St Andrews students to live in Leuchars and Dundee in order to ‘meet demand’

The University of St Andrews have said “additional student housing in Dundee and Leuchars” has been found “to meet demand” from students.

To “meet demand” for University accommodation this year, the University have 185 student spaces in Dundee and 40 in Leuchars. Students will commute to St Andrews for in-person teaching using public transport.

The University also announced a phased introduction of in-person teaching after underestimating the amount of students returning to St Andrews.

A University spokesperson said that both Freshers and Returners will be able to apply to live in Leuchars and Dundee through open applications.

After estimating that only 7,000 students would return to the university town, the University had to announce a phased introduction for teaching when it became clear over 9,000 students were coming back to St Andrews this semester.

As a result of the government u-turn on A Level and Higher grades, more Freshers than anticipated will be starting at St Andrews this year leading to a shortage of housing in St Andrews.

There will be no compensation for students living outside of St Andrews. The University said: “Both offer affordable accommodation which is sought after by students” and noted: “The University has always offered student accommodation in Dundee.”

With regard to private accommodation, the University said: “Our Accommodation team have supported students requiring accommodation throughout and will continue to do so”.

The University said: “We recognise that, for many students, the ideal conditions for study and university experience are ensured by being resident in St Andrews.

“Here, there is access to our libraries and resources, dedicated study space, computing centres, Wi-Fi, IT services, sports facilities, student services, and the virtual support and activities offered by our Students’ Association.

“Being in St Andrews also allows you to acclimatise to our new safety regimes, and to engage with in-person teaching as we phase it in over the semester”.

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