Student Events & Societies at the University of St Andrews (2025‑26)

The University of St Andrews may be Britain’s oldest university but its student scene is anything but dated. Each year the town hosts a diverse mix of academic lectures, cultural festivals and student‑run socials. The 2025‑26 year continues this tradition with events ranging from memorial symposia to Halloween comedy nights. Here’s a guide to what’s on and how to get involved.

Featured events for 2025

St Andrews’ central events calendar highlights a number of signature events during the autumn semester:

• Memorial Symposium for Professor Wilson Sibbett (22 Oct 2025) – a day of talks and reflections celebrating the life and contributions of the renowned physicist (events.st-andrews.ac.uk).

• In Conversation: art and identity (26 Oct 2025) – an open discussion exploring identity through art, part of the university’s public lecture series (events.st-andrews.ac.uk).

• Annual Black History Lecture (28 Oct 2025) – a keynote talk marking Black History Month and examining the legacies of Black scholarship (events.st-andrews.ac.uk).

• Bright Club Halloween Edition (28 Oct 2025) – an evening where researchers perform stand‑up comedy on their work in celebration of Halloween (events.st-andrews.ac.uk).

The events calendar also features academic seminars (such as a proteomic profiling seminar), relaxed drawing sessions, concerts by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, lunchtime seminars on sustainability and holiday workshops (events.st-andrews.ac.uk).

Beyond university‑run events, the St Andrews Students’ Association organises social gatherings throughout the year. Upcoming highlights on the Union’s calendar include karaoke nights, a Spooky Pub Quiz, the House to Home Fair for second‑hand essentials, a Volunteer Fayre, and the iconic Graduation & Summer Ball 2026 (www.yourunion.net).

Societies at St Andrews

St Andrews boasts more than 140 student societies, all run by the Students’ Association. These clubs span food and drink, arts, media, charity work, politics and academic interests (www.st-andrews.ac.uk). Membership is automatic when you matriculate, so you’re free to join as many societies as you like. For a full list, visit the Students’ Association website and explore categories ranging from the Gin Society and Fine Food & Dining Society to the Sustainable Development Association and the Charities Campaign.

Getting involved is easy: attend the societies fair during Freshers’ Week, sign up for mailing lists, and try out taster sessions. Committees are elected annually, offering leadership opportunities. Many societies organise weekly meetings, workshops, guest lectures and trips; some even run high‑profile events like the Charity Fashion Show.

Tips for enjoying St Andrews’ social life

• Embrace tradition: St Andrews is famous for Raisin Weekend, May Dip and the Gaudie; participating in these rituals connects you with centuries of student history.

• Explore the town: From West Sands Beach to the St Rule Tower, St Andrews offers scenic spots perfect for picnics, sunsets and de‑stress walks.

• Mix academic and social: Attend lunchtime seminars and research talks to broaden your horizons while meeting like‑minded students.

• Support student‑run events: Comedy nights, ceilidhs, balls and charity campaigns rely on student participation; buying tickets helps societies thrive.

• Volunteer: The Students’ Association hosts regular volunteering fairs—sign up to tutor school pupils, help at local charities or join environmental projects.

Whether you prefer academic lectures or lively socials, St Andrews’ events and societies offer something for everyone. Dive in, make friends and enjoy a year of unforgettable experiences.