BA (International Honours) Students' Orientation Guide - University of St Andrews
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BA (International Honours) Students’ Orientation Guide
Welcome to St Andrews,
Scotland’s first university!
Whether you are studying Classical Studies, Economics, Student profile
English, Film Studies, History or International Relations,
as a BA (International Honours) student you are part of “While I was still a fresher at William & Though St Andrews offers a lot of time that,
Mary, I remember St Andrews seeming if managed correctly, allows you to attend
a unique and truly international joint degree programme fancy events and/or travel the world, there
like a mysterious black box, distant and
between William & Mary and the University of St Andrews. unknown. Despite all the brochures I had were some serious academic transitions to
You are a member of a very special community which poured over and all the advice I received be made. There is a different grading system
transcends borders and fosters a global outlook, enriching from upperclassmen who had survived the and a whole new set of expectations for
both universities with fresh ideas and perspectives. transition, I honestly had no idea what to academic work. However, with that being
expect. Then, I arrived in Scotland and found said, looking back I could not imagine my
BA (International Honours) students experience a number of transitions that what was waiting for me across the education being complete without both the
Atlantic was not a dark, cold, and rainy land American and European perspectives. As the
throughout their degree programme, and we believe these transitions help you world becomes increasingly more globally
or an exotic extended holiday, but a home
to develop agility and adaptability, a confident and flexible approach to your away from home. interconnected, experiences like the one
learning, and a broad and international perspective, all of which will help you to offered by the BA International Honours
prepare for employment in a global market. The increase in independence that I found program will prove to be invaluable.
at St Andrews was intimidating at first.
In the following pages, you will find information to help you make the transition Especially when paired with the sheer Christina (Virginia, USA)
to St Andrews – from advice on planning your travel to a guide to Academic volume of organized events that were on
at any given week — from balls to fashion
Advising and information to help you make the most of your time at
shows to golf tournaments. But by stretching
St Andrews. myself and getting involved in different
activities, I was able to build myself a
We offer a range of support services to ease the transition and to help you settle St Andrean family. From my academic family
into your new home in St Andrews, and we look forward to welcoming you to with whom I shared many local traditions
our lively community. and the encouraging community at the
St Andrews Free Church, to my fellow
photographers on the campus fashion blog
Concrete Catwalk and my reeling set with
Professor Clare Peddie whom I have learned almost a dozen Scottish
Vice-Principal Education (Proctor) dances — I found my place and never had a
dull moment.
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How to get to St Andrews There are also several taxi share services Further afield Matriculation
The closest airports to St Andrews, which offering competitive rates for a transfer from Thanks to the train link , as well as our Matriculation is the process where students
offer plenty of connections both nationally Edinburgh airport to your hall of residence. proximity to Edinburgh and Glasgow, it is register with the University each academic
and internationally, are Edinburgh (48 miles), There are special rates for the weekends very easy to make St Andrews the base for year. This includes online matriculation,
Aberdeen (84 miles), Glasgow (90 miles), and prior to both semesters as well as the days at your exploration of other parts of Scotland, and attendance at the matriculation and
Glasgow Prestwick (113 miles). the end of each semester for your return to the UK and regions further afield. advising events during Orientation Week in
the airport. Check their webpages for more September. Information about matriculation
From Edinburgh airport there is an Airlink information: The Scottish Highlands are a particular is available at:
bus that runs roughly every 10 minutes to www.standrewsdirect.com favourite amongst international students and www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/academic/
the centre of Edinburgh. It takes around www.standrewsshuttle.com there are several companies which offer all- matriculation
30 minutes and you can get off either at inclusive bus tours.
