THE UNIVERSITY
Most people recognize St. Andrews university as the oldest university
in Scotland and the third oldest in the UK. However, probably the
most prominent characteristic of St. Andrews University is its size.
It is a small university in a small college town – perhaps comparable
to the small private colleges on the American East Coast. The population
of the University is only 6,000. There is a high intellectual climate
in the town of St. Andrew as about a third of the entire population
is university-affiliated.
Despite St. Andrews size it provides many research opportunities for
the interested student. In addition, facilities such as computer labs,
media centers, libraries, and sports centers are easily accessible.
As mentioned previously, St. Andrews fosters a thriving intellectual
environment and in turn has many well-respected academic departments.
The humanities, arts, and languages are especially strong. Classes
tend to be small and grading is very individualized, usually based
on written work.
University accommodation services are very helpful in placing students
in housing. Most, if not all, students live in University housing.
There are a variety of residences such as self-catering houses and
dorm-style co-ops. Because St. Andrews has such a rich history, most
of the university residences are in architecturally beautiful brilliant
buildings that look more like historical monuments than student residences.
The St. Andrews web site supplies excellent descriptions and photographs
of all available residences.
St. Andrews does not have an excessive amount of student societies
as many of the other larger British universities do, however, there
are some organizations such as the student newspaper and a chemical
engineering society. Because the town is small and cannot offer students
a huge array of pubs and clubs, the student union is very active in
providing entertainment for students. The union organizes activities
from dances to club nights to live music nights. There are also active
sports clubs for students to join.
THE CITY
As already noted, the town of St. Andrews is quite small but nevertheless
a charming place to reside. Located on the coast, the town is rich
with historical buildings, churches, and castles. The city center
consists of shops, pubs, and restaurants although the sometimes touristy
feel of the town can detract from it sustaining a real “college-town”
quality. Home to the oldest golf course in the world St. Andrews is
ideal for the golf lover. In concurrence with the universities academic
strengths; cultural and arts festivities plentiful. Although St. Andrews
is one of the most enjoyable places in Scotland a word of caution
must be offered to the UC student. St. Andrews is by no means an urban
city and the small atmosphere of the college is very different from
the large, anonymous feel of the UC campuses.
The town is easy to navigate by foot although there is a small bus
service. Larger bus lines connect St. Andrews with just about every
other city and town in Scotland and provide the perfect opportunity
for day and overnight trips.