Practical Information

Part time vs full time study

At St Andrews, you can study part time or full time. If you start your degree on one pathway and find it's not working for you, you are normally also able to switch to another.

Differences between part time and full time study

Part time degrees allow you more flexibility with your time. You might be working alongside your degree or have other responsibilities, so part time degrees offer you the opportunity to do both. The time commitment will therefore vary between the two; full time students are expected to work approximately 35 hours per week, whereas part-time students may do around 17.
Some studentships and funding are only available to full time students, or your funder may ask that you complete your degree within a certain time period. However, fees and additional costs are more spread out for part time students.

Similarities between part time and full time study

You have access to many of the same resources and are part of the same community as part time and full time research students.

You can find a useful blog covering the pros and cons of the two types of degrees on the "Find a PhD" website here - Part time vs Full time - pros and cons.

Returning to study after a break

There's a lot of great sources of support for students returning to academia after a break, who might be concerned about their study skills, for instance, or are feeling daunted by the prospect, from IELLI to Student Services to the Library.

The Library runs library tours and workshops on referencing and using referencing softwares and databases.

The Learning and Writing Centre Moodle page also has lots of great resources on for students, covering topics from time management to writing to presenting.

Talk to your supervisor or mentor and School about what they can do to help your transition back into study go as smoothly as possible.

Research away from St Andrews

You may also conduct research away from St Andrews, such as in an archive or other institutions. This may be for a short amount of time, or you may spend a semester or year abroad with one of our partner institutions, for instance.

You will also have to apply for a change in location and may find it useful to visit the Global Office webpage. Please also see our page with information on Planning your travel.

You may also find it useful to read the Travel and Fieldwork Policy, or our information on applying for Fieldwork Funding.

Commuting

Postgraduate Commuter Lounges: The postgraduate commuter lounges include the postgraduate lounge at Butts Wynd, which features study cubicles, microwaves, a fridge, lockers, a printer, and hot water. Another option is the Old Burgh School which offers bookable desks, a kitchen, and shower cubicles. The Commuter Guide provides a map to locate the facilities.

Communication: If you want to receive emails specifically about commuter student events, opportunities, and updates, you can sign up to be added to the Commuter Student mailing list.

CCMFL, Carers, Commuters, Mature and Flexible Learners Forum: The CCMFL is a subcommittee which represents Carers, Commuters, Mature and Flexible Learners. The CCMFL linktree page provides links to join commuter WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups, and the CCMFL Microsoft Teams channels. The Teams channel is a forum where students and support staff come together to advertise events, support and resources. This is a place for students to connect, learn from each other, and share practical information on things like the weather, transport, traffic, and shopping.

Transport:

Parking permits: Parking permits for students are free of charge and can be applied for after matriculation in September. Designated parking areas are available for permit holders at Agnes Blackadder Hall, Powell Hall, David Russell, and Fife Park. To park in a university car park, you must apply for a free University student parking permit.
Stagecoach student discount: Students can get a discount on Stagecoach buses with a valid Student ID. There are payment options for weekly, monthly, or annual passes. More information can be found on the Stagecoach UniRider page. Additionally, the University offers a 75% bus travel discount scheme that includes Stagecoach and Moffat & Williamson buses. Students aged 22 and over can purchase discounted tickets through the corporate version of the Stagecoach app
Lift Share: Transition runs a lift share scheme. This allows students to save money on commuting and reduce CO2 emissions. Downloading and joining the Liftshare app is free. More information is available on the Liftshare website.
Leuchars Train Station: Leuchars Train Station offers affordable parking at £1 for 24 hours, with the option to purchase parking for up to 30 days via RingGo.
Late Evening Buses: The St Andrews Town Night Bus service provides transportation around town. There is also a Stagecoach Late Evening Buses service. The 99S bus is available free of charge to staff and students from Monday to Thursday during term-time. Student ID is required to use this service. More information on Late Evening buses can be found on the Nightbus Webpage.

Other Support

Short term accommodation: Commuters can apply for short-term, temporary accommodation through the accommodation webpages. This is a great option during exam season or for late night social events.
Emergency Accommodation: In an emergency, such as a weather warning, commuter students can apply for emergency accommodation by emailing accommodation@st-andrews.ac.uk during office hours or by contacting the Security and Response team on 8999 overnight or at the weekend. Please note that a fee is usually charged for this accommodation.
Cost of living: Cost of living advice and support can be found on the 'YourUnion' cost of living webpage.