A Guide to St Andrews Essentials
- Poppi Horsington
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
As a newcomer to St Andrews, it has taken me some time to adapt and adjust to the way of life here. I think, however, I may have finally found my footing or at least some semblance of grip.
To celebrate this, I have compiled some of the things that helped me gain an appreciation for this quaint town and university.
A go-to cafe
Being in a small town, it's easy to assume that there are limited options when it comes to casual dining, sweet treats and warm beverages. This truly, however, could not be further from the truth. Finding your go-to cafe can be an arduous process as you trial numerous drinks and baked goods. At the end of the day, though, are you really complaining?
There’s much to consider when it comes to making your choice, there are many things to keep in mind. What do you prioritise? Personally, I prefer ambience over menu variety, and this has played a significant role in the businesses I venture into. We’re also very lucky that St Andrews has so many small, independent businesses to support, that feel very easy to support due to their authenticity and commitment to good quality food and drink.
Once you’ve found your spot, thus begins the even longer and harder process of trying to become a regular — noticed and more importantly liked by the staff and owners.
Campus celebrities
This essential is not specific to St Andrews, I concede, but it does truly impact your experience of both university and town. To have someone that is particularly special to you and your friends, without them even knowing, adds an additional layer of enthusiasm when patrolling the streets. Maybe you’ll see them in their natural habitat and collect a funny anecdote to share with your friends.
The campus celebrity should not be malicious in nature but rather a celebration of those constants in our lives that we have never found the opportunity or circumstance with which to interact.
I remember the rush of joy and relief I felt after spotting my campus celebrity across the street after a prolonged period of absence. I wish that onslaught of emotion for everyone. Sometimes, on very rare occasions, your campus celebrity could upgrade to a campus crush but that promotion always comes with more stress!
Beach of choice
On a clear day, this town is definitely best enjoyed by the beach. Yet there is a true dilemma over which beach you choose to escape to.
When I first got here, I was immensely confused by the plethora of beach names being slung my way. Over time however, I have found my footing and have a slightly better understanding of what direction to walk in when someone beckons me to a beach.
In saying that, I definitely have my beach of choice that I hide away at whenever I need a moment of sun and solitude. It is imperative to scope the scenery out and see what beach has the appropriate atmosphere for you. Again this process can take time!
Some have children and dogs, providing slightly more entertainment and people-watching potential, while others are near totally empty, perfect for sitting with your thoughts. I also consider it the ultimate level of connection when someone takes you to their beach of choice, a very intimate action if I may say so.
Moving to a new place is never easy and with many changes happening in all facets of life, it can be difficult to find ways to adjust. I hope that these elements of St Andrews life can guide you or serve as relatable to the more seasoned St Andrews student.
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