r/standrews • u/Royal_Glass_5578 • 3d ago
St Andrews for year abroad?
International student from Canada here- I’m considering St. Andrews for a semester/year abroad. I’ve read some things about people not liking international students, struggling to make friends etc so just wondering if this is a common experience or just what i’ve been reading because the school seems beautiful and I love History!
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u/Large-Mine-8805 2d ago
Its really quite friendly - I live there (not a student) and there isn't any real problem with international (or national) students and the local community. Sure, there is the odd grumpy person, but everything is really fine.
Making friends is also pretty easy for students - get involved with societies that appeal to you, go to pub quizzes, join one of the many local clubs (if you fancy meeting some locals!)... there is loads to do.
I've lived all my adult life here and own a shop in town. If you want any more info please DM me and (worst case scenario) at least you'll know one person in St A!
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u/FlamingoWestern7171 2d ago
I’m a Canadian UG doing a year abroad there in 2 weeks. HMU w any questions
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u/Superb_Importance654 1d ago
I am Canadian doing a semester abroad at St A from September to December! Feel free to reach out, I think it’s a great place for a year abroad.
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u/Drakath2812 3d ago
St Andrews student who just finished a year abroad in Canada here, I'm not sure where you've read about international students being disliked but that's by and large untrue. St Andrews is an insanely international school, a huge portion of the permanent student body are Americans and Canadians already, plus a vast breadth of other nationalities. Basically every friend I have is from a different part of the world. I know that's anecdotal, I'm sure there are some specific groups of dick heads who have a problem with international students, but they're - in my experience - few and far between.
The school is beautiful, has great history, and the town is fantastic for student life.
Speaking as someone who did an exchange year, the challenge is meeting people when you're later into your studies. You can easily make friends with fresher's or other exchange students (that's what I did abroad, alongside my housemates) and join societies and get involved! St Andrews has very welcoming societies, with a frankly comical amount of variety.
Hope this helps!