other UK cities.

Student Life: Areas with a higher student population can offer a more vibrant social scene.

Right in Dundee (Walking Distance or Short Bus Ride):

Discovery Point: Home to Captain Scott's Antarctic exploration vessel, the RRS Discovery. Explore the ship and learn about its incredible voyages.

V&A Dundee: A stunning design museum on the waterfront, showcasing Scottish and international design innovation. Its architecture alone is worth seeing.

Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA): A hub for art exhibitions, independent cinema, and creative workshops. It also has a popular cafe bar.

Verdant Works: A preserved jute mill that tells the story of Dundee's industrial heritage and the lives of the mill workers.

McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum: A beautiful Victorian Gothic building housing collections of art, history, and natural history.

Howff Cemetery: A historic and atmospheric burial ground with elaborate monuments, offering a glimpse into Dundee's past.

City Centre Shopping: Abertay University is centrally located, making it easy to access the city centre's shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Dundee Law: An extinct volcanic hill offering panoramic views of the city, the River Tay, and the surrounding countryside. It's a great spot for a walk and some fresh air.

Dundee Science Centre: An interactive science museum perfect for engaging with science and technology.

City Centre:

• Proximity to Abertay: Excellent. The university campus is in the city centre, making it ideal for walking to classes.
• Amenities: Abundant shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues are within walking distance.
• Transport Links: Dundee's bus station and train station are located in the city centre, providing excellent connections.
• Affordability: A range of options are available, including university halls and private rentals, with varying price points.
• Student Life: Lively and vibrant, with a large student population from Abertay and the University of Dundee.

West End:

• Proximity to Abertay: Good. The West End is within walking distance (around 15-20 minutes) or a short bus ride to the university.
• Amenities: A mix of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the city centre.
• Transport Links: Well-served by bus routes connecting to the city centre and the university.
• Affordability: Can be slightly more affordable than the immediate city centre, with a mix of traditional flats and houses.
• Student Life: Popular with students, offering a balance between proximity to the university and a quieter residential feel.

Broughty Ferry:

• Proximity to Abertay: Requires a bus or train journey (around 15-20 minutes).
• Amenities: A charming coastal suburb with its own shops, restaurants, and a more relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.
• Transport Links: Good bus and train connections to Dundee city centre.
• Affordability: Can be slightly more expensive than other areas due to its desirability.
• Student Life: While popular with students, it tends to have a broader demographic.

Lochee:

• Proximity to Abertay: Accessible by bus (around 15-20 minutes).
• Amenities: A more local area with its own shops and services.
• Transport Links: Regular bus services to the city centre and university.
• Affordability: Generally more affordable than the city centre or West End.
• Student Life: More of a residential area, but with a student presence due to the lower cost of living.

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