1sparkle2 - it's understandable that you'd want to visit your cousins in London during your time at St Andrews. Of course you'll have weekends relatively free (when not cramming for exams!) but really the point I was trying to make is that it's a LONG way to/from London, with considerable travel times and costs. And skipping lectures and tutorials during the week because you're off sightseeing / visiting family is seriously frowned upon and will get noticed. Most students tend to stay put in the "St Andrews bubble" (as it's known colloquially) for the duration of the terms. Just my ha'pence, but it would be far easier to visit London at the start / end of your semester.

Gordon, I had the same thoughts.

Having gone to grad school in Edinburgh (a thousand years ago) but knowing people at St Andrews, my recommendation would be to substitute Edinburgh for London for your weekend breaks, but mainly get to know Fife and use Dundee for your brief escapes. Certainly Dundee will give you a respite from said bubble and any ivory tower syndrome if you need one. ;-)

As per Gardyloo we stayed here for three nights a few months ago:

http://www.hoppo.com/dundee

Fascinating building. If you go ask for a room over High Street. You'll be partying at 1am on weekends even if you don't want to be.

Thanks Patrick.