You’ll only see this at St Andrews

Netflix has arrived on campus to shoot the final season of their Emmy-winning series The Crown, which will focus on Prince William and Kate Middleton as they attend the University of St Andrews. I caught a film crew preparing to shoot a scene outside of my class building yesterday. Tomorrow, they’ll be filming in the common room of my dorm. I haven’t seen the show before, but I might have to give it a try.

Netflix is all over campus shooting the next season of The Crown
Netflix is all over campus shooting the next season of The Crown

Walking through St Andrews

It’s hard not to get into the habit of taking pictures when you’re living in a place like St Andrews. Follow along as I share some of what I have captured while walking through this incredible town.

St Salvator’s Chapel

St Salvator's Chapel
St Salvator’s Chapel

Founded in 1450, St Salvator’s Chapel is a center of spiritual life at the University, with its breathtaking Gothic architecture and warm atmosphere. Whether attending a service or simply stopping in to reflect, the chapel never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Market Street

The far end of Market Street
The far end of Market Street

I captured this picture while walking along Market Street on my way to a class in the Mediaeval History building. This is how a lot of the streets look on campus: peaceful, colorful, and invariably steeped in history.

Tesco (and the newsstands)

A newsstand at Tesco
There’s nothing quite like the British tabloids

Tesco is a staple of British life — and so are the tabloids. They never fail to grab my attention. As an outsider looking in, it is always interesting to catch a glimpse at how this great country consumes its news. And, of course, the sometimes-outlandish headlines are often good for a few laughs.

Holy Trinity Church

A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Holy Trinity Church
A tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Holy Trinity Church

Locals paid tribute to the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II following her passing last semester. I saw this memorial honoring the Queen’s seventy-year reign while walking past one of the churches in St Andrews.

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle
St Andrews Castle

Last week, I explored the ruins of St Andrews Castle. Built around 1200, the castle served as a residence of St Andrews’ bishops and as the site of numerous battles and sieges throughout the medieval period. It was fascinating to walk through what remains of a castle that played such an important role in Scottish political and religious history.

The Beaches

A beach at St Andrews

A beach at St Andrews

St Andrews’ beaches make it one of the most breathtaking places to study in the world. I have made so many great memories down on the sands. As my dorm overlooks the beach pictured above, it’s always nice to crack my windows open and hear the sound of the waves.

The Old Course

The Old Course
The Old Course

St Andrews is renowned as the home of golf. Established in 1552, the Old Course is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. I pass by almost every day, and its rich history and legacy in the sport of golf never fail to inspire me.

Saints Sport

Saints Sport
Saints Sport

What better way to end a day than by lifting weights at the sports center?

Returning to St Andrews

A few flights later, my second semester at St Andrews has begun.

I am all settled back into my room at St Salvator’s Hall, which we more commonly refer to as Sallies. The dorm is renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture, unbeatable location, and its historical significance as the place where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met. I couldn’t imagine a better place to call home for the year.

This week, I hiked along East Sands, climbing up and down rocks overlooking the vast North Sea. It’s experiences like these that set St Andrews apart and make it an unforgettable place to study.

Choosing to study abroad was a difficult decision. For a while, I struggled with the thought of building a new life so far away from home. But going to St Andrews for my junior year was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life. I have made lasting friends and become a more confident, adaptable, and intellectually curious person. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you this semester.

Owen Whaley in Castle Sands at St Andrews
St Andrews’ unbeatable location sets it apart.