Welcome to all Spring 2024 Visiting, Study Abroad, and Exchange Students
We wish a very warm welcome to all our new visiting, study abroad, and exchange students!
Hopefully you are all settling into the town and have enjoyed your first few days in St Andrews. This is a busy and exciting time as you explore your new home, meet new people, and start your classes. To help with the transition, we have organised several events for your first week and other useful information for your time in St Andrews. We hope to see you in person at some of the Global Office events this week which are a great way for you to get together your fellow visiting, study abroad, and exchange students.
Orientation Events
Monday 15 January 2024 – Academic Culture Session, 4-5pm, School VI (St Salvator’s Quad)
The teaching and learning styles at St Andrews may be very different from what you are used to at your home institution. Give yourself the best chance of settling into our academic culture quickly, and to prepare for a successful academic journey at St Andrews by attending this session.
Tuesday 16 January 2024 – St Andrews Guided Tour, 2-3pm, St Salvator’s Quad
Why not explore the University and its surroundings in our guided tour for visiting students? Subjects covered include the University’s traditions, history, and what life is like here as a student. This tour takes approximately one hour. It takes place outdoors, and you should be prepared for the Scottish climate. Please contact the Global Office should you have any questions regarding accessibility.
Wednesday 17 January 2024 – Tour of the Main Library, 2pm to 2.45pm
Come on a tour of the Main Library, located just off North Street to learn how to get started making use of the Library. A friendly and experienced guide will take you round the Main Library in small groups, to show the range of study spaces available to you; demonstrate how to find, borrow, and return books; where the printers and computers are; and where to ask for help. Tours last 30 minutes with time to ask any questions you may have.
Wednesday 17 January 2024 – Health information session, 3pm to 4.30pm, Buchanan Lecture Theatre
Alongside an introduction to Student Support Services at St Andrews, this session will focus on the support available for any health concerns. The University’s Student Health Hub works closely with the local community hospital and is a first point of call for anyone wishing to access healthcare in St Andrews. Topics will cover where and how to get advice on general health issues, registering with a local NHS doctor, through to mental health and wellbeing, sexual health, and vaccinations.
Thursday 18 January 2024 – International Pub Quiz, 5-7pm, The Rule
Join your fellow study abroad and exchange students in our legendary International Pub Quiz, hosted by our Global Opportunities Representative, Anthony Tobin. Don’t miss the chance to show off your knowledge of Scotland and the world whilst enjoying a local beer or a real Scottish ale on tap.
Friday 19 January 2024 – Global Office drop-in & Games session, 3-5pm, Bute Building
An opportunity to find out where the Global Office is located and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of board games, hot drinks, and socialising with other exchange students. This will also be an opportunity to get any documentation for your home universities signed, so please bring these along and we will be happy to help. The event will be hosted by the Global Office Senior Administrator, Eilidh Henderson. Come along for an afternoon of literal fun and games!
Saturday 20 January 2024 – International Welcome-Ceilidh, 3.30pm to 6pm, Younger Hall
We are excited to meet all the new inbound students at a reception to officially welcome you to the University of St Andrews. There will be introductions from University representatives followed by our famous international Ceilidh. This will be an informal gathering, with refreshments provided, where you can socialise with other inbound students and enjoy a very Scottish welcome to the St Andrews community. This event will be jointly hosted by Global Office and the International Education Institute.
More information about your arrival in St Andrews
Please familiarise yourself with further information and our guidance on things to do when you arrive on our Global Office – Once you arrive webpages.
Orientation App
For further information on Orientation, your journey to St Andrews, and other essential next steps, the University has put together dedicated webpages with all the necessary details on the Orientation website. If you would like to stay informed of all the activities happening during Orientation, you can download the Orientation App from the website for a full schedule of events.
Communications
Our main method of communication with students at St Andrews is via email. Please check your St Andrews email regularly for updates, event invites, and other important information.
Social Media
To keep up to date on any upcoming Global Office events and news you can also follow our Social media on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
On Hand to Help
During your time at St Andrews, the Global Office will be here to support you. Please remember that you can email us at [email protected] or drop by the office during our open hours (Monday to Friday, between 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm) if you have any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help.
We wish you all the best as you get to know St Andrews and we look forward to welcoming you to the University in person!