Beyond orientation
Your introduction to life at St Andrews continues beyond Orientation Week. Here you can find information to help you prepare for your studies and develop the skills you’ll need.
Some of our University of St Andrews’ graduating students share their advice and tips for incoming students.
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>> The reason I choose this University was because...
>> My favourite thing about St Andrews is...
>> What I love most about St Andrews is...
>> The community feel.
>> The people, the community.
>> The international like atmosphere.
>> The multicultural aspect of it.
>> The lifelong friendships that I made here.
>> I think it’s just the fact there is so much going on.
>> The scenery is very picturesque.
>> It was the most beautiful place in a beautiful setting.
>> Everything, being by the sea the location this flatmate.
>> And you get to me a lot of people especially in first year I think especially compared to other unis you seem to make a lot more friends.
>> In the space of your four years here you can really develop a family.
>> There's so many different people from different cultures and backgrounds and countries.
>> There is a friend group for everyone here the people here are lovely the people here come from all across the world and you’ll leave here not with just friends in one country but friends with about half of the countries.
>> I love all the quirky traditions that St Andrews offers, you leave and you’ll not get to do all the weird things that we do here like Raisin, May Dip.
>> One of the good things about St Andrews is, what academics say actually, the flexible degree course. The teachers are just so helpful.
>> I had a friend who I think ended up doing a degree in philosophy and astrophysics, and you can do that and most Universities won’t let you.
>> It's a great place for exploring all your interests whatever they may be there's something for everyone.
>> It’s the town, it’s the air, it’s the sea, St Andrews is the nicest place on earth.
>> My favourite thing about St Andrews is the amount of independence that you have as a student here.
>> I don't think anyone anywhere could ask for a nicer place to study.
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>> My advice to any incoming first-year...
>> My advice to first years would be...
>> In your first year do everything.
>> To get stuck in.
>> Get involved as much as possible.
>> Try something new every week.
>> Don't say no to any of the balls or societies you know don't put it off the next semester and next year - do it now.
>> Don't be afraid to ask your teachers for help.
>> You know don't be scared to look silly or foolish by asking a question in class like don't be scared to put up your hand.
>> Don't neglect your academics but also use this time as an opportunity to find out who you really and what you are really interested in.
>> I would also explore like outside of St Andrews.
>> You should definitely travel as much as you can in first year and in second year.
>> I tend to like stick within the town and now I'm regretting not sort of seeing the other towns around. It's such a beautiful place and I've stuck to the three streets quite a lot.
>> Just try and like break the ice the second you get here and just enjoy your first year.
>> Always keep meeting new people and making new friends even up until your fourth year.
>> We can make some really lifelong relationships there.
>> So my advice very sadly is to find out what makes you you and to find out what makes you happy and then just go into that wholeheartedly with a smile on your face.
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