St Andrews University
St Andrews is known as being the Home of Golf, for its great, unspoilt beaches, its rich history and also St Andrews University; the oldest University in Scotland and 3rd oldest in the UK (behind Oxford and Cambridge).
It is not a case of visiting the university when you come to stay because where the university and town begin, and end are intertwined. The town is the university. Down every winding street are housed historical Schools of learning.
Renowned for its research and exemplary tuition, students come from all over the globe to study here.
Incepted in 1413, many famous scholars have passed through its doors including John Knox, John Cleese and HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Famously it is where William met Kate, when they studied here in the 2000s.
The University is a big part of St Andrews, they are constantly expanding their reach and developing new and improved centres of education.
Students triple the population of St Andrews during term time – September to May every year – and they add to the dynamic of the town, bringing a vibrancy that ensures the town stays buzzing all year round.
You may see students walking around town in their famous bright red undergraduate gowns. The pier walk is a lovely Sunday tradition, where many students parade down the pier dressed in their gowns it’s quite a spectacle.
If you are lucky enough to be here over Raisin Weekend in November, you will witness the culmination of the student ‘academic family’ tradition, where each year senior students take freshers under their wing as their ‘academic mums and dads’. This sees students create life long friendships and mentorship. On Raisin Monday, the academic parents dress their ‘children’ up in embarrassing and increasingly far out costumes and then let them congregate for a huge shaving foam fight on the Lower College Lawn.
And if you are here over May 1st and you get up early, you will see some crazy students take part in the annual May Dip, diving in to the freezing North Sea at dawn. It’s said to bring good luck for forthcoming exams!
St Andrews recently celebrated 600 years of continuous existence during which time it has made an enduring contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of both Scotland and the wider world.
Whether you’re just visiting someone studying at the university or you’re enjoying a holiday in St Andrews, our accommodations will be perfect for you.