St Andrews: hearts and minds

Perhaps Scotland’s picturesque east coast town of St Andrews should have been named after a different martyr – St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. A recent survey of 5,000 former students found that one in 10 had met their future partner at St Andrews.

 

Most famous among these lovers, of course, are Prince William and Kate Middleton. Married in April 2011, the royal couple initially met in 2001 while studying history of art at the university.

 

So what is it about this small university town, with just 9,000 students and staff, that makes it such a romantic place? Perhaps it’s the university’s small size that breeds this feeling of intimacy; some students leaving home for the first time can feel lost in a big city. It’s much easier to get your head around St Andrews, which has population of just 17,000.

 

Those people who aren’t connected to the university could be in town to play the sport the town is famous for: golf. The modern game emerged in Scotland in the 15th century and St Andrews now boasts seven public courses.

 

Students wishing to tee off are given discounted prices, while those who prefer something different can head for a casual stroll among the sand dunes that separate the courses from the beautiful West Sands.

 

The town is bursting with historic character. Although there are plenty of modern brands available on the streets, it is the local shops - such as students’ favourite sweet shop, Burns and cafes, such as Macgregor, North Point and Jannettas - that give the city its character.

Eat drink and be merry

 

Restaurants are also a big part of student life. Mexican fajitas at The Grill House, burgers from 1 Golf Place and steaks from Ziggy’s are all student favourites. But when parents come to visit, you could try finer dining. Try the central Doll’s House or the coastal Seafood Restaurant for a real treat.

 

If you’re hankering for a taste of home, Maisha – which serves both Indian and seafood dishes – was shortlisted in the 2011 Scottish Curry Awards, while Balaka, a Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant opposite the Students’ Union, has been a favourite with students for the past 30 years.

 

St Andrews has a small but fun nightlife. Serving good beer makes pubs like the Whey Pat Tavern, the Central and Drouthy Neebors favourite haunts for students and locals alike, although you can have a more refined cocktail evening at Ma Bells or the West Port. When it’s time to dance, the Students’ Union caters for all tastes, with its infamous ‘bop’ offering everything from bands to pop-spinning DJs.

 

For a quieter evening head instead to the New Picture House cinema, which, as well as showing all the latest releases, schedules late-night screenings of classic films such as Back to the Future and Star Wars.

Scholarships

 

Before their wedding, William and Kate returned to St Andrews to launch a £100-million fundraising campaign for the university’s 600th anniversary, which will be marked in 2013. St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university, predated only by Oxford and Cambridge in the English speaking world. Nearly £13 million of this funding will go towards scholarships, including grants for international students.

 

About one-third of St Andrews’ 7,200 students come from overseas, making it Scotland’s most cosmopolitan university. There is a four-week academic English and study skills programme and special freshers’ week events to help international students settle.

 

The university has some long-held traditions that can seem strange to outsiders. After Sunday morning service in the university chapel students parade to the end of the pier in their bright-red undergraduate gowns. Although it is not compulsory, many students wear their gowns with pride when eating in their halls of residence, singing in a university choir or even sitting exams.

 

The town of St Andrews itself has been at the heart of Scottish life since the 12th century. Today, St Andrews Cathedral lies in ruins, but many fragments of what was once Scotland’s largest church remain. Nearby, St Andrews Castle is also a favourite with visiting family and friends.

 

 

If you need time out from your hectic study schedule, a stroll along the pier to East Sands beach or a walk around St Andrews Botanic Garden.

 

For a more extended breather, you could try a short drive to Tentsmuir, part of a national nature reserve, where you’ll find one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches, blessed with views up the east coast.

 

St Andrews is only a two hour bus ride from Edinburgh, Scotland’s festival and culture-filled capital. Glasgow, the country’s second largest city, is only three hours by bus. More convenient is the bustling Dundee, a half-hour bus ride away and most students’ destination of choice for a day’s shopping or a night out. Dundee airport has flights to London and Edinburgh airport connects with India via international hubs such as Heathrow and Amsterdam.

 

Of course, no visit to Scotland would be complete without a trip to a whisky distillery. Daftmill, near Cupar, is the nearest – but for the full tourist experience, Dewar’s World of Whisky in Aberfeldy and The Famous Grouse Experience at Crieff are very popular options.

 

The mountains and lochs of the Scottish Highlands are also within reach for budding hikers (or skiers in the winter), as are must see tourist attractions such as Loch Ness and the Cairngorm mountains.

 

Choose St Andrews and come prepared for a rich cocktail of stunning scenery, warm hospitality and high-quality education and you’ll not be disappointed.