From pool to politics, from art to animal welfare, there is a wide range of societies and groups at St. Andrews for the students to join and participate in, and here are my personal top ten.
10) Inklight: It is said that everyone has a story inside them, and St. Andrews’ own creative writing society, Inklight is perfect for any student with a story or poem waiting to be written. Welcoming students of all degree disciplines, the society holds regular poetry slams, open mic nights where students can read their work to an audience, and creative writing workshop to get your imagination flowing.
9) Just So: A subcommittee of the performing arts fund Mermaids, the Just So society links both the town and the university with its love of musical theatre. It produces on average one musical a semester (my personal favourite of theirs being 2015’s the Drowsy Chaperone) and as a great social scene, going to see musicals as well as performing in them.
8) Foreign Affairs: For those with an interest in global events and politics, the FAS hosts lectures and debates involving speakers from all over Britain. Boasting its own weekly radio show and online publication, the opportunities to get involved are endless. Not to be missed are the “Pint and Politics” socials where the best of beer and the best of foreign matters are unified.
7) Law: If you are considering a BA or an MA in Law after completing your St. Andrews degree then the Law Society is the perfect opportunity to gain experience. Featuring guest speakers such as barristers and paralegals, the society also provides the opportunity to visit the Inns of Court in London. Socials are a great way to meet people with similar future aspirations as well as gaining support and advice for applying to Law School.
6) Hockey: One of the most popular sports societies in St. Andrews, both boys’ and girls’ hockey provides the opportunity for excellent pre-drinks and social, culminating in the fortnightly Sinners Sports nights. Whether you’re a novice or a professional at the sport (in my case having only played at school), the easy-going and encouraging atmosphere of the club will soon make you feel at home and increase your skill level in no time at all.
5) Scandinavian: Whether you have Nordic family or heritage, or are just interested in the languages and culture of these Northern European countries, the Scandinavian society welcomes all. It is also the convenor of one of St. Andrews’ most popular events, first semester’s exclusive Nobel Ball, featuring a dinner and dancing which incorporates all the characteristics of the various Nordic countries.
4) Polo: Often called the sport of kings, the St. Andrews polo society is open to riders of any ability. Professionally taught, students can practice weekly, as well as having the opportunity to ride on the West Sands beach (aka Chariots of Fire Beach), which provides an amazing view of the town, albeit more beautiful on horseback. It is also the force behind the annual Polo Tournament which takes place at Errol Park (hands down my favourite event of the year), where students can watch the games and enjoy the atmosphere. Having utterly adorable polo ponies is a definite plus, too.
3) Cheese and Wine: “In vino veritas” goes the old saying, and this is never truer than when a student has an alcoholic beverage in hand. A society based on the perfect union of many varieties of cheese and wine, its social events are the perfect opportunity to meet new people while plied with all the cheese and wine you could want. For those who appreciate more formal events (i.e. the unspoken yet still present dress code), the society is perfect for informal discussions and exchanges of views, which are made all the more interesting by the endless supply of wine.
2) Global Investment Group (GIG): Perfect for students with an interest in business and finance, GIG boasts a $15,000 student-run equity investment fund (the largest in St. Andrews). It also provides regular events to gain hands on experience of finance and consulting as well as developing necessary managerial and business skills. An excellent gateway for students considering a career in the financial or business world where contacts are key.
1) Don’t Walk: In a town renowned for its fashion shows, there is an abundance of opportunities to showcase the latest and most popular fashion on a catwalk in a show which is a unique experience for students to attend and an evening of entertainment and clothing inspiration. This fashion show however has a credible claim to have fanned the flames of the royal romance, as it was at a Don’t Walk fashion show where Kate Middleton muddled her infamous see through-dress, cue William’s legendary words; “Kate’s hot”. The opportunities extend past just modelling however, such as marketing and dressing, making the team one of the closest knit St. Andrews families.
