Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Arrival Guide: Your First Week
Master your move to Dundee with our ultimate arrival handbook for freshers at one of the UK's top art and design colleges.
Updated 5 min readDuncan of Jordanstone College of Art
Welcome to Dundee! Stepping onto the campus of the renowned Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), part of the University of Dundee, marks the beginning of an extraordinary creative journey. Whether you are moving from just down the road or crossing international borders to study fine art, graphic design, illustration, or architecture, your first week in Scotland will be a whirlwind of studio introductions, socializing, and administrative tasks. This comprehensive Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art arrival guide is designed to help you navigate your first days smoothly, manage your logistics, and settle into UK student life with absolute confidence.
Preparing for Your Journey to Dundee
Before you pack your sketchbooks, digital tablets, and warmest winter coats, you need to map out your travel logistics. Dundee is exceptionally well-connected, but knowing how to transition from your arrival hub to your student accommodation will save you a world of stress.
Most international and long-distance students fly into Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Glasgow Airport (GLA). From Edinburgh, you can catch a direct train from Edinburgh Gateway or Edinburgh Waverley straight to Dundee Station, or take a direct Citylink coach. From Glasgow, a train via Queen Street station will get you to the city center in about an hour and twenty minutes. Keep in mind that while DJCAD does not always run a dedicated, personalized door-to-door airport pickup service every single day, the University of Dundee typically coordinates welcome teams and transport information hubs at key arrival periods.
The First Week Checklist: Essential Tasks
Your very first week will balance administrative setup with creative orientation. To ensure you do not miss a beat, follow this structured roadmap of priorities during your opening days.
Your Essential First Week Checklist
- Complete online and in-person university registration to collect your matriculation card (student ID).
- Register with a local National Health Service (NHS) doctor's surgery in Dundee.
- Set up a UK bank account if you are an international student (Monzo, Starling, or traditional high-street banks are popular choices).
- Visit the DJCAD studios, locate your specific department workshop, and find your assigned desk space or locker.
- Attend your program induction talks and meet your academic tutors and student mentors.
- Explore the Dundee Student Union (DUSA) building and browse student societies during the Freshers' Fair.
Getting your student ID card sorted early is crucial. Not only does it grant you 24/7 access (where applicable) to the art college studios and library facilities, but it also unlocks massive student discounts on travel, software subscriptions, art supplies, and local cafes.
"The biggest relief in my first week was getting my matriculation card sorted on day two. As soon as I had it, I could access the 3D workshops and print lab, which made me feel like a real art student." - Chloe, BA Fine ArtNavigating Orientation Week and Studio Culture
Orientation week at DJCAD is unlike standard university inductions. Instead of just sitting in lecture halls listening to powerpoint presentations, you will be thrown straight into icebreakers, materials briefings, and studio-based creative challenges. The culture at Duncan of Jordanstone is famously tight-knit, collaborative, and fiercely supportive.
During your first week:
- Expect to meet your peer mentors: Usually second or third-year students who will guide you around the maze-like corridors of the Matthew Building and Crawford Building.
- Understand health and safety: Art and design students work with powerful machinery, chemicals, resins, and digital equipment. Safety inductions in the woodwork, metalwork, printmaking, and laser-cutting workshops are mandatory. Do not skip them!
- Embrace social events: DUSA hosts a massive line-up of events during freshers' week. From themed club nights to quiet craft cafes, there is something for every personality type.
Budgeting and Settling In UK Student Life
Moving away from home requires adapting to a new financial reality. Dundee is widely celebrated as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, making the cost of living far more manageable than Edinburgh, London, or Glasgow. However, art and design courses do come with material costs that you must factor into your budget.
| Expense Category | Average Weekly Cost (Dundee) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University Accommodation | £130 - £175 | Varies based on catered vs. self-catered and en-suite options. |
| Groceries & Household | £40 - £60 | Shopping at Lidl, Aldi, or large Sainsbury's keeps costs low. |
| Art & Design Materials | £15 - £35 (averaged) | Higher at the start of semesters for specialized kits and sketchbooks. |
| Socializing & Leisure | £20 - £40 | Student discounts at local Dundee pubs and cafes help stretch funds. |
| Local Transport | £10 - £15 | Walking is free, but buses are handy for rainy days. |
When settling in UK student routines, take advantage of the local art shops in Dundee, such as Ken Barland or online student discount platforms like Cass Art, to secure cheaper canvases, paints, and drafting tools. Never buy top-tier materials until your tutors specify exact course requirements during your introductory lectures.
Overcoming Culture Shock and Homesickness
Moving to a new city—especially one as unique and coastal as Dundee—brings a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The Scottish weather can be unpredictable, the local dialect (Dundonian or 'Doric' influences) might take a few days to decipher, and the workload in a top-tier creative college can feel intense right out of the gate.
Remember that every single fresher in your studio is feeling the exact same way. Keep your studio desk tidy, introduce yourself to your neighbors, leave your workspace door open during social hours, and don't hesitate to reach out to the University of Dundee's dedicated Student Services and mental health counseling teams if you feel overwhelmed. Your first week is a marathon, not a sprint; give yourself grace as you find your creative footing at Duncan of Jordanstone.