Dundee named one of the UK’s best student cities in new national rankings
- Andrew Batchelor
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Dundee has once again been recognised as one of the very best places in the UK to be a student after new research ranked the city fourth overall for university life.
The study, carried out by student accommodation provider Canvas Student ahead of this year’s university admissions and Clearing period, analysed a range of factors including affordability, graduate salaries, safety, libraries, nightlife and the overall student experience.
With A-level Results Day now less than a month away and a record 665,000 students applying for UK university places in the 2026 entry cycle, the findings offer fresh insight into which cities provide the strongest balance between academic success and quality of life.
Dundee performed particularly strongly thanks to its affordability, recording one of the UK’s lowest estimated monthly living costs at £768. The city was also found to have the cheapest average pint, costing £4.30, and the most affordable coffee at £3.29, helping reinforce its reputation as one of Scotland’s most budget-friendly student destinations.
Only Aberdeen, York and one other city ranked above Dundee in the overall league table, with Aberdeen taking first place thanks to its combination of strong graduate salaries, low crime levels and vibrant student community.
Commenting on the findings, Herman Barros, UK Director of Student Operations at Canvas Student, said prospective students should think beyond university league tables when deciding where to study.
He said choosing the right city was about finding somewhere that supports both academic success and everyday life, encouraging students to consider affordability, career opportunities, study facilities and overall quality of life before making their final decision.
Home to both the University of Dundee and Abertay University, Dundee has built a strong reputation as one of Scotland’s leading student cities.
With thousands of students arriving from across the UK and around the world each year, the latest ranking provides further recognition of the city’s growing appeal as an affordable, welcoming and vibrant place to live and study.
