Students' Association (The Union)
As a student of the University you automatically become a member of the Students’ Association or ‘The Union’, as it is more commonly known. Located in the centre of town, it is the hub of student life in St Andrews, providing entertainment (two venues, three bars, pool, games room and several other spaces), a publications office, a recording studio, catering, a bookstore, stationery shop, and the cheapest photocopying in town. Yet the Union is more than just a building, it is also your advocate, representing your views to the University through the SRC, the Director of Representation and the President.
You cannot call yourself a St Andrews student until you have experienced, at least once, a Friday Night in the Main Bar, the longest and cheapest in town, or at the Bop – the infamous disco within the Union! Also part of the Students’ Association is the Old Union Café on North Street - a favourite of many St Andrews students where you can enjoy a hot chocolate and watch the world go by. The Union also operates the Barron Theatre on North Street – St Andrews’ first venue dedicated to student drama. Through its event management arm, the Union also puts on major events such as the Christmas Ball and music festivals – all run by student volunteers.
The Association funds a plethora of clubs and societies – now well over 160, and counting. Whether your interests be debating or Doctor Who, radio DJing, charity work, Harry Potter or putting on a play, you will find that there is almost certainly a society which will accommodate your needs and interests – and indeed, even if there is not, it is very simple to create a new one! Additionally, the Association houses the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) which represents the students’ views to the University and the wider world, and they too are always keen to get new members involved.
Should you have any problems with either accommodation or education during your time in St Andrews there are also two dedicated advocates employed by the Association, who work independently of the University to help solve your problems. Lastly, the Union Building also houses part of the University's Student Services, which can offer help on almost any issue.
Contact
Students’ Association, 9 St Mary’s Place
Telephone: 01334 462700
Email: union@st-andrews.ac.uk or pres@st-andrews.ac.uk
Web: www.yourunion.net