St Andrews - Ask A Current Student Thread

Hi! I am really confused by the module system! I am studying philosophy starting this september at St Andrews, and I just don't understand what module choices I should take. The information all seems to be conflicting. On the St Andrews website under philosophy there is a section which says first year modules. There are only 4 possible choices for philosophy, adding up to only 80 credits, but I need to get 120 each year right? Am I allowed to pick completely different modules? I am really confused, especially when in the course catalogue there are about 12 philosophy modules available, and then on Isaint when I come to putting the choices in there are about 200+ module choices! I am really confused, can somebody explain this to me! I am lost! Also with regards to reading lists, do I need to purchase any books before I arrive as the reading list doesn't really make it clear. Will I just get the books in the first week?

hey, I saw this somewhere on st andrews' site -

"Some immunisations MUST be proven up to date at least two weeks’ prior to coming to St. Andrews
These are:


is this true? because I don't have either

This document explains the module requirements for studying philosophy (either on its own, or with another subject).

Don't be concerned that there doesn't appear to be enough credits for philosophy from the courses listed. At St Andrews you take three subjects in your first two years, which equates to 40 credits per subject per year, or, put another way, one module per subject per semester (so you don't do anymore of the subject you applied for than you do of the others at this point). For first year philosophy, these 40 credits must include PY1006 (Reasoning and Knowledge) in the second semester, and either PY1005 (Mind and Reality) or PY1105 (Ethical Controversies) in the first semester.

So you can put these modules into iSaint, and then chose 2 first year modules each (one for each semester) from 2 other subjects to complete your 120 credits.

Your adviser will help you out during Freshers' to make sure you're taking the modules you need for for each subject.

If you type in the module codes here, then you should be given a reading list with comments as to which books are important / recommended for purchase. Generally you're not expected to have done any reading before the first lectures, and often the first lecture itself will include information about which books you might need. There is a Blackwells bookshop in the student union which stocks the books required for each course.

This document explains the module requirements for studying philosophy (either on its own, or with another subject).

Don't be concerned that there doesn't appear to be enough credits for philosophy from the courses listed. At St Andrews you take three subjects in your first two years, which equates to 40 credits per subject per year, or, put another way, one module per subject per semester (so you don't do anymore of the subject you applied for than you do of the others at this point). For first year philosophy, these 40 credits must include PY1006 (Reasoning and Knowledge) in the second semester, and either PY1005 (Mind and Reality) or PY1105 (Ethical Controversies) in the first semester.

So you can put these modules into iSaint, and then chose 2 first year modules each (one for each semester) from 2 other subjects to complete your 120 credits.

Your adviser will help you out during Freshers' to make sure you're taking the modules you need for for each subject.

If you type in the module codes here, then you should be given a reading list with comments as to which books are important / recommended for purchase. Generally you're not expected to have done any reading before the first lectures, and often the first lecture itself will include information about which books you might need. There is a Blackwells bookshop in the student union which stocks the books required for each course.

I was wondering how the post service works to the halls at the uni? I'm going to be in St Regulus hall, and I can't seem to find any info as to how I would send/recieve mail from there. It's a bit of a concern as I'm going up on the train so need to send some bulky stuff (duvet, laptop etc) up by post... how do I address it? And will there be somebody to sign for it?

I was wondering how the post service works to the halls at the uni? I'm going to be in St Regulus hall, and I can't seem to find any info as to how I would send/recieve mail from there. It's a bit of a concern as I'm going up on the train so need to send some bulky stuff (duvet, laptop etc) up by post... how do I address it? And will there be somebody to sign for it?

Sending post is same as anywhere, i.e. post box/post office. The post office is located inside the WHSmith on South Street.

Receiving post is slightly different for each hall, but I assume Regs is similar to Sallies (where I was 1st year). In Sallies the porters take in the post, they sign for anything that needs to be signed for: letters go in your pigeonhole, parcels are kept in the porters office and they leave a slip in your pigeonhole to let you know to pick it up. I had a duvet and all sorts of bulky stuff delivered, for which the porters ribbed me a bit

Address is your name and room number, then the official address of the hall, which should be on the website under Residences (I know Regs is on Queens Gardens, but I don't know the postcode).

I was in regs

Just address it to

Your name
St Regulus Hall
Queens Gardens
St. Andrews
KY16 9TQ

In blackadder

They're double beds in ABH

Is it really cold and horrible weather in winter aha? Also, is the night life really terrible? Any clubs in St.Andrews?
For accommodation, are there any old, but self catering halls?

Hi, opened a thread about this but not sure it was really the right place, so asking here...

If anyone is studying for the neuroscience Bsc degree, would like to get an insider's view on the course, so if anyone could share their insight on the course, what there is to like and dislike, how you are finding teachers/tutors, etc.

Also was told that you can get to Neuroscience via the Psychology with Biology course as the first two years are very similar in terms of compulsory courses and options. Is that really the case?

Thank you!

Hello everyone,
I'm an American who is planning to study at St. Andrews. I have been given an unconditional offer for the department of Ancient History and Social Anthropology. I am wondering if there are certain things that current students (most likely other international students) think I should buy before I fly out in September, excluding clothing? Thanks for your help.


Posted from TSR Mobile

Don't bring too much, it will be too difficult to travel with. Most Americans order things online to be delivered here. I wouldn't recommend the halls bedding package (it's not very nice!), so ordering a duvet, pillows, covers and undersheet in advance to be delivered to your hall is probably a good idea - there isnt really anywhere in St Andrews for buying stuff like that since Argos closed last year.

Bring some basics, then buy more when you get here. Tesco have a small range of homewares, so you can e.g. bring one towel with you to use until you can get to the shops.

If you are in a catered hall you won't need much kitchenware unless you plan on cooking a lot, either way you can get all of that in shops here so don't bother to bring any.

Same goes for toiletries, stationary, etc., you can buy them all here & Rymans (stationary etc) as well as a number of other shops here do a student discount. The main issue is bedding, although I think Tesco now sells pillows, and they may have more things like that at the start of term as they are trying to fill the gap that Argos left.

Try to travel as light as possible to avoid an excess weight charge by your airline.

Thanks for the help.