Student Life
Societies
With approximately 100 societies affiliated to the Students' Association, not to mention the various sports clubs, there is something for everyone at the University of St Andrews. Student societies cater for all interests, from the theatrical to political, and from the charitable to the academic and religious. Some societies are linked to academic Departments and are an excellent way to expand your understanding and appreciation of your subject.
You can join up during Freshers Week at the Societies Fayre where all manner of attempts are made to persuade you to join particular groups. If, however, you are unable to find a society to suit your interests then start your own!
Traditions
As befits a 600-year-old university St Andrews has many student traditions. Most famous is the red academic gown which students wear at formal occasions. St Andrews is also the home of the Academic Family, a spontaneous tradition where older students adopt first year students as 'children'. Parents can help guide the first years through life at St Andrews in a system of mentoring, which reaches its most outrageous at Raisin Weekend in November when children are dressed in embarrassing, flamboyant costumes by their mothers and are let loose in the central quadrangle of the University for an enormous shaving foam fight. Despite the silliness of Raisin Weekend academic families are often close-knit and very supportive. Children and parents become fast friends and siblings go on to become aunts and uncles to each other's children in a few years time, continuing the tradition.
Sports
As a matriculated student you have automatic membership of the Athletic Union and can join any sports clubs. The Athletic Union has over 50 clubs from the traditional (Rugby, Cricket, Football, Rowing) to the more off-beat. Why not try out the clubs you are interested in during our 'Give It A Go' week?
Music
St Andrews has an exceptionally busy musical life with more than 500 students actively engaged in music. The main focus for the organisation and co-ordination of this activity is the Music Centre. Situated in the Younger Hall, it provides facilities for individual and group rehearsal and tuition by professional teachers in voice and a wide range of instruments.
The Student Music Society is one of the largest, oldest and most active student societies and welcomes anyone who is interested in music. The Society runs the University Symphony Orchestra, for which auditions are held each September, and the University Chorus and Concert Band. The Society also organises weekly Friday lunchtime recitals which are often given by students themselves.
Drama
Drama permeates St Andrews. There is always something going on, be it musicals, movies, plays, readings, workshops, dance, student writing or basically anything you want it to be.
The Mermaids Performing Arts Fund makes drama possible in St Andrews. Mermaids is not a theatre society, it is a fund. That means we do not put on shows, you do! If you want to do anything, just come along to us and we'll provide the finances, resources, guidance and support. We comprise a committee of 12 members, each specialising in a different area of theatre production, along with the presidents of our affiliated societies; Rogue Productions (Cinema), Dance Society, Gilbert and Sullivan Society, CMaD (Christian Music and Drama Society) and Just So (Musical Theatre).
Whatever your taste in performing arts, there's always something for you to get involved in.