Studying Abroad at St Andrews: Essential Spots in St Andrews
We know that navigating a new place can be tricky. The first bit of good news is that St Andrews only has three main streets, so you can find your way around pretty quickly! The second bit of good news is that we have put together this guide for you with some of the essential spots you may want to know about in St Andrews. Read on to find out more.
Shops in St Andrews
- Supermarkets: Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, ALDI, Morrisons, and M&S.
- Pharmacy/Chemist: Boots and Superdrug (both located on Market Street).
- Post Office: W H Smith (South Street).
- Banks: Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide, and TSB.
- Mobile Phones: There is one mobile phone store in St Andrews (located on Market Street) where you can buy a SIM card. You can also buy a SIM card at Tesco.
- Books: Toppings and Co, Waterstones, and Barnardo’s.
- Stationary: Ryman Stationary and various supermarkets.
- Petrol/Gas Station: Shell and Morrisons Petrol Station.
Second-hand and Sustainable
The St AndReuse initiative run a Big Giveaway event in Orientation week where you can find second-hand kitchenware, stationery, bedding, electrical items, clothes and general household items.
All items at St AndReuse are free (except adult clothes and shoes, which are 5 for £5). They are located behind University Hall and are open Mondays and Fridays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 1pm.
These events are run by Transition – a group taking local action on the climate crisis. Check out the Transition website for other second-hand and sustainable events throughout the year.
A large volume of charity shops (some of you may call them “thrift stores”) are also located around town. These include British Heart Foundation, Sense Scotland, Cancer Research UK, Oxfam, and others.
Things to Do
Tourist information for the Kingdom of Fife can be found on the Welcome to Fife and Visit Scotland websites. We also recommend checking the What’s On | VisitScotland webpages for more events in the local area.
The Byre Theatre
Local theatre which hosts an array of shows, conferences, and films, creating a captivating space for artistic exploration and community engagement.
Museums
- R&A World Golf Museum
- St Andrews Museum
- Heritage Museum & Garden
- Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History
- Wardlaw Museum
Golf
- St Andrews Links Old Course – as the birthplace of golf, the iconic St Andrews Links Old Course offers enthusiasts a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends. University of St Andrews students have the unique opportunity to purchase a Links Ticket giving them year round access to all seven St Andrews Links courses at the Home of Golf, including the Old Course for a hugely discounted rate. No golf is allowed on the infamous Old Course on a Sunday as the course is still considered public ground so this makes it the perfect day to explore and get your picture on the iconic Swilken Bridge.
- The St Andrews Ladies Putting Club – also known as The Himalayas – is located between the Old Course and the spectacular West Sands. Open to the public on weekends in March, then daily from April to October. Price is £4 for adults.
Other Things to Do
- St Andrews’ Botanic Garden
- Fife Coastal Path
- St Andrews’ Castle
- East Neuk of Fife
- St Andrews’ Aquarium
Places to Eat
- Northpoint Café: Popular breakfast and lunch spot known for the scones and pancakes. Serves an all-day brunch menu.
- Bibi’s: a really popular brunch and lunch spot.
- Sweetpea at the Museum: breakfast and lunch spot which is excellent for dietary requirements especially gluten free options.
- Taste: “Best coffee in town” depending on who you ask. Limited seating, pastries, paninis.
- Palompo’s Espresso Bar: Also “Best coffee in town” depending on who you ask.
- Balgove Larder: Farm shop with café.
- Cottage Kitchen: Independently owned coffee shop and bistro with locally sourced, homemade food.
- Dook: Coffee and food on the West Sands Beach. Hosts live music every Saturday and Sunday with food truck pop ups.
- Fisher & Donaldson: Local bakery with ‘world famous’ fudge doughnuts.
- Jannettas Gelateria: established 1908, renowned, handmade gelato along with Italian breakfast and lunch items.
- The Cheesy Toast Shack: Coffee and toasties on the East Sands Beach. Pro Tip – don’t let the seagulls snatch your toastie or pay for the additional sea gull tax and have your toastie replaced free of charge!
We hope this has given you a good idea of what is available in St Andrews and where to begin looking for things. Take some time once you arrive to walk around and explore for yourselves. If you have any questions about where to find things in St Andrews, let us know by emailing [email protected].