Sensory Guide: United College

jmn9
Tuesday 6 January 2026

The United College teaching spaces at the University of St Andrews contain five lecture theatres used for lectures and society events, as well as larger areas like the Lower & Upper College Halls for social gatherings and Open Days.

This sensory guide highlights key sensory aspects of the teaching spaces to support comfortable navigation and use.

United College is located on North Street, St Andrews.

General Environment

Visual 👁

  • Good signage with plaques in front of entrances
  • Large open green space in front

Audio 👂

  • Can be loud and crowded due to high foot traffic during the day
  • Big doorways with heavy doors (mostly propped open)

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Heavy doors
  • Spacious circulation areas

School I

Visual 👁

  • Large windows provide natural light
  • Various lighting fixtures for adjustable light levels
  • Blackout curtains available

Audio 👂

  • Cushioned seats help absorb some sound
  • Close seating may increase perception of sound from neighbours

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Cushioned seats, close together

School II

Visual 👁

  • Large windows provide natural light
  • Bright white lighting
  • Blackout curtains available

Audio 👂

  • Cushioned seats help reduce sharp noise
  • Seats positioned closely

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Cushioned seats, close together

School III

Visual 👁

  • Large windows with blackout curtains available
  • Soft, comfortable lighting

Audio 👂

  • Loud, heavy, creaky doors
  • Cushioned seats help reduce ambient noise

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Cushioned seats, close together

School V

Visual 👁

  • Comfortable, soft lighting
  • Windows provide natural light with blackout curtain options

Audio 👂

  • Cushioned but very firm seating

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Seats positioned closely together

School VI

Visual 👁

  • Soft yellow lighting

Audio 👂

  • Cushioned but very firm seating

Touch & Personal Space ✋

  • Seats close together
  • Only one entrance at the front of the class

Address:
United College
North Street
St Andrews

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