Now that we have entered the purgatory that is November, we are stuck in the in-between space where we can just about see our freedom but have so many hurdles to jump over before we can get there. November is infamously the worst month to be at university. Not only are we waiting for exams to begin, having all this time to study and revise anxiously, but we also have our largest assignments and essays due simultaneously.
All of these tasks and the anxiety surrounding them do not put one in the most festive spirit. The festive drinks of gingerbread lattes and Terry’s Chocolate Orange hot chocolate. The Christmas meal-deals of turkey sandwiches with all the trimmings. The year-round Christmas shop on Market Street. St Andrews does have aspects of festivity, but for a town so encompassed with its academics these are often overshadowed by numerous coffees from the library cafe and rice for dinner after a long day of lectures and reading over past papers. Although there is hardly any daylight at this time of year, there is one thing to light this experience: Market Street’s Christmas lights. After a long day at the library on the way home there is just a little addition of joy seen from the Christmas lights; a suggestion that our hard work over the semester will be paid off with time off over the holidays.
Source: Flickr/ Andy Flyer.
November is the wait before being excited for Christmas is accepted, but at university, it is also the wait for our final assessments and exams. However stressful this time period may be, we must be able to take a break – therefore there are many events in town over the next few weeks to encourage festivities and serve as a distraction to our exams. As much as St Andrews is a small town and lacks some of the things that would be expected at this time of year, like massive Christmas markets and carnivals, there are some smaller and cozy events. Additionally, many societies are having their Christmas parties and end of semester events over the next week, which are always fun to attend. The Union will be hosting events such as Winter Wonderland where there will be themed music and drinks. Despite the Union having mixed reviews it will always be a good cheap night out with friends. And if you’re missing the home comforts of warm home-cooked food, the Union will be making Christmas dinner in the next few weeks, as well as many restaurants around town and societies hosting holiday dinners.
Source: Lightbox/ Jack Dalgleish.
Over the next week the University is running Edinburgh Christmas Market trips, so if you are unfamiliar with Edinburgh and want to explore Christmas in a larger city, this would be the perfect event to attend. The trip costs £12 and covers the journey and your time spent there, as Edinburgh is a must-do at this time of year. On the 27th of November, Sandy’s Bar is hosting a Christmas Crafting Event where you can decorate tote bags while they offer mulled juice – a cheap and social event to end the semester. On the 1st of December, there is a Christmas concert in the Holy Trinity Church, student admissions costing £5, which guarantees to get you in the festive spirit with all the Christmas classics. On the 5th of December, the must-attend event of the month is the Balgove Larder Christmas Night Market, the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping away from the busy shops and with local and fresh produce. On the 7th of December, Spoiled Life is hosting Christmas late-night shopping, where there will be live music and complimentary drinks and nibbles, with 60% off of products – another excellent opportunity to save money this season (after all we are still students). And last but not least, there is another Christmas market on the 9th of December at St Andrews Town Hall if you just can’t get enough of them.
Therefore, whether you are needing a distraction from your revision or if you’re just obsessed with Christmas, St Andrews has a lot to offer.
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Event Roundup:
Edinburgh Christmas Market Trips – 24th of November & other dates @ 5 pm
Christmas Crafting Event – 27th of November @ 3 pm
Christmas Concert: No Small Wonder – 1st of December @ 7.30 pm
Christmas Night Market – 5th of December @ 4 pm
Spoiled Life Late Night Shopping – 7th of December @ 6 pm
St Andrews Town Hall Christmas Market – 9th of December @ 10 am
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