Dundee offers a vibrant student life to foreign individuals. It houses two famous colleges, the University of Dundee and Abertay Uni. These are renowned for their top-tier schooling and diverse campus. Moreover, the ‘City of Discovery’ is widely known for its affordability. However, student accommodation in Dundee can still take up a significant chunk of your budget. Fear not! With careful planning and savvy decision-making skills, you can save money on your housing in this dynamic city.
Tips to Stick to Budget While Finding Accommodation
This guide will equip you with tips and tricks on how to reduce your cost of living and lodgings. Moreover, it will also help you stay on a budget.
The Early Bird Finds the Best Deals
Starting your search early for student accommodation in UK is crucial. Many properties are listed well in advance of the college year to attract students. And the best value options and apartments among them are quickly booked. If you leave searching for a flat to the last day, you will be left with fewer choices and higher prices. Hence, you must begin your search several months before you plan to move.
You can either start by late spring or early summer, or just after you get your offer letter.
Embrace Shared Living Spaces
There are various types of student accommodation in Dundee from which you can choose. It will affect your budget, lifestyle, and the overall college experience. Sharing lodgings is the most efficient way to save on rent. Moreover, they also let you have the necessary freedom.
- Shared houses/ flats: This is the most common and budget-friendly option for you as a foreign student. Renting a 2-bedroom or larger property would mean splitting the rent and utility bills, like internet, water, gas, and more. You will, moreover, find a range of options in Dundee for it.
- Uni halls: They are a good starting point for freshers. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also come with ready-made social groups. Furthermore, this student accommodation in Dundee also comes with utility bills added to the rent. You can find a variety of rooms with different pricing structures in all the colleges in the city. Remember, it is essential to compare these options carefully to choose the one best suited to you.
Location and Travel
Dundee is a compact city, meaning many areas are within walking distance or a short bus ride away. However, the rent varies depending on how central or famous the place is.
- City Centre: These areas are highly in demand due to their proximity to the colleges and amenities in the city. While they make life easier, it comes at a cost. The student accommodation in Dundee city center comes with higher rents and demands.
- Hilltown, Blackness, Stobswell, Coldside: These are more cost-friendly options with good transport links to the uni campus. For example, the rent in Hilltown starts from 350 pounds a month. So, don’t be afraid of searching for lodgings in areas a little further out if they are well-connected to the city.
Remember to factor in the cost and time of your travel when you assess a property. A slightly cheaper rent further away might still throw off our budget if the travel cost is high.
Know What Is Included?
Before you make a choice and say yes to a lodging, look at what is added to its rent.
- All-inclusive vs Billed extra: Some housing and college halls offer all-inclusive rent. This covers your utilities like gas, electricity, internet, and water, and even a TV license sometimes. This makes budgeting simple and can make living cheaper than when you need to pay separate bills. If bills are extra in a lodging, ask about the estimated monthly cost per person.
- Council tax: As a full-time student, you are exempt from Council Tax in Dundee. However, if you share a house with non-students, the house will be liable to taxation. Hence, it is best to always clarify with the landlord about your role in this event.
- Furnished vs Unfurnished: Moreover, if you rent a property that already has its sofa, table, kitchen, etc., it will cost you more. However, it will save you the upfront cost of buying new furniture. If you find a great deal on a raw house, you can look at second-hand items from local shops.
Tips on Saving Cost: Budget and Beyond
- Create a budget: Track your expenses and income with the help of apps and simple spreadsheets. It will help you stick to a realistic amount for rent, food, travel, and more.
- Cook at home: Try to avoid going out as much as possible to stay within a budget. Eating out or takeout can also add up quickly. Learn to cook simple, healthy meals and find grocery stores selling cheaper groceries.
- Student discounts: Moreover, take complete advantage of your Student ID by using the student discounts at shops, cafes, and more. Furthermore, you can get a TOTUM card to avail of these offers.
Conclusion
Selecting the right student accommodation in UK that saves cost and is a home is difficult. However, it is one of the most crucial steps in your study abroad process. With careful planning and research, you can find a place that feels like home and doesn’t drain your bank account.
