Sensory Guide: Andrew Melville Hall

jmn9
Tuesday 6 January 2026

Andrew Melville Hall (AMH) is an undergraduate-only hall at the University of St Andrews. The majority of rooms are single, with three shared rooms. There are no en suite rooms, and all students are catered.

This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key spaces across the building to help you navigate the environment more comfortably.

Andrew Melville Hall is located on the North Haugh, St Andrews (KY16 9SU).

Reception & Hallways

Visual 👁

  • Plenty of natural light
  • Windows along hallways looking outside and into communal spaces

Audio 👂

  • Carpeted floors help dampen the sound of footsteps

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Softer flooring throughout circulation spaces

Dining Hall

Visual 👁

  • Plenty of natural light
  • Tightly spaced seating, though chairs can be moved

Audio 👂

  • Very noisy during mealtimes 🔉
  • Multiple sound sources including talking, scraping chairs, plates and cutlery, and kitchen noise
  • Carpeted flooring helps reduce footstep noise

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Hard chairs
  • Can feel busy and crowded at peak times

Smell 👃

  • Strong food smells during meal service

Study Rooms

Visual 👁

  • Two study rooms available
  • Bright lighting
  • Individual desks
  • Computers provided

Audio 👂

  • Small, quiet study spaces

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Carpeted floors
  • Padded computer chairs

Lower Common Room

Visual 👁

  • Located on the ground floor
  • Bright lighting
  • Patterned carpet
  • Pool table, table tennis table, TV, and piano

Audio 👂

  • Noise levels vary depending on activities taking place
  • Carpet helps dampen sound

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Padded couches and stools

Middle Common Room

Visual 👁

  • Located on the first floor
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Bright lighting
  • Projector and bar area
  • Table tennis table

Audio 👂

  • Can become busy and noisy at times

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Patterned carpet and laminate flooring
  • Lots of seating including padded chairs and couches

Laundry Room

Visual 👁

  • Fluorescent lighting
  • Very small space

Audio 👂

  • Can be noisy when machines are running 🔉

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Hard chairs
  • Limited space can feel cramped

Smell 👃

  • Strong detergent smells

Shared Kitchens

Visual 👁

  • Three shared kitchens located on the ground floor
  • Fluorescent lighting
  • Natural light from large windows into the hallway

Audio 👂

  • Noise levels vary depending on use

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Can become messy or feel unclean at times

Smell 👃

  • Potential food smells from cooking

Bedrooms

Visual 👁

  • Bathrooms are shared, though some rooms include a sink
  • 268 single rooms with double beds
  • 2 single rooms with single beds
  • 3 shared rooms with two single beds
  • Window provides natural light
  • Several lighting options: main light and desk lamp

Audio 👂

  • Generally quieter, private sleeping spaces

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Carpeted floors
  • Small room size
  • Desk with padded computer chair

Address:
Andrew Melville Hall
North Haugh
St Andrews, KY16 9SU

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