St Andrews: catered or self-catered?

     by Alessandra Gallerano

I'm Alessandra from Italy and I am currently in Lisbon, ending my first Crossways year. I studied in St Andrews last semester and I'll be there again in September.

St Andrews is a beautiful little town, both very Scottish and very international: "un gioiellino" (as we would say in Italian), full of students from all over the world that love to involve themselves in university sponsored activities ( the Student association is very active, and if you want to join any societies you can choose among more than 70, ranging from "Sailing" , "Philosophy", up to "Cheese&Wine"- just to name  a few!) and in the town's life in general. 

Of course, living in a town as small as St. Andrews has advantages and disadvantages: everything is within walking distance ( from university up to wonderful beaches), it takes a very short time to familiarize yourself with the place, its habits and people, charity shops and 'student discounts' allow you to avoid (at least partly) the high Scottish cost of living, and, last but not least, you happen to meet people you know at least 5 times a day... which is certainly a very pleasant feeling!

On the other hand, I missed a bit of the city-like cultural life ( exhibitions, theatres and so on..) and sometimes I had the feeling everything was (too) linked, in a way or another, to university...  Despite that, I really enjoyed my time there and I'm sure you will too!

There is a really interesting website on St Andrews student life (it's run by students, so you can find the 'insiders' suggestions, comments, and ads of all sort): www.thesinner.net

Regarding accommodation, last year I was assigned "Fife Park " (self-catered accommodation). Even though the houses are very old and the location is not very convenient (it's about 20-25min walk from town), I had a good time there. It's the cheapest residence you get in St.Andrews and, after all, I strongly believe it's always up to you to make the best of what you get... so... that's what I tried to do last semester!

Next semester I will stay in Albany Park and, as far as I know, at least other 5 second year students will be there as well. Personally, I prefer a self-catered residence. I love to cook and I think it provides you with more options/flexibility. Last year we also organized "Mundus" international dinners quite often... so, having a kitchen was certainly a good thing! =)