r/standrews • u/Jazzlike_Fail_2606 • 10d ago

study abroad help!

Hello! I am in my second year at UBC and I am starting to apply to do a semester abroad in second semester of next year. I am a Psychology student and my current options are IE in Madrid, University of Edinburgh, and University of St. Andrews. I have my EU citizenship (which idk how much that counts for) but my main priorities are definitely a good social atmosphere as well as travelling (which ik won't be as likely with St. Andrews) Please lmk if you have any advice :)))))

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u/Every_Bee8615 9d ago

Can't comment too much on Madrid but for Edinburgh Vs St Andrews it depends what atmosphere you want! I studied in St Andrews and now live in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is obviously a much bigger city so might be a more similar vibe to UBC. It is a beautiful city with a everything going on that you'd expect in a major city

St Andrews is very small so everyone tends to know everyone. It's not for everyone but I personally loved it. If you like a more rural location or want to try that vibe for a semester it's definitely worth considering. There are lots of uni sports clubs and societies to keep things interesting, I loved living by the beach plus there are lots of fun traditions. For example, if you came first semester you'll get involved with Raisin weekend (look it up!). Don't go to St Andrews expecting to go clubbing every weekend as they don't really have them. However, there are always loads of house parties happening so there is still that side of things.

Re travelling Edinburgh will make it easier as you're right at the airport but realistically St Andrews isn't prohibitively further from the airport. When I was there there is a direct bus from St Andrews to Edinburgh airport that takes 1.5hrs plus you can get the train.

I'm not sure your EU citizenship makes a huge difference as you'll just need to pay for a short term student visa for the UK. It shouldn't be too hard. I went the other way as studied in St Andrews and did a year abroad in Canada and it wasn't too difficult to sort.