Advice on money and expenses
As a student you may get a restricted amount to live on, therefore it is important that you understand your finances, know exactly what your income is and how much you have to spend. You will get your income from different sources depending on whether you are an undergraduate, postgraduate, home or overseas student. It is important that you know what yours is - so, for example, if you do get a parental contribution then ensure you know how much it is and when you will receive it. What is important is that you create a budget for yourself. See Budgeting and the International Student Calculator for more information.
If you need assistance in budgeting or advice on living costs, then do contact Student Services. Email: money.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Bank accounts
Opening a student account with a bank in St Andrews is important so that you can easily speak with the student adviser in the bank and can make transactions to your account easily. All customers are required to provide forms of identification e.g. passport. Shop around for the best deal that suits you - some students are eligible for an interest free overdraft, but read the small print before you join up. Keep a check on your balance and ensure that you check and keep your bank statements when you get them, or keep a check online - they are a tool for budgeting. For further information see the section on Opening a Bank Account (international students) or Opening a bank account (UK students).
Payment of tuition and residence fees
All the information that you require regarding your tuition and accommodation fees is available for undergraduates at Money matters, and for postgraduates at Money matters.
Financial difficulties
If you run into financial difficulties of any sort then do go to Student Services for help - email: money.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk. It is important not to ignore correspondence from the University, as this may only make things worse. Student Services can give you advice about financial matters, provide a short-term loan service and also have Discretionary Funds for UK students which may be allocated depending on your circumstances.
Contact
Money Adviser, Student Services, Students’ Association, 9 St Mary’s Place
Telephone: 01334 462720
Email: money.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk
Web: Money matters
The ASC, 79 North Street
Telephone: 01334 462020
Email: studentfinance@st-andrews.ac.uk
Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk
Essential text books
The Library houses over one million volumes to support teaching, learning and research. However it is not possible for the Library to stock enough multiple copies of books to provide copies for each student, therefore you will be expected to purchase some books for your courses. Each University department will issue a recommended reading list, if not prior to arrival, then within the first week with core, compulsory texts highlighted. You are strongly advised to invest in these essential text books since they are the resources that underpin our curriculum and your learning.
Printing and photocopying costs
Students are responsible for the costs associated with printing or photocopying material for their coursework.
Scientific equipment
Students studying a science subject may need to buy a laboratory white coat. These are available from the BESS shop beside the Students’ Union Building priced at £17.95. In some subjects it is necessary to pay a laboratory deposit on arrival. You will be advised in the Biology modules if you need a dissection kit, but only if you take certain modules it is best to wait before you buy one. Safety Spectacles will be provided whenever required.
Field trips
Some subjects may have compulsory field trip costs. Bursaries may be available to assist those on low income, but competition is fierce and available funds are very limited.
Details can be found in School Handbooks. It would be advisable to check if your department incorporates a field trip in future years, especially if you are embarking on a language, Biology, Geography, Geology or Sustainable Development course.
Where and when to buy your books
Blackwell's bookshop in the Students’ Union supplies academic books to the University; and if they do not have a book you require in stock they can order them quickly for you.
Contact
Blackwells
Telephone: 01334 476367
Fax: 01334 476367
Email: St.Andrews@blackwell.co.uk
Red gowns
These are not compulsory but are popular with those wishing to demonstrate University tradition. The official Red Gown Sale is organised by the Students’ Association in Freshers' Week on the top floor of the Union Building. New gown prices start around £138 while second-hand gowns are from about £80.