One of the things that I value most about travelling is that it opens doors to the kind of learning you can't find in books or on the internet. That's why as a student in Glasgow; I'm always looking for ways to explore more of Scotland. When I first arrived here, one name that kept coming up in conversations was St Andrews, a picturesque costal town known for its historic university, medieval streets, and beautiful beach. So, when the University of Glasgow Students' Representative Council (SRC) announced a day trip there, I knew I couldn't miss it. This one-day trip was budget-friendly at just £15, it included return transport, a guided walking tour, and free time to explore. So, without wasting anytime and also telling some of my friends we all signed up for it immediately. 

On the day it was a crisp Saturday morning, and we all gathered at the campus at 10am and boarded a comfortable coach. As we drove through the Scottish countryside, I was struck by how peaceful and green everything was in contrast to the busy city streets of Glasgow. We even caught a glimpse of the Forth Bridge, one of the world's most iconic railway bridges, which was a nice surprise and made the journey feel like part of the adventure. 

By around midday, we arrived in St Andrews. Our tour started at the Martyrs' Monument, where we met a local guide who brought the town's history to life in a way that was fun and easy to understand. The first surprise? Golf. I knew St Andrews was known as the home of golf, but I didn't expect to learn so much about it. our guide explained how golf began here and even showed us different types of golf balls used over time. I never thought I'd find that interesting, but I really did! 

Next, we walked past the historic University of St Andrews, the oldest university in Scotland and the third-oldest univeresity in the English-speaking world. The guide shared interesting stories about the university's famous alumni, traditions, and even some student legends that have become part of local lore. She also gave us a quirky tip that if you ever spot a blue door in St Andrews it's guaranteed to be a university building. 

As the tour continnued, we explored the older part of town, where we learned about St Andrews' role during the Scottish Reformation in the 1500s, a time of major religious conflict. The guide pointed out where people were once executed for their beliefs. It was a powerful reminder that even the most peaceful-looking places can have complex histories.

During our walking tour, the guide also took us to a coastal area that is slowly being affected by rising sea levels and the impacts of global warming. Right after that, we passed what our guide told us was the most expensive street in all of Scotland. With its stunning sea views and historic homes, it wasn't hard to see why. She pointed out that a two-bedroom apartment on that street could cost more than £4 million.

After the tour, my friends and I followed a recommendation from our guide and tried ice cream for a local shop and yes, it was delicious. We then found a small cafe for lunch before heading to the beach. The beach was, without a doubt, the highlight of the day for me. The sun was beginning to set over the town, casting soft shades of orange and pink across the sky. We stood there quietly for a few minutes, just taking it all in. It was one of those moments that make you paiuse and feel grateful to be where you are. Before heading back to the bus, we stopped for a warm cup of coffee, the perfect way to end the day. 

We arrived back in Glasgow around 9pm; tired, happy and full of new memories. I couldn't believe how much we'd experienced in a single day. The trip also reminded me how studying in Scotland gives you the chance to see the country from many angles and make memories along the way. 

First published: 2 June 2025

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