Historic double first for St Andrews

The University of St Andrews is again the leading university in the UK, according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, to be published this weekend. It is the second time in the space of a week that St Andrews has topped a major UK ranking. Scotland's first university was ranked top in the Guardian University Guide 2024 last weekend.

Pier Walk marks new academic year

Hundreds of students participated in the Pier Walk – one of the University’s oldest traditions and the first event of the new academic year – on Sunday 3 September.

Orientation Week

It was fantastic to welcome new members of our Family Programme to the Younger Hall for our recent receptions. We were delighted that so many bejants visited the Development Office to pick up their free lanyard and to sample Fisher and Donaldson fudge doughnuts and other St Andrews treats. We're looking forward to keeping in touch with you all. 

Members of our Family Programme can send cakes and bakes to their students through our Love from Home scheme.

Introducing…our alumni merchandise

Our new and exclusive, print-on-demand, zero-waste merchandise range is now live and available for St Andrews alumni from our online shop. The garments are manufactured from GOTS-certified organic cotton and use materials diverted from landfill. They also feature a QR code on the lining, ensuring that they can be returned to be repurposed and recycled – the ultimate circular economy.

Your legacy questions…answered

In the Summer issue of St Andrews in the News we gave you the opportunity to ask any questions you had about leaving a legacy to St Andrews – no strings attached. We have featured your questions here, along with detailed answers from the legal experts.

For more information about leaving a legacy, contact Katrina Bell, Legacies Manager, at keb32@st-andrews.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1334 462105.

St Andrews hosts major scientific expedition

The University recently hosted a major scientific expedition - TRaversing European Coastlines (TREC) - to help develop understanding of the biodiversity and ecosystems along Europe’s coastlines. While the expedition was based at the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI), a research vessel was moored in St Andrews Bay to take samples out at sea.

Men’s Scottish Varsity Rugby Match 2023

The University of Edinburgh v University of St Andrews Varsity Rugby Match is taking place on Saturday 23 September at 2pm at University Park, St Andrews.

The match is open to spectators so students, staff and the wider communities of both universities can either register for a ticket or watch the live-streamed event. Tickets are limited and early registration is encouraged.

Study UK Alumni Awards

Applications for the UK Alumni Awards 2023 are now open. If you studied in the UK and have gone on to make a difference in your profession, community or country, you could be a 2023-2024 winner. Apply now for the opportunity to raise your global profile and expand your professional network.

Alumni Stories

We love to receive and share stories from our alumni about your time at the University, and about your journey beyond.

This month we feature Trevor Jones, BSc (Hons) 1972, one of the ‘Men of Kinnessburn’, Victoria Mackenzie (MA 2011), graduate and Guardian-reviewed author, and the late Dr Jean McCrindle (MA 1959), an alumna who lived a truly remarkable life.

Email the editor at sem28@st-andrews.ac.uk if you would like to share your story.

SaintsFunder

This month’s SaintsFunder project – Rocking in the Buff – supports students who are experiencing financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis. The appeal is led by the staff and alumni band Dry Island Buffalo Jump (affectionately known as “The Buff”) who have released a new single to increase awareness of this.

SaintsFunder is open to all students, alumni and University staff. Please send your ideas to SaintsFunder@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

Saints Talk programme

The Saints Talk team is back with an exciting new programme for the start of the new academic year. Our next Saints Talk – ‘The bacterial roots of the human immune system’ is by Professor Malcolm White, School of Biology. The talk will be held on Tuesday 3 October at 5.15pm (BST).

You can watch previous Saints Talks online below.

Meet the author: Louise Minchin

Book Launch: The Book at War

Thursday 12 October

6.30pm
The Hall of India and Pakistan, 6 Park Place, St James's, London, SW1A 1LR

You are invited to join Professor Andrew Pettegree as he launches his new work 'The Book at War'. The publication date will be celebrated with drinks, canapes and an opportunity to hear about the book and meet the author.

Please note that spaces are limited at this event. Email developmentevents@st-andrews.ac.uk to register to attend. Our thanks to those who have already registered.

Alumni Authors

Hong Kong Drinks Reception

Tuesday 26 September 2023
7pm
The Library, 15F, The China Club, The Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central, Hong Kong

All alumni, supporters and friends of the University in Hong Kong are invited to join the Vice-Principal (Research, Collections and Innovation) Professor Tom Brown, Assistant Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations) Professor Stephen Gethins and Head of Development (London and International) Pamela Stephenson for a drinks reception, during which Professor Brown will illustrate the impact that St Andrews researchers have on lives around the world.

Please email developmentevents@st-andrews.ac.uk to register to attend. Thank you if you have already registered - we look forward to seeing you there.

Laidlaw Live

The Laidlaw Music Centre presents an exciting and varied programme of concerts throughout the year, many of which are live-streamed and can be enjoyed wherever you are in the world.

Reconnect!

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme

Email: alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.