My Exchange at The University of St Andrews
Deciding to go on exchange to St Andrews was the best decision I have ever made! St Andrews truly embodies the essence of a university town. It’s small enough to feel intimate yet bustling with energy, and I loved how I could bump into friends wherever I went. The town itself is stunning, with ancient buildings and a rich history. There is also a huge variety of bars, pubs and restaurants, so there is no shortage of places to go out.
I stayed at David Russell Apartments, which is a self-catered accommodation about a 10-minute walk to the sports centre and gym, and a 20-minute walk from the centre of town. My 4 flatmates were a mix of permanent and exchange students, all around the same age but from diverse backgrounds—reflecting St Andrews’ predominantly international student community.
Academically, St Andrews was outstanding. The small, interactive classes allowed me to build close relationships with professors who provided personalised feedback and challenged me to think critically. In both Ancient History and International Relations, rigorous preparation for lectures and tutorials was standard, with active participation expected due to the intimate class sizes. I achieved the best grades of my entire degree while away, and I have no doubt the small class sizes and personalised help from lecturers were the reasons.
A highlight of my experience was becoming part of an Academic Family. At St Andrews, Academic Families are a tradition in which new students (“children”) are adopted by older students (“parents”) who help them navigate university life. The university itself doesn’t organise these, so if you want to be adopted, then your best bet is freshers week events (or even just on a night out!). It is also completely normal for exchange students to be adopted, and I was actually older than my “parents”, who ended up being two of my closest friends. Most Families organise social events throughout the year, although the main family event of the year is Raisin Day. Celebrated in October, Raisin Day is a festive occasion where academic parents plan a day for their children. Usually, this begins with a very early start, a sunrise swim and, for most, a scavenger hunt and/or pub golf. Be prepared for costumes to be involved! Raisin Day culminates in the notorious Raisin Monday, where academic children engage in the annual “foam fight”.
I was also super impressed by the extra-curricular opportunities St Andrews offered. The engagement in clubs and societies surpassed my expectations, and everyone I met was involved in something. Personally, I joined the Golf Club, the Tennis Club, the Caledonian Society and the Motorsport Society, all of which had weekly events. Additionally, I attended events hosted by numerous other societies, even if I wasn’t officially a member. This diverse range of activities not only enriched my social life but also allowed me to explore new interests and connect with a wide variety of people across campus.
Outside of classes, I explored Scotland extensively, taking advantage of easy access to Edinburgh and the Highlands for weekend trips—a definite must if you have the opportunity. I also managed to get cheap flights from Edinburgh to Prague, Paris, Belfast, London and Barcelona!
If you’re considering an exchange at St Andrews, my advice is to embrace every opportunity. Get involved in Academic Families, explore Scotland, and join as many clubs and societies as you can.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
St Andrews is renowned for its small class sizes, which really helps you get to know your professors. In my Ancient History classes, for example, there were only around 10 of us. This meant I could easily talk with professors and receive feedback that felt personalised and relevant to my studies. The small class environment also fostered meaningful discussions where everyone had the chance to contribute their thoughts. This supportive atmosphere created a strong sense of belonging—you’re not just another student but part of a close-knit academic community where your ideas are valued and encouraged. This kind of interaction really enhanced my learning experience and made studying at St Andrews incredibly rewarding.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
I definitely recommend trying out golf! St Andrews is known as the ‘home of golf’ and is renowned for its historic golf courses. The University golf club offers beginner sessions (with clubs provided) that are incredibly popular and fun, so don’t worry if you’ve never swung a club before. Wednesday evenings in St Andrews are reserved for sports socials, and personally, the women’s golf socials were my favourite. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people in a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out.
If golf isn’t your cup of tea, another great option is Scottish reeling with the Caledonian Society. It’s one of the most popular societies in St Andrews, offering a lot of fun regardless of whether you have any dance experience. Each week, they teach you two new reels, culminating in a ball at a local castle at the end of the semester.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Get involved in Freshers Week! I met the majority of my friends at freshers’ events, and all of them at clubs and sports I hadn’t tried before.
- Get a YoungScot card. If you’re under 22, then all busses in Scotland are free, and you get significantly reduced entry fees to Historic Scotland sites like Edinburgh Castle and Culloden Battlefield. It is super easy to apply for a card online, and you’ll save yourself hundreds of dollars. It is also a legal ID, which can be helpful.
- Be prepared for the short days in winter. In December, St Andrews only gets 6-7 hours of daylight each day, which means adapting to spending a significant portion of your day in darkness. On the plus side, the weather in St Andrews is some of the best in Scotland. Compared to Auckland, which receives nearly double the annual rainfall, St Andrews’ weather, while colder, is generally better.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted £200 per week (£2,600 per semester), which was more than enough. Groceries in St Andrews are expensive, so if you get self-catered accommodation (like me), that is definitely something to take into account. Personally, about half of my weekly budget went towards groceries.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Living independently in a foreign country was a great experience that taught me resilience and adaptability. I am much more confident when meeting new people and am far less phased when travel doesn’t go exactly as planned (for example, cancelled trains!). Interacting with diverse cultures also broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. Overall, it was a journey that significantly enhanced my personal growth and independence.