Student Guide to Dundee Nightlife: Best Bars, Deals & Tips
Welcome to Dundee! Whether you're starting at Dundee University or Abertay, you've picked a city with brilliant nightlife. Here's everything you need to know.
The Best Student Nights
Monday - Student Night at Balcony Bar
The Deals:
- £3 Nips & Dash
- Free karaoke all night
Why It's Great: Start your week right with cheap drinks and karaoke bangers.
Thursday - The Big Student Night
Thursday is THE student night in Dundee. Balcony Bar fills with pre-drinks crowds before people head to the clubs.
Friday & Saturday - Weekend Vibes
More mixed crowds but still student-friendly prices at Balcony Bar.
Student Deals at Balcony Bar
With Valid Student ID:
- £3 Nips & Dash
- 20% off food (Mon-Thurs at Lounge)
- Cocktail jug deals
Pro Tip: Always carry your student ID!
Best Venues for Students
Balcony Bar (5 Ward Road)
Why Students Love It:
- Cheap drinks
- Free karaoke 7 nights
- Two venues (Lounge + Karaoke Bar)
- Food available
- Central location
Best For: Pre-drinks, karaoke nights, food deals
Other Student-Friendly Spots
The Seagate area has multiple venues perfect for students on a budget.
Budget Night Out Guide
The £20 Night Out
At Balcony Bar:
- 3-4 drinks during deals: £8-10
- Entry to venues: Free or £2-5
- Taxi home: £5-10
Total: Around £20
The £30 Night Out
More Generous:
- 4-5 drinks: £12-15
- Snacks/food: £5-8
- Getting home: £5-10
Total: Around £30
Money-Saving Tips
- Pre-drink at home - saves loads
- Hit student nights - cheaper everything
- Eat before drinking - avoid expensive late-night food
- Walk if you can - save taxi money
- Use student deals - always ask!
Getting Around
From Dundee Uni
To Balcony Bar:
- 10-minute walk through city centre
- Follow signs to Ward Road
From Abertay
To Balcony Bar:
- 5-minute walk
- Straight down to city centre
Night Transport
- Last buses: Usually around midnight
- Taxis: Available all night
- Walking: Safe on main roads with friends
First Week/Freshers Tips
Surviving Freshers Week
- Pace yourself - it's a marathon, not a sprint
- Stay hydrated - water between drinks
- Eat properly - don't skip meals
- Budget - freshers week is expensive
- Make friends - talk to people!
Best Freshers Night Out
The Classic Route:
- Pre-drinks at halls
- Head to Balcony Bar for karaoke
- Continue to clubs if you want
Staying Safe
Essential Safety Tips
- Stay with friends - buddy system works
- Watch your drink - never leave it unattended
- Know your limits - it's okay to stop
- Plan your way home - before you start drinking
- Charge your phone - you'll need it
Ask Angela
If you ever feel unsafe, go to the bar and "Ask for Angela." Staff will help you.
What to Wear
Dundee Dress Code
Dundee is pretty relaxed:
- Smart casual works everywhere
- No need to overdress
- Comfortable shoes (you'll be walking)
- Layers (Scottish weather!)
What Works at Balcony Bar
- Casual is fine
- Jeans and nice top
- No dress code really
- Trainers acceptable
The Student Social Scene
Making Friends
Nightlife is great for meeting people:
- Join societies that do socials
- Talk to coursemates about going out
- Karaoke breaks the ice
- Regular venues = familiar faces
Society Nights
Many uni societies do nights at Balcony Bar:
- Sports teams
- Academic societies
- International students
- Various clubs
Food for Students
Balcony Lounge Deals
20% off food Mon-Thurs with student ID!
Budget Options:
- Soup of the Day: £3.50
- Mince Roll: £3.50
- Chips: £3.50
Full Meals:
- Burgers from £9.50
- Mains from £8.50
- Kids portions available (smaller appetite, smaller price)
The Academic Year Calendar
September - Freshers
Peak student energy. Everything's busy, everyone's excited.
October - November
Settling in. Regular student nights establish.
December
Exams then Christmas break. Quiet then busy.
January - February
New semester. Cold but nightlife continues.
March - April
Assignment season. Stress relief needed.
May - June
Exams then end of year celebrations.
Dundee vs Other Student Cities
Why Dundee Is Great
- Cheaper than Edinburgh/Glasgow
- Compact - everything walkable
- Friendly - locals are welcoming
- Two unis - big student population
- Good venues - quality over quantity
Your First Night Out Checklist
Before Going:
- [ ] Charged phone
- [ ] Student ID
- [ ] Cash backup
- [ ] Friends' numbers saved
- [ ] Know how you're getting home
During:
- [ ] Stay with group
- [ ] Drink water
- [ ] Look after mates
- [ ] Have fun!
After:
- [ ] Get home safe
- [ ] Text friends you're home
- [ ] Hydrate before bed
The Bottom Line
Dundee's nightlife is brilliant for students. Affordable, friendly, and fun. Start at Balcony Bar for karaoke and cheap drinks, then explore from there.
See you soon!
Balcony Bar - Where Dundee students come to party