Waverley or Haymarket Station. Alternatively, The website, www.studentuniverse.com, is It is important to complete the full
you can take the tram service to Edinburgh a great resource for students to find cheap From Leuchars you can catch a direct train matriculation process within the time-frame
Gateway, Haymarket or Waverley which or discounted flights. Just sign up with your down to London. If you are planning to do prescribed otherwise it will result in the
operates every 8-10 minutes Monday to William & Mary email address to make getting a lot of travel by train it may be worthwhile implementation of our Failure to Matriculate
Saturday and every 12-15 minutes on a to St Andrews that much easier. getting a Railcard, which can save you a third policy. Full details can be found at:
Sunday. From there you catch a direct train off the price of each ticket you buy. For more www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/rules/
to Leuchars, which is the station closest Living in St Andrews information visit: matriculation/failuretomatriculatepolicy
to St Andrews. The train journey takes St Andrews is located in a breath-taking www.nationalrail.co.uk
approximately an hour. position. It is set on a rocky headland Immigration
Full details can be found at: overlooking the dramatic waters of the North If you are thinking about hiring a car for In the spring, you will receive an email
www.nationalrail.co.uk Sea. Inland are the rolling fields and wooded weekend trips there are certain conditions from Registry about your Confirmation of
hills of the Kingdom of Fife. that affect if you can drive, and what you can Acceptance of Studies (CAS) that you will
From Leuchars you get to St Andrews by bus drive in Great Britain. In general you can only need to make an application for your Tier
(the 94, 96 and 99 lines) or taxi. You can also Contrasts are everywhere – with local do so if you are over the age of 21 and have 4 student visa. It is essential you have a
buy a Fife Dayrider+ when you board the quirky shops and boutiques alongside well- held your licence for at least 12 months. Full passport prior to applying for your visa or
Jet Service 747 from Edinburgh Airport to known supermarkets, bakeries, stationers, information can be found here: you risk not receiving it in time to commence
the Halbeath Park & Ride, where you have to bookshops, mobile phone outlets and a www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence studies in September. Your application will
change onto the X24 or the X59 to range of high street fashion and shoe shops. follow the same procedures as any other visa
St Andrews. To determine whether or not application, details of which can be found
taking the bus fits with your itinerary, full There is a friendly, cosmopolitan vibe here: www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa
schedules can be found at: pulsating through St Andrews. Most students
www.stagecoachbus.com get around by walking or cycling and so it is
not necessary to have a car.
2 3
“The program is obviously an incredible academic
experience — being able to study your subject from multiple
and dynamic perspectives. But more than that, it is a
practice in personal development, providing exercises
in independence, adaptability, and self advocacy. The
program sends you to a promising future, and prepares you
for this future by getting the most ‘life’ under your belt.”
Aubrey (Colorado, USA)
Students entering the UK for the first time ID cards Although we ask students to upload an Opening an account and transferring money
with a Tier 4 student visa should bring their Your student ID / matriculation card is valid image for their ID card, it is possible to have from another country into the UK can take
joint degree programme acceptance letter to for the duration of your studies and serves a your photograph taken during matriculation some time, so you should ensure you bring
show the immigration officer at the border. number of important functions: by our ID Card team. enough money for living expenses for
Those with visas should not take connecting the first few weeks. It is advisable to bring
flights through Dublin during initial entry as 1. Personal identification and confirmation More information about the ID cards can be some cash (but not large sums) and either
your visa will not be stamped. The Republic that you are a student at the University found at: traveller’s cheques (Sterling) or a credit card
of Ireland has a ‘Common Travel Area’ with of St Andrews for purposes of voting in www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/IDcards that will allow you to take money from a cash
the UK. student elections and to gain access to machine until funds have been transferred.
the University Library and Students’ Union. Fees and funding Phone your home bank a few weeks prior
Students studying at the University under a 2. Swipe card for access to many University As a student who started their degree at to departure to notify them of international
Tier 4 visa are required to have their passport buildings, for example our 24- hour William & Mary you will pay tuition fees to travel and to request a pin for your credit
and visa documentation verified twice each computer classrooms and your own hall of your home institution. However, you are card. Some banks will also mail you a new
academic year. Verification will take place at residence. responsible for paying your accommodation card with a chip (all European cards have
Matriculation and as part of a visa confirmation 3. Library card. The barcode and ten-digit fees to St Andrews. You can pay these in chips) free of charge, making it much easier
event held early in the second semester. number on the rear of the card is used by full or by instalment either by international to use machines. Be mindful of the fact that
Failure to attend the events may result in the Library to allow access to the Main wire transfer, bank giro credit (BGC) or American Express is only accepted by a few
the University considering you absent. That Library building and to manage your credit/UK debit card. See www.st-andrews. businesses in St Andrews, whereas Visa and
absence will be reported to the UKVI and Library record, including the issuing ac.uk/students/money/tuitionfees/ Mastercard are widely accepted.
