Activities for St Andrews, Scotland

Depending on the subjects you have chosen to study at St Andrews, there may be field or weekend trips around Scotland, or even further in the UK. Classes in Earth Sciences or Marine Biology will see students investigating the local coastline while students of Philosophy may be invited to The Burn, a Perthshire retreat, for the weekend. Students in Art History may be taken to the art galleries in Edinburgh and students of English may be invited to listen to world-famous authors and poets during the annual Stanza Festival in St Andrews. The 600th Anniversary Celebrations at St Andrews features many guest lectures and themed activities.

There are almost 120+ student clubs and societies including the academic, cultural, political, sporting, and downright silly (for example, Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Appreciation Society). The Overseas Society offers a varied program of activities to study abroad students from elegant balls and traditional Scottish dancing (ceilidhs) to lunch with local families, Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, and trips to places of historic interest. Several popular student societies and associations work on volunteer projects or organize campaigns for charity; there are opportunities to simultaneously get to know fellow students and contribute to the local community. There are many Balls each year including Residence Balls, Freshers’ Ball, and the May Ball, and you should definitely try Scottish dancing at the St Andrews Day Ceilidhs and sample haggis on Burn’s Night in January. St Andrews has many ancient traditions in which study abroad students can participate. Students can volunteer to a variety of causes and organizations translating written word to audio, volunteer in local Charity Shops, and other volunteer opportunities which will give you valuable experience for your resume.

The history of golf goes back 600 years and began in Scotland. As a student at the University of St Andrews, you pay around 180 GBP per year which allows you limited access to all seven local golf courses. A visitor would pay 180 GBP for just one round at any of these courses!

You are also encouraged to participate in the opportunities listed below.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

• Become a true Highlander at the St. Andrews Highland Games
• Celebrate Scotland’s national flag, during St. Andrews day, with traditional Scottish food and music
• Participate in one of the University of St. Andrews many traditions, such as May Dip and Raisin Monday
• Honor Scottish poem author Robert Burns during the Burns Supper celebration