St Andrews

[IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere]

DD has received a very good offer from St Andrews. She loves the look of the course and is very keen to go there. Aside from the course she loves the idea of a small town, has no interest in nightlife as part of the "student experience" and loves the quirky traditions.

Does anyone have any experience of being there and the extra expenses that could be involved such as the extra cost of travel, formal dinners and the like?

We are a low income family in an economically deprived area. She is part of a very small 6th form - 12 in the Upper 6th. Her school is not in special measures but is holding on by the skin of its teeth! They are very keen for her to go to St Andrews but she is not going to be their responsibility!

We will support her as much as we possibly can but I am worried that it will be a lot more expensive than a less elite university.

Any thoughts?

Hello found this thread.
My DD is thinking of applying for next year
We had a day trip ther won Saturday to get her a feel for the place.
She loved it.
Not sure she has the grades... ( Scottish highers ) but will see what happens

Welcome IKEA888.

DD has reported chatting to people at breakfast. It hadn't occurred to me that it was a good place to meet quieter people that are less inclined to stay out into the small hours. Good tip!

Hello @IKEA888. Which subject is she interested in?

The good news for Scottish students is that with EU students paying international fees next year, there will be less competition for the Scottish places. Not sure whether the unintended over-recruitment this year will have an impact though, definitely worth trying to find out.

Chicken I very much doubt that DS will often make it to breakfast, he finds it easier to socialise after a drink and has always been a night owl. Glad she managed to meet some people though.

Achicken - glad the breakfast tip worked 👍 seems to be working for mine too.

Dd went along to the drama zoom and said they were very nice but no plans for any drama activities. Yet her group at home can meet so she’s fed up. She has joined the walking group tho they are not sure if they are allowed to do anything. Pos to do with mini buses. Hopefully she will meet some people from her course in next week or so as she is losing her positivity. Early days though.

@Newgirls is it your dd who also enjoys dance?? My dd is going to an event with them tomorrow( they say no face to face dance for 6 weeks) but dd is also going to audition for their competition team The blue Angels if your dd is interested?? Dd away to a maths event tonight said she will be tee total as needs to be on her best behaviour and make sure she is on it. Thank goodness for a quiet night!!

Ah yes alittle! She spoke to them today but didn’t fancy the team dance yet - possibly but high level for her? She is going to try and find a barre class at View which they mentioned 👍

I’ll mention it again in case

Ps break a leg to her!!

Hello @Monkey2001
That is interesting.
English and History is her interest.
We will see what happens!

@Newgirls please do as they have team at all levels I think, and they have lots of different styles. Dd did do lots of dance prior to covid (about 8 hours a week) so is desperate to get back, once her ankle allows. But lots of students will be just starting out. Dd is going to give badminton a go even though she hasn't a clue it's a way to meet new friends.

Ooh badminton - she likes that too

She’s going to be sick of my texts 😂

@Newgirls thank you! ( sorry cross posted!)

8 hours a week is proper talent! Glad she is getting to do her thing - when ankle is happier 👍

As expected, DS has not experienced breakfast yet even though his room is about 1 minute from the dining hall. He said he has enjoyed the food so far though. He said he had to queue a long time for lunch yesterday, but it was not a problem, I think the queue is as sociable as a socially distanced queue can be.

How are other catered DC finding the food?

Very positive feedback from veggie daughter.

The distanced queue might be the most socialising they do!

DD is normally very fussy - plain foods, not touching each other etc.
But is enjoying cooked breakfasts and seems to be finding other meal choices that suit ! I'm hoping hunger will force a bit of adventure over the course of the term, but in the meantime there always appears to be jacket potato and beans on the menu, so she won't starve!

I’m hoping dd will try porridge up there - never managed to convince her of its fabulousness 😂

DS2 loves porridge, but DS1 was never keen. I agree that it should be a requirement in Scotland!

Dd having porridge every morning as she does at home too. As a meat eater she is loving the veggie options and says she has chosen these every meal time. She really rated the butternut squash Wellington and the mushroom stroganoff. Sounds amazing. Wonder if the halls admit very mature students.....😉

DS2 is missing the buffet breakfasts after two years in halls. He's learning how to cook, at least it means i get the occasional text asking how to make various things. Slightly concerned that alcohol is providing too many of his calories at the moment, its as though he's making up for his rather late development socially... Keeping quiet about it though.

Oh to have meals cooked all day.., we’d have a lovely time!

Can’t possibly comment on the alcohol intake 😬 seemed to manage it fine at that age not so much now

With the restrictions on gatherings in England, I am watching Scotland and wondering if they made a very lucky decision!

Oh what do you mean monkey? Being in st a will be easier? Or will Scotland go same way?

From the little contact I've had, the food does sound wonderful. I'm quite envious! 🤣