may ultimately result in your studies being of books. howareyoupaying
terminated and your visa being curtailed. 4. Printers are located in each hall of In terms of how much spending money is
residence as well as the University Library. There are several banks which have branches needed per week, there is an approximate
Students who are on a Tier 4 visa and given Funds can be added to the card, allowing in St Andrews, and most of them offer special guideline to be found here (look under
a Leave of Absence for personal or medical you to swipe and print once you run out of deals if you open an account with them. The International Students): www.st-andrews.
reasons must leave the UK and apply for a credit. steps needed to set up a bank account as ac.uk/students/money/internationalstudents/
new visa when they return to their studies. 5. Student ID cards also give you access an international student can be found here: ugcoa
This change in circumstance will be reported to the gym. Gym membership can be www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/money/
to the UKVI and your visa will be curtailed. purchased throughout the year. Use of bankaccounts/bankinternational
indoor facilities, outdoor fields, courts and
If you have any queries regarding passport/ equipment require presentation of your
visa checks, please contact: matriculation card.
visas@st-andrews.ac.uk
4 5
“Enrolling in the William & Mary/St Andrews course has
given me the opportunity to have an incredibly unique
University experience of studying on both sides of the Atlantic
at two historical and reputable institutions. This will of
course have it’s particular challenges, but they will make
me a more dynamic and resilient person. I look forward to
confronting these challenges and creating a network of lifelong
friends at St Andrews and William & Mary.”
Ross (Aberdeen, Scotland)
Academic matters completely different to what you are used to. Your University of St Andrews user ID CEED
The new Pro Dean • A module is a course in a particular and password will enable you to log into The Centre for Educational Enhancement
Curriculum (Arts and subject that is usually taught through the Student Portal ‘MySaint’ through the and Development (CEED) provides a
Divinity), Dr Lisa Jones, a combination of weekly lectures and University website and choose the modules comprehensive range of academic skills
is the academic director tutorials or seminars. you wish to take. This is known as ‘pre- and student development services for
of the BA (International • Tutorials are small group discussions that advising.’ During Orientation Week you will undergraduates.
Honours) programme. cover material taught in lectures. receive an email with a time and location
She provides academic • Seminars are a mixture of lecture and to meet the Pro Dean for the programme CEED coordinates the Academic Skills Project;
advice generally to our tutorial in small groups. (see page 6). In the meeting you will discuss a programme where postgraduate students
BA (International Honours) your module choices for the year and make deliver optional workshops on a range of
students as well as being the Adviser of As a rule full-time students should take 120 any final adjustments if necessary. Full subject-specific academic skills such as essay
Studies for the first and second year credits of modules per year, 60 credits per information on the advising process can be writing, citation and critical thinking. CEED
students. She works closely with academic semester. found here: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/ also offers a one-to-one tuition service where
colleagues in each of the Schools in the academic/academic-advising postgraduate tutors provide study skills
programme as well colleagues at William It is normal for students to only take three and mathematics and statistics support to
& Mary. She can be contacted here: modules per semester in their sub-honours At St Andrews, work is marked on a 20-point students.
prodeanarts-curr@st-andrews.ac.uk. You will years (first and second year). You must take scale. A guide to the standards expected can
meet her during the advising process and sub-honours modules in the subject area be found in the BA (International Honours) You are invited to engage with the
throughout the year at various social and of your intended degree programme. In regulations document, available on our Professional Skills Curriculum which provides
academic events. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ addition to compulsory modules you may be website (see link below). training in over 30 skills topics that employers
about/governance/faculties-deans/pro- able to choose other modules from a wide value. We also support you in developing
deans range of subjects, some of which might fulfil Each academic School that you will be your IT skills via access to the Microsoft
your breadth requirements. attending during your time at St Andrews IT Academy. Finally, we have a range of
The University works on a semester system, will make available online a handbook which academic skills booklets and other resources
consisting of two semesters per year. Our online Course Catalogue also provides outlines the School’s marking and assessment in the CEED offices. Information is available
Holidays, teaching and study periods are not detailed information about all the modules criteria. You should read the handbooks at: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ceed
evenly distributed within the academic year. that are available: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ for each of the Schools where you will be
Please note that you are required to remain coursecatalogue attending courses to make sure that you are
in St Andrews for the full duration of the fully aware of expectations and requirements.
examination diets. Although you may have fewer contact hours
than you are used to at William & Mary, For more information about the BA (International Honours) programme please look at the
As a BA (International Honours) student you you should be prepared for a lot of guided regulations document available on our website:
may find the way courses are structured here independent study. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/academic/ba-international
6 7
Library Printers are available in the Main Library as Accommodation Catered residences:
The University has several libraries well as in the individual computer rooms of Our accommodation webpages are the best • Provide 19 meals a week (no weekend
throughout the town. The Main University the halls of residence, but it is also possible to starting point for all related questions: dinners), 14 meals a week if in David
Library, located in the centre of town, is open buy them from stores in town. Information on www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/ug/ Russell Apartments (no weekday lunches
for more than 100 hours per week during printing costs can be found on our website residences or weekend dinners) or 15 meals a week
the semester with a wide range of studying at: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/uniprint/ at Agnes Blackadder Hall (no meals at
options, including group study rooms, silent printingprices There are ten different undergraduate halls weekends).
study areas as well as more informal and of residence in St Andrews, each offering a • Students may only eat meals in their own
relaxed areas, as well as a café. Our IT Helpdesk in the Library can help with unique experience. From historic to modern, halls of residence.
any issue related both to University computer large to small, there is something for • Meals in most halls have a duration of one
The King James Library is located on South equipment and your personal laptop. You everyone. As each hall is located in a different hour, with the offer of a ‘packed’ lunch or
Street in St Mary’s College with opening times can get free advice without booking an part of town and hall events vary, there is dinner alternative. Students are allowed
from Monday to Friday. Find out more about appointment, or alternatively you can call no standard experience of hall life. Nearly all to select one entrée, one dessert, and one
library services at: them or send them an email: have an annual ‘Hall Ball’ and also have sports piece of fruit, however, you may take as
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/library helpdesk@st-andrews.ac.uk teams, which compete in an annual inter-hall much salad and sides as desired. There is
tournament. The cost of living varies between always a vegetarian option and catering
IT Services They also run a PC Clinic Service where you halls so check the webpages for the current staff are happy to discuss other dietary
If you bring your own laptop, you should get can hand in your laptop for any problems. accommodation fees. requirements.
a power lead for it once in the UK. It is easier Turnaround time for repairs is usually 48 • All Catered halls with the exception of
and safer to buy a new UK model. Each room hours. Since it is a University subsidised There are several different options to choose Agnes Blackadder and David Russell
in halls of residence has a data point which service the prices are very competitive. from our residences: Apartments close during the Christmas
allows you to connect to the internet via an More details about the current services are • Single or shared room. If you are in a vacation, but your belongings may
Ethernet cable (which will be provided to all available at: shared room you will not find out in remain in your room. Rooms must be
students arriving during Orientation Week, www.st-andrews.ac.uk/itsupport/pcclinic advance the name of your roommate. vacated at the end of Semester 2 in May.
at no extra charge). Our wireless service is However, students in the past have used
Eduroam, which is available throughout the IT Services also work in partnership with social media to connect prior to the start Self-catered residences:
public areas, Schools and libraries around the Getech and participate in a national of semester. • Are equipped with kitchens, but students
University and also in the bedrooms of halls procurement agreement to secure very • Standard (hall-style) or en-suite (you have must purchase their own cooking
of residence. www.st-andrews.ac.uk/eduroam competitive prices for students to buy your own toilet and shower). utensils.
computers through the student store. • Catered (with meals) or self-catered • Halls remain open during the Christmas
(cooking for yourself ). vacation, but must be vacated at the end
of Semester 2 in May.
8 9
“I found some of my best friends because of this programme.
Through all the amazing ups and challenging downs, I
had an incredible support system of friendly faces. Even
more so, both schools are so wonderfully distinct; each is
its own adventure. I will never forget all the extraordinary
things I experienced and all the wonderful people I met at
each school.”
Amanda (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
All rooms are equipped with: • The earliest that you can move into a Student life the Cardiovascular Suite and Free Weights
• A bed hall of residence is the first Saturday of St Andrews has a large number of coffee Room. Students can purchase membership
• Wardrobe Orientation Week. shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. The for either a semester or a year. More
• Desk • Students pick up keys at the reception of Students’ Union provides a great meeting information can be found here:
• Chair halls of residence. point for the student population, with the www.st-andrews.ac.uk/sport
• Lamp • Any items shipped to halls must lowest prices in town. It puts on events
• Telephone arrive AFTER you have moved into throughout the year, from live gigs to comedy St Andrews has a very prominent drama
• Datapoint accommodation. The University cannot nights. scene, with plays, musicals, and comedy
• All residences have washing machines guarantee secure storage and belongings acts performed on a regular basis, as well
and tumble dryers. You will be able to will not be covered by the University’s There are a vast number of student societies as an active Music Centre, which organises
purchase a laundry card and top it up block insurance policy until the student and you are free to start your own if you lunchtime concerts and evening concerts.
online. is in the residence. Note that all goods feel that your personal interests are not At the Byre Theatre, there are numerous arts
shipped to the UK are subject to represented. During Orientation Week a festivals, film screenings and special guest
The University does not provide storage Customs Excise examination. You should Freshers’ Fayre will be held, which gives you talks throughout the year, so there will always
during the summer holiday, but there are complete the form C3 – ‘Bring your the opportunity to meet representatives of be something for you to attend.
several companies which provide storage personal belongings into the UK from the societies, find out what they are all about
facilities, such as: outside the European Community,’ at: and to join the ones you like. Halls of residence organise their own annual
• The Big Space: www.thebigspace.co.uk www.hmrc.gov.uk hall ball, but in addition there are a multitude
• Flexistore: There is also a Sports Fayre organised by the of other balls and dances taking place each
www.flexistore.co.uk/student-storage Athletic Union, which introduces you to all semester. So make sure to bring some formal
Mobile phones the different sports that are on offer in wear with you, unless, of course, you need
Online accommodation applications and You may want to invest in a British mobile St Andrews, and is a great opportunity to an excuse to go shopping in Dundee or
Move-in: (cell phone). There is a phone shop in town meet like-minded people and make new Edinburgh.
• Application forms open 1 April and must where you can purchase a mobile phone friends. The Sports Centre has recently
be completed by 30 June. You can rank and several in Dundee and Edinburgh. updated its facilities and offers an impressive
your preference for en-suite, single, Alternatively, if you have a smartphone, range of courses and classes, in addition to
shared, catered or self-catered, but you contact your provider prior to your departure
cannot choose the hall itself. for St Andrews to confirm whether or not
• Accommodation offers will be released in your phone is already unlocked. If it is not,
July or August with specific hall and room request to unlock your phone so you can There will be a special welcome event held for you and your fellow joint programme
assignments. purchase a UK sim card upon arrival. students, organised by the Pro Dean for the BA (International Honours) programme.
An invitation will be sent to you by email.
10 11
Traditions Every year in the first semester one of heroic efforts of John Honey who, in 1800, Support systems
During its more than 600 year long history St Andrews’ unique traditions takes place, saved five people from a sinking ship off the Student Services provide a comprehensive
St Andrews has developed many traditions, Raisin Weekend. On Raisin Sunday academic St Andrews pier, swimming out and back with support system for all students, with
all of which play a significant role in making parents host parties for their children to one person at a time. The May Dip sees its specialised advice and counselling in areas
student life here so unique. celebrate their introduction to the culmination at the first light of dawn and the of finance, disabilities, international student
St Andrews community. Traditionally, children screams of the students as they enter the cold service, academic issues, health concerns,
Academic families are, in essence, a way to would present their parents with a pound of North Sea can be heard for quite a distance! mental health issues, personal and emotional
incorporate freshers (new students) into the raisins, hence the name. On Monday morning concerns. Student Services as well as the
student community. At St Andrews you have your academic mother will dress you up in Throughout the semester you will see other departments involved in dealing with
the chance to be adopted by an ‘academic fancy costumes and your academic father students wearing the traditional red the joint programme have great experience
mother and father’. These academic parents will present you with a Raisin Receipt, which undergraduate gown. Gowns are not dealing with international students and their
are Honours students, i.e. students in their could be anything from a teddy bear to a compulsory, but highly desirable in certain transition to the UK higher education system,
third or fourth year of study, who will act as door. You will make your way through town situations. Whilst not everyone will buy one so you will be in good hands.
mentors and introduce you to student life carrying the receipt and end up with all the (their price can be a little steep – try and get
at St Andrews. Academic parents can adopt other academic children in the foam fight a secondhand one at the Students’ Union For any queries that you may have whilst at
more than one student so you will have some near St Salvator’s Quadrangle! shop) you can always borrow one if you need St Andrews you can go along to the Advice
academic siblings too, and over the years it. Formal hall dinners, University Chapel & Support Centre (ASC), 79 North Street,
your academic family will grow with each On 1 May many students brave the freezing services (followed by the Pier Walk) and any where staff will be able to listen, give advice
new intake of freshers. waters on the North Sea in celebration of the sort of ceremonial events are good times to or refer you on to appropriate services. The
wear a gown. They are also rather cosy and Advice & Support team will provide advice
can help you stay warm during the winter. on all welfare matters including overseas
“Joining the programme has been one of the best decisions of my life. The friends I have student issues, flatmate problems, financial
made on both campuses and amongst my WaMStA peers, the places I have explored, the matters/problems or any matter of concern
to a student. If they cannot help then they
materials I have studied in a subject I love dearly in two different academic styles, and the will refer you to an appropriate person either
lessons I have learned transitioning between continents have changed me for the better in within or outwith the University.
a way no study abroad opportunity could. I am a more well-rounded and knowledgeable
person because of this programme, and I could not be more thankful for the chance to serve
both institutions as a proud WaMStA student.”
Liam (Virginia, USA) Semester dates for the coming years can be found here:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/semesterdates/2020-2021
12 13
“The Programme is simultaneously the most challenging and
most rewarding endeavor I’ve ever faced. It’s daunting, but
it’s also taught me independence, self-sufficiency and the
problem-solving skills I’ll need well into the future.”
Ian (Missouri, USA)
In addition, the Global Office run daily Nightline is another resource that provides More information can be found here: • Health and disability
consultation hours during term time (2-4pm, students with a listening ear and relevant www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/ug/ • Activating your University email address
Monday to Friday), which are designed information. Nightline is run by students and current/residents/wardens • Online matriculation
to provide an extra resource for joint is completely confidential. Nightline runs • Module choices
programme students while in St Andrews. every night that halls of residence are open Our Out of Hours Emergency Service provides • Parents’ Reception
Whether you would like advice about a and operates from 8pm until 7am. For more cover for emergency situations, such as • William & Mary – St Andrews Student
practical matter, or just want to have a chat information about contacting Nightline and liaising with the National Health Service for Partnership
about your experience in St Andrews, the its work, please see: ill health or personal crises. More information
Global Office will be happy to see you. The www.st-andrews.ac.uk/nightline can be found here: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ The WaMStA Student Partnership organises
office is located in St Katharine’s West on The contacts/emergency/university/outofhours social gatherings for WaMStA students
Scores, just next to the Arts Building. Students with disabilities should contact an while also providing BA (International
adviser as soon as possible to ensure that The University of St Andrews, in accordance Honours) students with the opportunity
The BA (International Honours) Intern has an the University can put in place appropriate with the Data Protection Act of 1998, to gain leadership skills by serving on the
important role to play in the Global Office support and provide advice. To get in touch is subject to strict laws that forbid the organisation’s board. The Partnership acts
and will be in touch with you during your with an adviser, please email: release of information about students to as both a social outlet and support system,
time at St Andrews via email and through our disability@st-andrews.ac.uk any external party. However, guidance connecting students across institutions,
Facebook group: for parents can be found on webpages: degrees and years. The Partnership’s
www.facebook.com/groups/sawmjp The Wardens and their teams, many of whom www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad/ Facebook group is home to helpful blog
You are also welcome to contact the Intern are postgraduate students, provide practical bainternationalhonoursjointdegree posts and other resources geared for BA
directly: csaintern@st-andrews.ac.uk help on advice and welfare matters to students (International Honours). This is a closed group
in halls of residence. The Wardennial Team In the summer preceding the start of your called WaMSTA Student Partnership.
Our Intern also coordinates our Buddy takes responsibility for encouraging a sense of studies at St Andrews you will receive
Scheme which pairs an Honours student community and are your main contact within information via email about various things
(third and fourth year) in the programme the residence. They actively encourage you to such as:
with a sub-honours student (first and second join in with your fellow residents organising • Arrival and airport pickup service
years). For students who are new to the games nights, activities and excursions. Your • Orientation Week
Wardennial Team will be the first point of call • Getting your student ID
University of St Andrews the scheme is a
if an issue occurs, or if you have a personal • Fee payment
terrific opportunity to meet somebody who
problem. They keep order in halls of residence
has had a similar experience of transitioning
and are responsible for student discipline.
between the University of St Andrews and
However, they are not in loco parentis; their
William & Mary and who already knows Join the BA (International Honours) Facebook group and connect with
roles are as mentors, advisers and supporters.
St Andrews. It’s also a good way to meet other joint programme students at both St Andrews and William & Mary.
people and make friends. See: www.facebook.com/groups/sawmjp
14 15
Health service Further information on medical and dental within the US to meet with recruiters. Further, Beyond graduation – the continuing
As part of your Tier 4 student visa application, care can be found at: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/ the Careers Centre webpages have career St Andrews connection
you will be required to pay an Immigration students/advice/health sector guides and information about US and
Healthcare Surcharge so that you have access UK labour markets. While you are at St Andrews
to the National Health Service (NHS), which The Careers Centre Parents/guardians of St Andrews students
provides routine or emergency medical The Careers Centre has a variety of tools and As a service to BA (International Honours) are important members of the University’s
treatment. For information about the current resources that are available to all students, students, the Careers Centre can also seek out extended community. For this reason,
charges please see our webpages: and also runs specific events aimed at BA and connect you with alumni who are already Development runs a Family Programme
www.st-and.ac.uk/go/tier4 (International Honours) students seeking to working in interested sectors or companies. which aims to keep families up to date with
highlight their unique educational experience This also includes researching specific sectors news and developments at the University and
If you require regular medication you should to employers in the UK, the US and across the as well as making email introductions. The provides them with a range of benefits and
ensure that you arrive in St Andrews with at world. Centre helps to organise undergraduate services. For further information, please visit:
least one month’s supply. You should then business cards and has a Video-Interview www.st-andrews.ac.uk/development/family-
have time to consult a doctor here before you The Centre offers one-on-one career advising Suite available for virtual interviews that can programme
need to obtain further supplies. sessions with a dedicated careers adviser for be booked by students.
joint degree programme students, CV and Once you leave St Andrews
If you are an international student on interview workshops, and it hosts a variety Students may consult directly with Kristyn Leaving St Andrews does not mark the end of
prescribed medication from a doctor in of events that are designed around job Emmer, the International Opportunities your association with the University but the
another country you may be unable to get application preparation. The Centre hosts Manager who organises events and resources beginning of a lifelong relationship with the
this in the UK. Speak to your doctor who can regular webinars and seminars specifically for joint programme students. For more University as St Andrews alumni. When you
advise you if your medication is licenced in for joint degree programme students that information, or for any questions, please leave, you will receive a SPARC alumni benefit
the UK. If not, then you may bring medication focus on networking, LinkedIn profile email: kme20@st-andrews.ac.uk card which will provide access to a range of
into the UK but please check for advice about development, alternative CVs, and etiquette benefits and online services. The University
the paperwork requirements that you need. practice, among other subjects. Students are also strongly encouraged to join will keep in touch through the annual alumni
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/ Saint Connect, the Career Alumni Network magazine, Chronicle, and through a monthly
health/medication There are also regular virtual events that that brings together St Andrews alumni St Andrews in the News e-newsletter. We hope
feature American employers, as well as and current students. Within Saint Connect, that you will be interested in any alumni
The NHS will not repatriate you to your home physical US-focused events in St Andrews students on the joint degree may join a activities in your area and that we might
country if you become very ill or are seriously and in the United States. These include special group for BA (International Honours) welcome you back to St Andrews in the future.
injured, so it is strongly recommended that Networking Nights, Alumni Career Forums, students and alumni that can be found by
you maintain some limited insurance cover in Work-Shadowing Placement, and sector- searching ‘WaMStA Joint Degree Programme’. For further information about the full range
your home country. specific trips (Treks) to relevant companies To join Saint Connect, please see: of programmes and services run by Alumni
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/saintconnect Relations, please visit:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/development/alumni
16 17www.st-andrews.ac.uk
BA (International Honours)
Global Office, University of St Andrews, St Katharine’s West
16 The Scores, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX
+44 (1334) 462119
bainthons@st-andrews.ac.uk
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad/bainternationalhonoursjointdegree
Photographs by Ben Goulter, Callum Hyland, iStockphotos, Rhona Rutherford and Laurence Winram.
Produced by Print & Design, University of St Andrews, April 2020.
All the information in this publication is correct at time of going to press.
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532You can also read
