Dundee is known as the City of Discovery, in honor of Dundee's history of scientific exploration and research. The city also holds a strong literary and artistic heritage, two renowned universities, and is chock full of student-centered activities. With less rainfall and more sunny days, Dundee also has the nicest climate of all of Scotland’s cities. Discover this city full of “passion, belief, ambition, and vision.”

STUDENT LIFE

Dundee has more students per person than any other city in the United Kingdom, meaning that local businesses cater to student needs.

University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is a large university with 17,000 students. The university is known for its academics, which include everything from Neuroscience to European Politics to Jewellery and Metal Design. Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design is one of the leading art schools in the UK. On the scientific side, the medical and life sciences research consistently achieve the highest ranking for UK university standards.

Dundee University Students’ Association was voted the best union in Scotland and the fourth best in the UK. The Union boasts two bars, two nightclubs, food outlets, shops, and a pool room. Club nights at the union feature different themes and different types of music: pop, dance/electronic, even “Spice up your life” which features throwbacks from the 80’s and 90’s. There are over 60 student societies, ranging from the role playing society to YES (young entrepreneur society). Sports are a big part of life at Dundee, having its own union and 44 different teams. The athletic facilities are rated so highly that the university has been included within the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

CULTURE AND LEISURE

With a population of 150,000, Dundee is not huge but has all the cultural and leisure activities you would expect in a large city. While you’re not going to classes or studying for exams, there are plenty of activities around town to keep you entertained:

• Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is a world class center for the development and exhibition of contemporary art and culture, home to large galleries of contemporary art, a two-screen arthouse cinema, an open-access Print Studio and extensive education facilities. DCA is also a social hub for Dundee with a popular bar, restaurant and live events. Located adjacent to the main University of Dundee city center campus, DCA works closely with staff and students of the University and houses the Visual Research Center for the University’s College of Art and Design.

• Broughty Castle Museum was built in 1496 and faced many sieges and battles in its hayday. Today, it displays the life and times of the suburb of Broughty Ferry, its people, and the local wildlife.  Displays include a military gallery and a “Broughty Life” gallery.

• Caird Hall is a unique hybrid concert and conference venue hosting a full range of opera, ballet, comedy, choral, classical, pop/rock and traditional concerts throughout the year.

• McManus Galleries and Museum is a gorgeous gothic-style museum built in 1867, the McManus is home to fine arts, historical, and environmental collections.

• Established in the 1930s, Dundee is home to Scotland's only full-time repertory ensemble, “Dundee Rep”. The ensemble is housed at The Dundee Repertory Theatre along with the Scottish Dance Theatre

• Dundee Law is a 400 million year old volcano right outside the city (don’t worry, it’s extinct!). Prehistoric graves and Roman artifacts have been uncovered on the volcano, and the 572-foot peak provides visitors with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area.

• The RRS Discovery is a major tourist attraction and is located at Dundee’s Discovery Point, an interactive, educational, and historical site. The ship carried Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton on the Discovery Expedition to Antarctica in 1901.

• Camperdown Country Park is the largest public park in Dundee and holds over 190 species of trees. The park also holds a cinema, an ice rink, and a wildlife center.

• Dundee's city centre offers a wide variety of shopping. The Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres are the two major shopping areas, offering a mix of inexpensive and designer shopping.

• For a more unique shopping experience, Dundee's Cultural Quarter offers everything from antique jewelry to record shops.

• Cheer on the local football teams: Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League and Dundee FC in the Scottish First Division.

• In addition to the university student unions, there are many nightclubs and bars to keep students entertained. London Nightclub and Yuppies Bar provide dance music and student discounts. Fat Sams Nightclub offers a mix of dance nights, live music, and themed events.

HISTORY AND FUN FACTS

•The name "Dundee" comes from the Gaelic words “dun” (hill or fort) and “Daig”, who was thought to be an early local chieftain.

•Beginning in the 12th century, the city was an important trading port and a major centre for shipbuilding

•Robert the Bruce was proclaimed King of Scots in 1309 in Dundee

•Dundee is famous for its three J's; Jute, Jam and Journalism.

•DC Thomson, a part of the “J” for journalism, continues to produce many newspapers, magazines, and comics in Dundee.

FESTIVALS

•Literary Dundee festival – Events include everything from literary workshops to book signings.

•Fest ‘n’ Furious – This festival hosts traditional Scottish music, concerts, workshops, community events and films and allows the public to participate in musical activities.

•Dundee Blues Bonanza – A free three-day blues festival that includes over thirty city centre venues and international acts.

•Winter Light Night – A night of performances, art, dances, and children’s events associated with sound and light. The event celebrates the community and culture of Dundee.

•Six Cities Design Festival An international design festival that takes place over Scotland’s six cities. There are over 300 free exhibitions and events that happen throughout the cities.

FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM DUNDEE

•A.L. Kennedy (writer)

•Brian Cox (Hollywood actor)

•KT Tunstall (musician – attended the High School of Dundee)

•Mary Shelley (author – Stayed in Dundee to improve poor health and mental clarity. She credits Dundee in her writings for opening up her imagination)

•Snow Patrol (band – attended the University of Dundee)

•Thomas Dick (writer)

•William Wallace (Attended the High School of Dundee. Dundee is where it is said that Wallace killed the son of the English Governor of Dundee, beginning his war of independence)