During your visit
Once a visit is underway, the information found below can be used to help Visiting Scholars settle in to life in St Andrews and help familiarise themselves with the University and town.
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If requested, the Global Office will arrange for a visitor ID card to be issued for the visit and sent to the main office of the hosting School or Unit. This card will grant access to specific buildings or area, borrow books from the Library and use University printers and scanners.
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A University email account and username will be created for a visitor’s stay. Microsoft 365 is the University's email system. The visitor will be expected to finalise their account registration on arrival by emailing itservicedesk@st-andrews.ac.uk or by visiting the IT Service Desk in the Main Library.
Multi-factor authentication adds a second layer of security to an online account. The first factor will be a University password, and the second will be using a mobile authenticator app called Duo Mobile. Visitors can download it for free from their mobile app store or visit the Multi-factor authentication web page for more information.
Visiting Scholars should regularly monitor their University of St Andrews email account throughout their stay as any important School, Unit or University updates will be sent to St Andrews email accounts.
Eduroam is a secure wireless network available for Visiting Scholars to use in most University buildings. More information about connecting your laptop or mobile device can be found on the Connect to Eduroam webpage.
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Visiting Scholars can borrow 50 physical items, have access to our online resources and can use the inter-library loan service using their ID card. All borrowed books must be returned to the Library at the end of the visit. If you would like an introduction to the libraries, email library@st-andrews.ac.uk . Visitors should refer to the Library’s visiting academics web page for more information.
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Visiting Scholars, particularly those registered for three months or longer, are required to complete the online training modules below. Although these courses are aimed at regular members of staff, they may also aide Visiting Scholars in understanding important aspects, including securely working with personal data and data which the University is responsible for and being aware of potential cyber/information security threats that may threaten the University’s IT infrastructure and may threaten the University’s IT infrastructure and the interests of others (notably the fundamental right of privacy and protecting confidentiality). Information about completing for these modules can be found on the University’s mandatory training web page.
- Data Protection (GDPR)
- Diversity in the workplace
- Information Security Essentials
- Safeguarding and the Prevent Duty
- Unconscious Bias
Visiting Scholars staying for less than 10 weeks are encouraged to complete the online training noted above.
In addition, visitors will be expected to complete training associated with the specific work they will be carrying out during the visit eg. lab techniques.
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Visitors will receive specific information relating to their host School on arrival. Arrangements will be made to allow them access to local sites e.g. Sharepoint and add them to email mailing and contact lists. If appropriate IT equipment and desk space will be allocated. Visitors should also receive general health and safety information, along with specific inductions if they will be working in higher-risk areas, such as laboratories.
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Visitors to St Andrews can keep up to date with the variety of events taking place at the University by checking the events page. Many of these in-person and online opportunities are open to all audiences.
St Andrews also hosts a number of museums and theatres, as well as cafes and sports facilities.
Information about religious services and places for private prayer and meditation can be found on the worship in St Andrews webpage.
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GP service
Visitors wishing to access private health services should note that there are two practices to choose from, one in St Andrews and one in Dundee.
The St Andrews Private GP Clinic is based in St Andrews. In-clinic appointments and private GP video consultations can be made by phoning +44 (0)1334 806330 or emailing enquiries@stagp.co.uk.
Tayside Complete Health is based in Dundee and bookings can be made through their website.
Hospitals and emergency care
The nearest hospital is the St Andrews Community Hospital. Only minor injuries are dealt with at this hospital. Accident and Emergency (A&E) services for more serious conditions are at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee and Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.
If your or someone else's life is at risk, please call 999 and ask for the ambulance service. For other help and assistance, call NHS 24 on 111 to speak with a nurse who can give advice and arrange further assistance if necessary. Please note that you will only be able to access this service if you have a UK telephone number.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists in the UK are qualified healthcare professionals. They can offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines for a range of illnesses, including skin complaints, coughs, colds and sore throats, upset stomachs, treatment of UTIs and aches and pains. A pharmacist may advise if a visit to medical practice is required. Pharmacists can be found at the following local chemists:
- Boots, 113-117 Market St, St Andrews, KY16 9PE
- Lloyds Pharmacy, Largo Road, St Andrews, KY16 8AR
- Morrisons Pharmacy, 45 Largo Road, St Andrews, KY16 8PJ
Dentists
There are a number of private dentists in St Andrews that provide emergency appointments and regular check-ups, including dental hygienists and orthodontist services.
- St Andrews Dental Care and Implant Clinic, 2 Lockhart Pl, St Andrews KY16 9XB
- Gentle Dental Care, 85 South St, St Andrews KY16 9QW
- BUPA Dental Care St Andrews, Community Hospital, Largo Rd, St Andrews KY16 8AR
Emergency services
In an emergency dial 999 for the police, fire and ambulance service. For non-emergencies, you can contact the police on 101.
If you have any concerns or require to report an incident of any type at the University, then please contact the Security and Response Team, who are available 24/7, on +44 (0)1334 46 8999 or by email security@st-andrews.ac.uk
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Banks may provide visitors with a basic account when they are in the UK. However, if a visitor is here for six months or less, options may be limited.
A basic bank account will allow a visitor to access cash via a cash machine and set up direct debits and standing orders. There are five banks in St Andrews:
All of these banks have arrangements with both English and overseas banks.
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Visitors to the UK may want to consider purchasing a UK SIM card, as it may be necessary for accessing various services, including health services and online shopping.
All mobile phones in the UK require a SIM card to connect to a network. If you are bringing a phone from a country which does not require a SIM card, you will need to purchase a SIM card before your phone will work in the UK. SIM cards are attached to a network; there are a number of networks in the UK.
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The University offers a range of events and activities for children. If you are a family looking for ideas for a day out in St Andrews, please find more information on the activities for children webpage.
For visitors travelling with small children, the University provides a list of local nurseries and childcare providers.
Please beware that the UKVI imposes restrictions on family members accompanying you into the UK enrolling in education while in the UK. The restrictions are based on your UK visa category and are as follows:
- Permitted Paid Engagement visa - Children cannot attend state schools, but can attend fee paying school.
- Standard Visitor visa (business visitors category) - Where visa is granted for 6 months or less, children cannot attend state school.
- Standard Visitor visa (Academic visitor category) - Children of academic visitors can attend state school provided they obtain a 12 month dependant visa in advance of coming to the UK.
- Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) - Children can attend state school
Enquires should be made with the relevant school regarding admission rules and eligibility.
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Stagecoach are the main buses that operate in and around St Andrews. You can use these for travel in St Andrews but also to visit neighbouring areas that are also served by Stagecoach buses, for example, Dundee or Edinburgh.
Visitors looking to travel to or from Edinburgh should look out for the X58, X59 and X60 Stagecoach services, which take around two hours. Stagecoach also offers bus services to Glasgow, via the X24, X26 and X27 services, which take around two and a half hours. You can plan your travel using the Stagecoach mobile app or website to see what stations are nearby and relevant for your journey.
St Andrews is also a certified ‘Cycle Friendly Campus’. Visit the University’s sustainable travel webpage for more information.
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Visitors should check Visit Scotland’s website to find out more about the top tourist attractions in St Andrews and Scotland.