St Andrews University - Student View

Over 6000 students inhabit this historic town facing the North Sea, the 'home of golf' and the oldest university in Scotland (1410). Town small, but lots of student facilities, with good mix of historic and new. University spread throughout old town; sciences mostly on 1960s campus-style North Haugh site.

Very friendly, close-knit community of cosmopolitan students - about 20% international, 40% Scottish, 40% English. First years guaranteed a place in hall; most others live in university flats and private accommodation.

Students' Association (SA) is hub of university life and is only club/venue in town. SA also provides welfare advice, live music, travel service, biggest charity campaign in Scotland (£30,000 raised last year), and oldest debating society in world. 100 societies, from serious (Amnesty International) to silly (Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Appreciation Society) to supportive (LGBT).

Athletic Union offers excellent facilities and wide range of sports for all abilities. Strong dramatic tradition; many theatre groups and musical societies. Leading independent student newspaper The Saint. Balls for everything: halls, sports, societies. Traditions galore, red gowns, raisin weekend, pier walk, May morning dip in the North Sea.

Modular course structure; entry by faculty, so requires no Honours specialisation before third year. Small tutorial size and accessible tutors who are experts in their field. Many departments have excellent reputation including eg psychology, history (medieval, modern and Scottish), art history, computer science and physic, international relations and maths. Top graduate employment record. Strong alumni network across the world.