
Great town by the seaside
On 16th July 15
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Great town by the seaside
On 16th July 15
Living in St Andrews
St Andrews, home to the university of the same name, is a small town nestled on the east coast of Scotland with a great deal to offer students. It has beaches, historic buildings, golf courses, cafes, shops..
St Andrews is known for two things, one is the University of St Andrews and the other is golf. The fact that this coastal town is also the internationally revered “home of golf” might be a bit surprising to you when you consider it’s reputation for some wild and windy weather, but it’s been said that you’re not a real golfing professional if you haven’t won a game in St Andrews, and there are seven golf courses locally if you fancy trying.
Of course, since you’re a student, it’s probably the university that you’re here for. The University of St Andrews is the oldest in Scotland, and the third oldest in the English-speaking world, so there’s a certain Wow-factor in telling anybody that this is where you’re studying.
Students make up a third of the town during term time, so the locals are well-used to having you around and although the town is small there’s enough shops to get your creature comforts sorted. St Andrews is on a large peninsula with no other big towns nearby, keeping you a comfortable distance from the main traffic routes. The nightlife is quiet, with a lot of pubs and bars rather than clubs (for those, and for major shopping trips, you want Dundee which is about an hour away by train) so it’s well-suited to those who have a ‘less is more’ attitude to student partying. St Andrews’ cinema is the New Picture House, and the building is a little slice of history where you can watch current movie releases in old-fashioned style.
On your days off you’re in a great place to explore the great outdoors. St Andrews' spot on the coast of north-east Fife means that the town is surrounded by stunning countryside to one side, and the North Sea with its small fishing villages to the other. St Andrews itself has some great beaches and dramatic cliffs, and the Fife Coastal path runs past it for those that want to venture a little further afield or get in some bird-watching. Each September there’s also a highly recommended airshow in nearby Leuchars. If you find you just can’t stay away from the place, this should be enough to coax your back before term starts.
Quick! I need food!
- Marmaris: Your quick-fix kebab. Every town should have one
- Le Rendez-Vous: This little cafe does a stonking list of paninis and pizzas, and the price is nice and low
- The Seafood Restaurant: It’s more expensive, but you should try it at least once. Or wait for your parents to visit and get them to treat you!
Good to know
- Bus: The 99 is your number! This bus loops the town centre and goes to the train station at Leuchars, which is your route into Dundee.
- Taxi: HM Taxis does a deal to Leuchars station, and Town & Country Taxis has wheelchair access cabs.
Read St Andrews Reviews
Great town by the seaside
Picturesque, stunning views, wonderful beaches. Great traditions, lots to do- but not necessarily for students. Very pricey especially houses (rent around £500 ppm if you are lucky) Only one nightclub, but it is a blast and there is always the union which is in the process of being redeveloped. Limited shopping but great bus links to Edinburgh and Dundee. A very different student experience and one I wouldn't change for anything
I absolutely love this town, I'll miss it sooooo much when I graduate!
Beautiful but it is a tad expensive
I'm not really a town person but I love St Andrews, it really feels like home to me now. The town atmosphere is great and people are generally very friendly
It's a small town , it's surprising how even there are shops here and it's a great small town life . It's different from a city , but I wanted a change .
it's extortionate to live here, but it's lovely town once you learn to navigate the tourists
If you are rich great but this is no place for anyone who is struggling with money.
Walkable town, fantastic restaurants, good shops
The town has an unbelievable amount of history and a lot of pubs!
St Andrews is the best place on the planet, stunning views, stunning people and stunning activities. For the person who isn't into the big city life but loves a close knit community where friends are easily made St Andrews is the town for you.
Lovely seaside town. Rent can get pricey but manageable if prepared.
Expensive but lovely. Union is great (and cheap), plenty of social and night life that is also safe. Great place to be.