Sensory Guide: McIntosh Hall
McIntosh Hall is an undergraduate-only hall at the University of St Andrews, originally the Chattan Hotel. All students are catered, and most rooms are shared.
This sensory guide outlines what you might experience in key spaces across the building, helping you prepare for different environments within the hall.
McIntosh Hall is located on Abbotsford Crescent, St Andrews (KY16 9HT).
Dining Hall
Visual 👁
- Windows provide natural light
- Traditional dining layout
Audio 👂
- Very noisy during mealtimes 🔉
- Multiple sound sources including talking, scraping chairs, plates and cutlery, and kitchen noise
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Hard chairs
- Can feel very busy and crowded at peak times
Smell 👃
- Strong food smells during meal service
Study Rooms
Visual 👁
- Two dedicated study rooms
- Large windows with views of the Old Course and West Sands
- Warm lighting
- Lots of books and shelving
Audio 👂
- Quiet spaces suitable for focused work
- Carpeted floors help dampen the sound of footsteps
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Desks with hard chairs
- Calm, structured study environment
Computer Room
Visual 👁
- Eight computers available
- Floor-to-ceiling bookcase
- Large windows
- Bright overhead lighting
Audio 👂
- Quiet study space
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Computers are closely spaced
- Padded computer chairs provided
Common Room / TV Rooms
Visual 👁
- Two TV rooms
- Large windows
- Piano and table tennis table
Audio 👂
- Noise levels vary depending on activities taking place
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Padded couches and armchairs
- Generally relaxed atmosphere
Laundry Rooms
Visual 👁
- Bright lighting
- Two laundry rooms available
Audio 👂
- Can be noisy when machines are running 🔉
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Very small spaces
- Five washers and five dryers shared between residents
Smell 👃
- Strong detergent smells
Shared Kitchens
Visual 👁
- Very small and narrow layout
- Window provides natural light
- Table with hard chairs
Audio 👂
- Noise levels increase when multiple people are using the space
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Can feel cramped when busy
- Can become messy or feel unclean at times
Smell 👃
- Potential food smells from cooking
Bedrooms
Visual 👁
- 103 single standard rooms
- 141 shared rooms
- 1 shared en suite room
- Many rooms have views of the Old Course and West Sands
- Window for natural light
- Several lighting options: main light and desk lamp
Audio 👂
- Generally quieter, private sleeping spaces
Touch & Personal Space ✋
- Carpeted floors
- Desk with padded computer chair
- Limited floor space