Episode Transcript

Graduation day is the culmination of a student's time at university. When he or she looks back on her time, however, it should be with an appreciation of everything experienced – in and out of the lecture theatre or laboratory.

The University of Dundee has developed something of a peerless track record for the context in which every student can learn.For the sixth year running it was voted top student experience in Scotland by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2015.

It was first in the UK for its centralized and convenient facilities as well as for affordable prices across shops, bars and amenities. It was second for its students’ union, and was in the top 10 for social life, community atmosphere, extra-curricular activities and societies, high quality facilities, and sports facilities. The Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA) is a vibrant and active part of everyday life for students in Dundee. This doesn't only mean the time to relax and have fun, but support for the everyday problems that come with perhaps living away from home for the first time, living on a tight budget, and the pressures that some people can feel during some periods of their academic life.

The Hive is the student body that can assist students with practical issues, giving independent and confidential advice to help individuals make informed decisions on how to tackle problems, whether they are university-based or not. Advice is available on housing, how to stay safe, money and how to budget, academic support, employment, general and sexual health, and special advice for those who have travelled to Dundee from outside of the UK.

University is a character-forming time, and having this level of personal support on hand can only help to guide those students who need a little more advice at times. It is also a time to become involved in pursuits that inspire and complement the academic life.

There are more than 140 societies at the University of Dundee and every student will find the blend that suits them. If there is a politically aware Harry Potter fan who likes to indulge in a spot of Far Eastern cookery, they will find societies to satisfy them. Similarly those with a passion for a great cup of tea who enjoy a game of pool but also fancy treading the boards with the University theatre company.

The societies range from the academic to the arts-based, the sporting to the simply social to the spiritual and, of course the political. Students at the University of Dundee are active in fundraising and DUSA runs a Raising and Giving (RAG) campaign each year. This identifies a local charity and concentrates on raising awareness as well as raining money.Those who have experienced life at the University of Dundee are keen to maintain a relationship through the active alumni organisations.

There are publications and networks that allow university friends to reconnect and to give something back to the university that helped to shape their future.In 2017, alumni reunions will be highly significant, wherever our former students are in the world now. Returning to visit their alma mater, they will find today's students enjoying the benefits of a University voted best in Scotland for the past two years by The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide and continuing to flourish.