Life at St Andrews

Beyond the lecture halls and labs, St Andrews is home to stunning, unspoilt beaches and fresh sea air. Take a peaceful stroll or an energising walk with friends along the iconic two-mile stretch of the West Sands.

If you prefer the water, ride the waves at the East Sands or try sailing, sea kayaking and windsurfing.

For breathtaking views, a walk to the end of the stone pier is an experience not to be missed.

The University has two main sites: St Andrews and Eden Campus in nearby Guardbridge.

In St Andrews, we have multiple locations scattered around the town for both Schools and professional services units.

Eden Campus, Guardbridge is around 4.5 miles (7.2km) from St Andrews and where many of our professional services are located.

St Andrews is located in Fife on the east coast of Scotland. The town can be easily reached from a number of nearby cities using public transport, road and private transfers. There is a choice of airports to fly into from international locations, and all have good links with the town.

For more information on travelling to or from St Andrews please visit Getting to St Andrews.

Most people in St Andrews walk or cycle between locations.

We actively support sustainable travel options. We work with cycling and car share schemes and share tips for moving around on foot and by public transport.

For more information visit our sustainable travel page.

The University offers several staff-only car parks around St Andrews. To use these car parks you must display a valid parking permit in your vehicle. Parking spaces are not reserved and having a permit does not guarantee a spot.

Eden Campus at Guardbridge offers plenty of free on-site parking for staff. A regular public bus service runs to and from St Andrews, making travel easy and convenient.

St Andrews is the birthplace of golf and the town offers plenty of opportunities for golf enthusiasts. With seven local courses, including ones that host major international tournaments, there is no shortage of places to play.

St Andrews is often considered to have its own microclimate, influenced by its coastal location along the North Sea. The town experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall year-round. It also tends to be drier than the western parts of Scotland. Coastal breezes keep summers comfortable, while winters are cold but rarely severe, offering picturesque seasonal changes.

Only a few miles down the coast, you’ll find the picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, offering charming pubs, award-winning fish and chips, cafés and restaurants. The nearest city, Dundee is 13.4 miles (21.5km) away and Edinburgh is an hour by train from Leuchars station.

Express buses run almost hourly to major Scottish cities, and there are many opportunities to travel north to visit Scotland’s stunning Highlands and Islands, known worldwide for their beauty.