Finding My Path at St Andrews: Changing Programmes, Exploring Scotland, and Getting Involved
Starting university is exciting, but also full of uncertainty. You arrive with plans, expectations, and ideas about what your time will look like — but once you are actually here, things often shift. Sometimes that means discovering new interests; other times, it means realising that what you expected is not quite what you wanted after all.
When I first came to St Andrews, I had a clear plan: I was going to study Ancient History and Archaeology. It seemed like the perfect fit — something I had thought through and prepared for. But during my first semester, I began to realise that the course content and approach did not align with what I wanted from my studies or my future. After some careful reflection, I made the decision to change my degree to Financial Economics.
Navigating the Change
Before starting my undergraduate degree, I completed the International Foundation in Social Sciences and Humanities. Although I had taken it with archaeology in mind, it provided a strong foundation in transferable skills such as academic writing, critical thinking, research, and time management. These proved invaluable when I transitioned to a new field, and I am grateful for how adaptable that experience made me.
The process of changing my programme was surprisingly smooth. I reached out to my Academic Advisor and the Director of Teaching in the School of Economics and Finance, both of whom were supportive and clear about what steps to take. The main complication was that my original and intended degrees were very different, and I had not taken the prerequisite modules for second-year economics. This meant that there was a possibility I would have to restart first year, which would have complicated my visa and financial circumstances. Fortunately, the university was flexible and allowed me to take the missing first-year module alongside my second-year courses. It was a busy schedule, and a few classes overlapped, but with some planning and persistence, it worked out well.
If you are unsure about your path, I would encourage you to keep your academic options open. Even if you are confident about your degree choice, try to take a few modules that leave room for change. You never know how your interests or goals might evolve once you actually experience the subject first-hand. It is much easier to adjust if you have already given yourself that flexibility.
Exploring St Andrews and Beyond
One of the things that makes studying in St Andrews so special is how much there is to explore — not only within the town but across Scotland. It is a place that rewards curiosity and a willingness to take the scenic route, quite literally.
Even everyday activities can be made more interesting. Instead of walking the same path to lectures, I sometimes take alternative routes — through Lade Braes, along the Old Course, or past the cathedral ruins — and it completely changes the atmosphere of an ordinary day. A walk to Morrisons for groceries becomes an opportunity to see the town from a different perspective and enjoy a bit of quiet before the next busy stretch of the day.
St Andrews itself has plenty of spots worth discovering. The Botanic Garden is a peaceful escape during warmer months, and several museums are free to visit — perfect for an afternoon when you want a break from studying. As for food and drink, I do not go out often, but besides the popular options like Mozza or Nando’s, I have come to appreciate Cottage Kitchen for its cosy, slightly tucked-away feel, ideal for catching up with friends or taking a quiet break between lectures. And with the newly opened Hotel Chocolat, there is now a perfect place in town for a well-deserved treat after a long study day.
Once you receive the free bus pass, exploring beyond St Andrews becomes simple and affordable. Fife alone offers plenty of options for day trips. The coastal villages of Anstruther, Crail, and Pittenweem are just a short ride away — all part of the East Neuk, where you can walk along the Fife Coastal Path and stop for fish and chips by the harbour. Falkland Palace and Kellie Castle are ideal if you enjoy a mix of history and nature.
Further north, Dunkeld and The Hermitage in Perthshire are especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees turn gold and the River Braan winds through the forest. Dunnottar Castle, perched on dramatic cliffs above the sea, is another highlight that feels like stepping into a postcard.
Attending the Highland Games in Blair Atholl was one of the most memorable experiences — the atmosphere, music, and sense of community make it a truly authentic way to experience Scottish traditions. The Highland Games are also hosted in St Andrews and other nearby towns throughout spring and summer, so it is worth keeping an eye out for dates.
Most of these destinations can be visited as day trips, which saves money on accommodation. Many museums and heritage sites offer free or discounted entry for students, and with a Young Scot card, major attractions can sometimes cost as little as £1. Dundee and Edinburgh are also easy to reach and filled with free museums, including the V&A Dundee, the McManus Art Gallery, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Scottish National Gallery, and more.
Just keep in mind that weekend bus services are less frequent, so it is important to check timetables in advance and plan your connections carefully. With a bit of preparation, exploring Scotland can be both affordable and effortless — and it offers a real sense of connection to the country beyond university life.
Getting Involved
It is always a good idea to get involved in student life early on, whether through committees, societies, or hall events. I joined the David Russell Apartments and Fife Park (DRAFP) Committee and its Ball Committee for two years, where I held several roles — Social Media Representative, Decorations Assistant, Events Representative, and Ball Executive.
Being part of these committees taught me practical skills such as event planning, teamwork, and communication, while also giving me a sense of belonging. It is rewarding to see an event come together and know that you helped make it happen. If you think you might want to join a committee or take on a leadership role later, getting involved early really helps. You begin to understand how things work behind the scenes, build connections with people across the university, and even get to know vendors and organisers — all of which make higher-level roles easier to take on in the future..
Even if you prefer not to join a committee, it is still worth following clubs and societies on social media, subscribing to their mailing lists, or even buying a membership. Many societies host open events, workshops, and trips that you can attend casually. The Students’ Union and apps like FIXR are great for keeping up with what is happening in town — from ceilidhs and film nights to fundraisers and guest talks.
Every university hall also has its own committee that organises hall-specific events throughout the year, which are great opportunities to meet people and build connections in a relaxed setting. Even attending a few of these can make a big difference in how quickly you feel part of the community.
Final Thoughts
There is no single way to experience university, and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Some people arrive knowing exactly what they want to do; others discover it by trial and error. Both paths are equally valid. What matters more is staying open to change — because plans, interests, and even people evolve.
It helps to treat these years as an opportunity to experiment a little: take classes you are unsure about, attend events you know nothing of, and travel to places that do not show up on the usual recommendation lists. Not everything will lead somewhere, but much of it will teach you something worth knowing.
At its best, university is less about following a fixed route and more about learning to navigate uncertainty with curiosity. If you can do that — keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep showing up — everything else tends to fall into place in its own time.