Campus and city
Life in St Andrews revolves around three medieval streets, two cathedrals in ruins, and the North Sea coastline. The town population of 20,000 doubles during term, making the university the social centre. Students wear traditional red academic gowns to formal hall and Sunday pier walks. Raisin Weekend in November pairs first-years with academic parents who assign absurd fancy-dress challenges. The May Dip sees hundreds sprint into the freezing North Sea at dawn on May 1st. Over 150 societies range from the debating union (founded 1794) to surfing and whisky appreciation. Nightlife is limited to a handful of pubs and one club, pushing social life toward house parties, society events, and formal balls. Edinburgh is 90 minutes away by bus for weekend escapes.