Spring Solar Power: Best Places to Soak Up the Sun in St Andrews This Season
- Lucy Kerr
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Lately, St Andrews has been living up to its reputation as the sunniest uni in Scotland. This was particularly perfect timing for those of us who were taking a staycation in St Andrews this past week. With the weather allowing me to delude myself into thinking I actually was on a warm getaway without any of the hassle of travel, it was the perfect opportunity to try to determine the definitive best spots in St Andrews to make the most of these sunny days.
Find a spot in a quad
It doesn’t matter if you’re a St Mary’s loyalist or a main quad fanatic, you’re going to find yourself surrounded by your fellow classmates basking in the sun in either location. There’s something delightful in fulfilling the college cliche of hanging out on a packed quad. Whether you’re trying to get some schoolwork done (so brave), looking for a place to catch up with your friends (so fun), or just looking for a chance to lie on the grass and rest (so deserved), the quad will likely be filled with other students doing all of the above.
Sit Back on a Pub patio
On a sunny day, this may take some dedication as outdoor seats at the pub can become a scarce commodity on a sunny day here in St Andrews. If you’re dedicated enough, however, to stake out a spot early in the day or to linger around trying to act casually while watching carefully for any sign that anyone is about to vacate their table. The challenge of getting a spot may make your hard-earned drink all the more glorious. Whether you’re looking forward to enjoying an 18+ drink or looking for a non-alcoholic version, it’s hard to beat sitting out in the sun enjoying a cool beverage, and laughing with friends. This option also provides the benefit of getting to feel way cooler than all the people you know who will inevitably walk by you and see you enjoying your afternoon and wish that they had the idea to get a table outside this sunny day (or at least that’s how I assume everyone sitting at BrewCo must feel when I have to walk past on my way to class on a warm sunny day, desperately wishing I was them).
Venture Out for a Walk
If you’re looking for a more active approach to your chance to enjoy the sunshine, or looking to get in your 10k steps a day, options like the Fife coastal path or Lade Braes are tried and true. The coastal path is going to give you the best views (and the highest chance to see a Highland Cow), but if you’re looking for a tree-lined stroll alternative, Lade Braes is the way to go. This last week I had a goal to go on a walk a day, and I enjoyed both solo walks where I was able to put on my headphones and just enjoy some alone time as I listened to my music, as well as walks with friends where we had the chance to catch up while enjoying our time outdoors.
Spread out on a Grassy Lawn
If you’re looking to be in some greenery but the quads are a bit crowded for your liking, don’t worry - there are still options for you. Take your pick, St Andrews has plenty of public green spaces. If you’re looking for WiFi to accompany your time out in the sun, you can always rely on Lower College lawn or the lawn behind the library. If the proximity of your lecture halls, classrooms, and libraries is killing your relaxation vibe in these spots, you can always walk a little out of the center of town towards St Andrews’ beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you’re looking for somewhere you can practice staring out into the distance, the benches near the Martyrs Monument provide great views to make you really remember that not everyone else gets to go to uni with views like these.
Hit the Beach
It’s hard to go wrong with the classic beach day. Here in St Andrews, we’re almost spoiled for choice. Between Castle Sands, East Sands, and West Sands, there are plenty of locations to head with a towel, a good book, a pair of headphones, and some good snacks for the opportunity to lie on the sand and enjoy soaking in some vitamin D. While the North Sea is still a bit chilly for comfortable swimming, if a cold plunge is what you’re looking for, you can always brave the waves. The beach provides the perfect opportunity to remind yourself that summer break is just around the corner and allow the thoughts of exams and final assessments to fade from your mind for a bit. Stressing over whether a seagull is about to nick your sandwich is far better than having to stress over classwork!
With the sunsets growing increasingly late and the sun providing some warmth that’s been dearly missed over the past winter. It feels like spring has arrived in St Andrews just in time for the last stretch of school. Whether you’re looking to add to the rotation of pre-existing favorite ways to soak in the sun, or whether you’re strategizing new ways to shake off the last of any winter blues before summer fully sets in, I hope these suggestions can offer some inspiration for enjoying all of the sunny days in these next few weeks.
Comentários