o.k. For the vast majority of you this will be your first time living away from home and you'll be a little scared and afraid of this change, but who cares, what is foremost in your mind is getting your hands on that loan cheque and how you're going to spend it. Some of you will be deciding weather to buy that stereo you've always wanted, which is a good idea to a certain degree. Some will be thinking about how to save it, which is very sensible and the rest will be thinking about how many nights that loan will be able to take them out, but one thing is for sure, "you'll all want to buy new clothes". So this is a run down of some of the best shops Dundee has to offer whatever your style.

A clubbers guide to…
Dundee has a good nightlife if you look hard enough, but to be suitably ready for this there are a few shops which offer the right style for the occasion. One of the best is OCI- ANO located on Panmare Street just opposite the Wellgate. It has some of the best clothes for both sexes; some of these include Diesel, Miss Sixty, Firetrap, Psycho Cowboy, Criminal and many more, plus if you have a Snap Fax (snap fax's can also show you how to get your hands on a carryout any time of the day or night - by the way - Job) you'll be able to get a 10% discount. Another bonus is the sales that OCI-ANO has, if you get in quick enough there are some real bargains to be had; so it is worth the look if you get the opportunity. Another couple are Manifesto located on union street and USC, which is on the top floor of the Overgate. Both offer the same style of clothes, and prices are reasonable. With the new union coming soon and the opening of the new "super club" (Circus) they are the places to put on the list if you're serious about your clothes.

A skater - hip-hop guide to….
When you first come to Dundee it won't be to long before you notice the amount of skaters there are about the place and if this is the style which best suits you the best place to go is OZZYS. It is located on Meadowside road behind the Wellgate. If you love hip-hop and skating this is heaven. There is a massive selection of baggy pants, t-shirts, skateboards, and hooded tops. it also includes labels like Darkstar, Alien Workshop, Blind, Fubu and Road. It also has a wide verity of other clothes so it won't be hard to find something that suits you. Another shop is in the Overgate, FreeSpirit - which is aimed more towards the skater/suffer look. It has a good verity of shirts, shoes combats and shorts (not to mention some sweet Oakley's -Ed). The prices are all right but look around, because you can always find something that won't break the bank.

A jocks guide to…
I know I'm using the usual stereotypes but while at university these do apply. So if you're into sports there are a good few shops. A couple are First Sport which is on the bottom floor of the Overgate, it's not to bad but the variety is limited. The best is Sports and Soccer on the top floor; when you first walk in you'll wonder how your going to get to the other side, the place is massive and it isn't hard to get lost, especially if your hung over. This place has everything, golf, football, basket ball, running, swimming, plus it has the best verity of sports shoes in Dundee and the prices are really good so it is one to see.

So that's it, I hope this has been some use. Remember, there's still a good few other shops, but the best way to find the ones you'd like is to have a walk around, and some of the best ones are down the side roads in the city centre so don't be afraid to have a look. Enjoy your shopping and that loan...

Article by Jerome Hamill 27 September 2001