St Andrews - Ask A Current Student Thread

That really helped me a lot thank you ) My societies that i wish to join includes Mermaids,Ice Skating,Design,Mun and Teddy Bear Hospital and Golf to be exact.And about books and stuff I would get a few dvd's and a book from Waterstone's I guess I I already have a phone but I plan to get a package with mostly the internet coverage only because I can use for skyping everywhere and everytime .Luckily for this year all the book fees and trip fees ) Anyway thanks a lot for this really great advice,I'd spend all my rep points to you

No problem! You said you're international, where are you from? That is quite a mix of societies. If you preferred to keep your phone then you can pick up a sim from Carphone Warehouse in St Andrews. You can get an internet plan with some pay as you go sims. I currently have one with O2, and I know other networks have that option too. Check this link out: http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/price-plans/sim-only/pay-as-you-go/regular-sims; it'll give you more information.

I'll be coming from Turkey for the foundation program.When I arrive I plan to buy a bonsai (hope they'd accept a small one) and a book and a dvd I guess.I was wondering do you know any shop in St.Andrews that sells dvd ?

Thanks once again

What's wrong with being in NUS?

For a University like St Andrews it offers very poor value for money and 'representation' which is driven mostly by a bunch of lefties at far larger Universities. St Andrews would have no real input if it was to join and would be forced to pay large sums of money for services we already provide ourselves. Also some of the NUS's actions in recent years have been frankly embarrassing...!

Is there any possible way to find funding for my accommodation and living costs?

I come from a household income of under £5000 pa, Croatian/EU citizen (and Bosnian, but I'm applying as an EU citizen, for obvious financial reasons). I know EU students are expected to finance themselves, but, as you can see, that is quite impossible in my case. For what it's worth, I have been predicted 44 (+7) points in the IB and had As in Gymnasium (kind of like British Grammar schools). I also have a bunch of extracurriculars (but I've been told they don't matter much in Britain, right?). As for UKCAT, I am exempt, but will that take away from my application?


I know about that 1 full scholarship that includes accommodation, living costs and even a return airplane ticket, but that is 1 scholarship for all the UK/EU students and I don't think I should be getting my hopes up. My wish is to study medicine in the UK, but that seems more unlikely by the moment.
Any suggestions about possible sources of funding? I would be really grateful for some help!

I think you have a healthy balance, which is definitely good. I'm sure universities do take that into consideration--I know when I was interviewed for Imperial the lecturer was pleased that I had been predicted high IB grades whilst being actively involved in my school and local community. Extracurricular activities are in your favour!

I can't say anything about UKCAT, because I simply do not know, but what I do know is that St Andrews does offer scholarships to international students. You should check their website for details. You can always search online for scholarships from private organisations and groups. Your government may even offer scholarships - you never know until you check.

You also have the option of getting a job. Not during the IB--goodness knows the IB is time-consuming already--but over the summer. You can also work part-time during your degree to help with costs.

I also have a bunch of extracurriculars (but I've been told they don't matter much in Britain, right?). As for UKCAT, I am exempt, but will that take away from my application?

I'm a study abroad student whose debating buying tickets for some of the Fresher's Week Events, but I feel a bit awkward about going to something like a dance club or formal event without knowing anyone. Are these events awkward if you're alone, are they good/bad opportunities to meet people?

I think I'll point out that a lot of unis realise extra curriculars IB students do count for CAS and some are under the impression they therefore do not count (I'm an IB grad too wooooo)

Is it true there's a gay bar coming to St. As?

Well that sucks.

Hello fellow IB grad!

I think it's a gay club night rather than a gay bar.

Can't say much about your other points, but extra currics. are definitely important for Medicine. If you're exempt from the UKCAT then they can't really penalise you for it (why are you exempt?).

Question about timetabling: what happens when your compulsory modules clash?