St Andrews - Ask A Current Student Thread

Thank you also what's the social life like? Is it easy to integrate?

I mean, I found it really difficult, but I'm in the minority from what I've heard, so.... not the best person to ask XD

Really ? How come?

It was a very different culture for me. I went from being a high performance athlete at an elite girl's school, which in some ways created a very 'sheltered' environment, to being at a place where excessive drinking and noisy, disrespectful parties were the norm. I didn't want to be part of that culture, so it took me a while longer to find a group of people I fit into. Also, the societies I initially joined didn't work out well - one took way to much pride in dangerous behaviours, and the other was very unforgiving if you didn't want to be involved in their party scene.

Honestly it's all down to you and what you like. It's also a lot of trial and error; took me 2.5 years to figure it out, but after I did, I've never been happier with my social life.

Most people adjust pretty well though. Just don't panic if it takes a bit longer.

I don't particularly like partying and I am kinda allergic to alcohol, will I find it hard to fit in :/ kinda worried now.

Posted from TSR Mobile

I don't particularly like partying and I am kinda allergic to alcohol, will I find it hard to fit in :/ kinda worried now.

Posted from TSR Mobile

don't worry wolfmoon!

there's a crowd for everyone at st andrews we're nice folk, i promise.

I mean, it'll be tough, but you'll find your people. I think my biggest mistake was giving up after two unsuccessful attempts. Meet as many people as you can, and don't get hung up on the friendships - or lack thereof - that come out of freshers week. No one is at their most authentic during freshers week.

Join any society you're even a little interested in, get to know your neighbours/flatmates in halls, and really just get involved. Anything that gets you out and with a different group of people is good.

Also, my patented party-going trick: I generally bring my 'drinks' in a plastic water bottle, which most days is just a soft drink and lemonade mixed together. No one questions what you're drinking so you don't have to worry about being judged, nor do you have to worry about a hangover later. And if the party gets too overwhelming, just say goodnight, and go. No one will remember who left when the next day anyway.

Any experiences/advice would be useful

I haven't officially started yet but I can already tell you that St Andrews has a huge international population - I believe it is 35-40% - this is huge compared to other universities and from talking to the people who will be in my halls it seems I'm a minority being from England! The people I've met so far have been wonderful and from open days it did not seem pretentious like Durham (which I hated for this exact reason). Additionally, the high international population means there will definitely be people who speak Arabic and Spanish as their first language which I assume would be very helpful to you - I saw this as a huge advantage for me to (informally) continue studying Chinese ☺️ I would highly recommend coming to an open day (if you can make it) as it really helps to get a feel for universities and if you would fit in.

So I noticed on the term dates there is a week in October (23rd - 27th) which is an 'Independent Learning Week', my question is: is this like a half term? Do we have to stay in the university for classes or revision sessions, or could I go away for a day or two?

Thank you everyone for answering. I didn't even get the chance to ask you what I was concerned about everyting was asked. I just want to ask if the university is hard and what is the minimum percentage for passing the year. Sorry if it is a bit silly question.