About St Andrews
St Andrews is one of Europe's most intellectually challenging and nourishing University environments, it is also one of the safest and most secure.
Student welfare and safety
The spiritual and physical welfare of our students is an institutional priority. We invest widely in our student support systems to ensure our undergraduates have the greatest opportunity of fulfilling their academic potential.
St Andrews' commitment to student welfare and safety is reflected in our consistently low drop out rate - at just over 1% it's the lowest in Scotland and the lowest in the UK behind only Oxford and Cambridge.
International University
We're the most international of Scotland's universities - at any one time students from over 100 different countries are studying here and almost a third of undergraduates come from outwith the United Kingdom. We know a little about homesickness and parental apprehension!
Orientation
All our students are given introductory talks at Orientation when they are informed of basic information on a number of issues including personal safety, and also how to access the support systems which the University provides. Students living in Halls of Residence (which is the majority of 1st year students) also receive health and safety talks from the Warden of their Hall.
Support systems
The support systems that are in place include:
- Student Services provide a comprehensive support system for all students, with specialised advice and counselling in areas of finance, disabilities, international students, academic issues, health concerns, mental health issues, personal and emotional concerns, etc.
- The Wardens and their teams provide practical help and advice on welfare matters to students in Halls of Residence including at nights and weekends.
- Out of Hours Emergency Service provides cover for emergency situations, such as ill health or personal crises.
- The University's Police Liaison Officer gives information and raises awareness regarding safety issues, and can help with any other incidents.
If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Student Services by telephone on 01334 462720 / 462020 or email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk.