University

St Andrews University, founded in 1411, is the oldest in Scotland and the third oldest in Britain. Two of the college quads are open to visitors - St Salvator's in North Street, endowed in 1450, and St Mary's in South Street, endowed in 1538. Visitors to St Mary's Quad can still see a thorn tree said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots. The third college was St Leonard's, endowed in 1511, which is now an independent co-educational school, but you can still reach its Chapel, which was formerly a hospice for pilgrims. The University boasts the first woman to enrol as a student in Britain in 1862, the first marine laboratory in 1882, and the first students' union in about 1864.

An important date in the students' year takes place in late spring, when they organise Kate Kennedy's Procession. This is a lively event which collects money for charity. It takes its name from a niece of Bishop James Kennedy, a legendary character from the town's past. The bell of St Salvator's College, cast in 1460, bears a dedication to her, but she remains largely mysterious. Her part is played each year by a male student. The Procession dates back to the 1840's when it began as an end of term riot perpetrated by final year students on the University and town!

St Andrews University
Admissions Application Centre
79 North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AJ UK

Tel: +44 (0)1334 462150
Fax: +44 (0)1334 463388
Email: admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk