Trip to St. Andrews

[cck]

One of my grandsons, a high school senior, was just accepted at the University of St. Andrews. He is excited about the prospects of going there and so am I. Last summer I was in St. Andrews for the day but did not have to arrange my own transportation.

Now I am anticipating several trips. Can anyone suggest places to stay? Other than renting a car, are there alternative means of transportation (train, bus) from Edinburgh to St. Andrews?

[creagdhubh]

One of my grandsons, a high school senior, was just accepted at the University of St. Andrews. He is excited about the prospects of going there and so am I. Last summer I was in St. Andrews for the day but did not have to arrange my own transportation.

Now I am anticipating several trips. Can anyone suggest places to stay? Other than renting a car, are there alternative means of transportation (train, bus) from Edinburgh to St. Andrews?

That's wonderful news! Congratulations to your grandson. I have been to St. Andrews several times, but only for day trips, so I really can't recommend places to stay. There are express coaches that travel from Edinburgh to Glenrothes and on to St. Andrews (the X58, X59 and X60, I believe) and you can also travel via Scotrail, departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The latter usually offers discount packages as well (Scotrail Freedom Pass). Check out the links below for more detailed information.

Whilst in Scotland, I mainly hang out in the central and western Highlands - I'm seldom on the east coast. In regards to accommodations in St. Andrews, I am sure you will receive the advice you seek in due course, but B&B's may be a good (less expensive) option. Again, congratulations to your grandson for being accepted into a very ancient and well respected University. Good on him!

http://www.citylink.co.uk/bybus.php

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/Default.aspx

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Cheers,

[sydnie7]

We found "self-catering" rentals to be the most cost-effective way to stay in any one area of the UK for more than a few days at a stretch. Most were quite enjoyable, too, although we learned to not always choose the least expensive option -- like motels/hotels/any other lodgings, there is a huge spectrum of quality and price. It's been a few years so I don't remember which agencies we used, but a Google of "self catering St Andrews" brings up a number of results for you to check out.

"Self-catering" means it has some level of kitchen and cooking/eat-in furnishings, typically also a living room in addition to the bedroom(s).

[McClef]

I hope your grandson has a great time at my alma mater!

Alas recommending an hotel or a B&B would be over 30 years out of date.

I need to point out that there is no direct rail service and that the nearest railway station (Leuchars) is about 7 miles away but has regular bus connections to St Andrews and the odd taxi might also be found. When I was student there was only ever one taxi (which I often managed to commandeer first and then invite others to share it) and a walk to the main road for a bus (most of which did not then stop at the station itself) so things appear to have improved!

I have been back a few times since graduation in 1976 but only by road and stayed elsewhere. There are many traditions that have not changed so can still offer a certain amount of advice if required.

[cessna152towser]

Congratulations to your grandson, St. Andrews is a great University which it would be a privilege to attend and a great jumping off point to a good career.
My daughter took an Honours degree in Modern History at St. Andrews from 2000 to 2004 so St. Andrews is a place I know well from visiting her there.
Fastest way from Edinburgh is Scotrail train to Leuchars where a bus connects with the train and is only a few minutes journey from Leuchars into St. Andrews.
I can't really make any accommodation recommendations for you as I am able to travel to St. Andrews and back home within the same day from here.
As far as your grandson's accommodation is concerned the University should sort that out.
My daughter was in St. Regulus Hall for her first year, which was where they liked to place all the first year students at the time, then for her next three years she had a separate apartment rented from the University.

[McClef]

I was in Regs (St Regulus) too Alex but spent all my four years there.

In my day it was a men's hall only.