Scotland is home to some of the UK's best universities, spread across three distinct cities. If you're choosing where to study, this comprehensive comparison will help you decide between Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Factor | Dundee | Edinburgh | Glasgow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Rent (avg/month) | £450-550 Best Value | £700-900 | £550-700 |
| Cost of Living | Low | High | Medium |
| City Size | Compact | Medium | Large |
| Walkability | Excellent Best | Good | Moderate |
Cost of Living
This is where Dundee really shines. Living costs can make or break your student experience, and here's how the cities compare:
Dundee
- Rent: £450-550/month all-inclusive is common. Private studios available from £500.
- Eating out: Food and cafes are significantly cheaper than the bigger cities.
- Transport: Most students walk everywhere—the city is very compact.
- Overall: You can comfortably live on your student loan here.
Edinburgh
- Rent: £700-900/month is typical, and can exceed £1,000 for central locations.
- Eating out: Tourist prices mean restaurants and cafes cost more.
- Transport: Excellent but expensive—budget £50-70/month.
- Overall: Most students need part-time work to supplement their loan.
Glasgow
- Rent: £550-700/month on average, rising in the West End.
- Eating out: More affordable than Edinburgh, great student deals on food.
- Transport: Subway plus buses—budget £40-60/month.
- Overall: Good balance of affordability and city life.
💰 Money Saver: Students in Dundee save an estimated £2,000-4,000 per year compared to Edinburgh, while still enjoying a fantastic university experience.
University Rankings & Reputation
All three cities have excellent universities, each with their strengths:
- University of Edinburgh: Russell Group, globally ranked, exceptional for medicine, law, and sciences.
- University of Glasgow: Russell Group, beautiful campus, strong across most subjects.
- University of Dundee: Top 30 UK university, world-leading in life sciences, design, and medicine.
- Abertay University: UK's #1 for video games courses, excellent for computing and business.
Social Life & Culture
Dundee
- V&A Dundee: World-class design museum with free student entry.
- Student community: Tighter-knit, easier to make friends.
Edinburgh
- Famous festivals: Fringe, Hogmanay, countless events year-round.
- Tourist hub: Always something happening, but can feel crowded.
Glasgow
- Music scene: Arguably the best in Scotland.
- Arts & culture: Excellent museums, galleries, and theatres.
The Verdict
There's no wrong choice—it depends on your priorities:
- Choose Dundee if: You want maximum value for money, a compact walkable city, and a close-knit student community.
- Choose Edinburgh if: You love history and culture, don't mind higher costs, and want a globally-recognised university name.
- Choose Glasgow if: You want big-city life with better affordability than Edinburgh and a great arts scene.
Studying in Dundee?
iLm Student Halls offers premium all-inclusive accommodation just 3 minutes from Abertay University, helping you make the most of Dundee's affordable student lifestyle.
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