Student review [#89789] for Comparative Literature
at University of St Andrews

I had a meaningful experience at the University of St Andrews.
I was fortunate to learn from world-class educators who brought academic rigor and unique perspectives to the classroom. I also appreciated the breadth-then-depth curriculum structure, with two years of sub-honours followed by two years of honours, which allowed me to explore widely before narrowing my focus.

One of the things I loved most about St Andrews was its setting. The town is saturated in history, which you can feel in the cobblestones, the ruins, the sea. There’s something grounding about studying in a place with such a long intellectual and cultural legacy. I also liked the small size of the university community. At the same time, that intimacy could sometimes feel limiting and suffocating, like you were in a bubble you couldn’t quite step outside of.

Diversity was another challenge. There was a noticeable lack of racial, socioeconomic, and ideological diversity among students and faculty. Many students came from similar, often elite, backgrounds and hadn’t been meaningfully challenged to think beyond those experiences. That lack of representation sometimes narrowed the scope of classroom conversations and made it harder to find a truly global or inclusive perspective.

At the end of the day, would I recommend St Andrews? Yes, especially for students who are looking for a top-tier education in a historic environment. But I’d also encourage prospective students to seek out opportunities (both on and off campus) that expand their worldview and push them beyond the comfort of the familiar.