What is university and the University of St Andrews really like? 🎓
It’s hard to know what university is really like until you get there—and every university is different. In some ways, it’s easier to describe what university isn’t! It’s not like school, or college, or work, or even home. So, what is university really like?
Most students say it’s both exciting and challenging. You’ll have more independence than ever before, but that also means managing your own time, studies, and daily life. Nobody checks up on you or tells you what to do—your learning is mostly self-directed. This can feel daunting at first, but it’s also a chance to grow in confidence and independence.
How is university different from school or college? 🏛️
- ⏳ Structure and routine – fewer contact hours and often long gaps between lectures
- 📆 Self organisation – timetable, deadlines, revision and appointments
- 💬 Support is opt in – students need to seek out and request support
- 📝 Independent study – learning is self-directed
- 📢 Teaching style – lectures can have 100+ students, may be less interactive and independent research
- 👥 Social environment – you may see different people in every class, many opportunities and places to meet people, large social events are common
Some of the common challenges students mention include:
- ⏰ Time management – especially in first year, when everything feels new.
- 📚 Keeping up with lots of material that needs to be understood quickly.
- 🧑🤝🧑 Navigating new social environments – meeting tutors, classmates, and flatmates.
- 🧺 Life skills – cooking, laundry, budgeting, managing emails, setting up a bank account, and finding a GP.
- 🗺️ Finding your way around campus – maps help, but sometimes you’ll just get lost (and that’s okay!).
Practical tips 💡
- Create external structure – put everything into one calendar and add reminders for deadlines (Outlook or Google Calendar syncs well with University systems).
- Treat independent study time like a class: same time, same place each week.
- Organise your workspace and minimise distractions.
- Access support early – register with the Disability Team as early as possible and speak with academic staff during office hours.
- Look after yourself—sleep, eat well, get some exercise.
- Remember to step away on tough days: a walk, the gym, or a coffee break can reset your mind.
- Get involved with student life where you can—socialise around shared interests and seek out sensory friendly events.
What is St Andrews really like? 🏰
Studying at the University of St Andrews is a unique experience. While many challenges are similar across universities, our small and historic town brings its own character. With ancient buildings, cobbled streets, and a strong sense of community, it often feels more like a close-knit village than a large university campus. The university is steeped in traditions including Academic families, Raisin weekend, May Dip, red academic gowns and soakings. All traditions are optional but can offer enjoyable opportunities that can be a unique aspect of the St Andrews experience.
At St Andrews you won’t be alone—there is a wide range of support to help you settle in:
- 📖 Study Skills Service – for workshops and 1:1 help with time management, note-taking, and revision.
- 🤝 Disability Team – who can advise on adjustments and help you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
- 🌸 Autism-specific support – including an Autism Social Group during semester and pre-arrival webinars to help with transition.
- 🧘 Wellbeing & Counselling – confidential services for mental health, stress, and adjusting to university life.
- ♾️ Autism Group – meet peers and socialise in a safe, inclusive environment
- ✨ Sensory environment – sensory guides have been prepared for key university buildings
- 🤝 Chaplaincy – offers support and guidance to all students and staff regardless of their faith or philosophy of life.
At St Andrews, nobody calls home if you don’t turn up for class, so your calendar is your best friend! Building small habits early on—like checking your student email daily and blocking out study time—will make a big difference.
Remember: independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Support is here when you need it 💛
Things to consider before you arrive 🤔
- 🗺️Prepare for the environment before you arrive – visit in person if possible, look at maps of the campus and town in advance, use Google Street View to familiarise yourself with key buildings and routes, check out Access Able for physical accessibility information and our sensory guides.
- 🤝Contact the Disability Team early to access advice and support.
- 🍳Prepare for independent living – can you cook simple meals, do laundry, and manage your finances? Try practising these skills before you arrive. If you’d like guidance on budgeting and money management, check out the Student Services Money Advice Team.
- 📅 Build a basic routine before the academic year starts – plan this using a digital calendar such as Microsoft Outlook which is provided to all students—get used to setting reminders for deadlines, events, and lectures. The IT Helpdesk can support you with setup. Make sure to create a simple daily framework including wake time, mealtimes, study bocks and rest.
- 🩺 Register with a doctor in St Andrews – It’s important to be set up with a local GP. This will ensure timely access to medical advice, support and prescriptions.
- 👥 Consider the social opportunities you may wish to try out – Saints Sports and the Students Union offer numerous societies, clubs, networks and volunteering opportunities.