The St. Andrews lifestyle is unlike that of a typical student, we are constantly criticised for being overly pretentious, dressing like our fathers and not living in the 'real' world, to the extent that we refer to our small world as 'the bubble'. Now some people would see this as a bad thing but speaking as someone who has very much enjoyed almost every waking moment in the town (with the exception of some unbearable hangovers and the obligatory walk of shame!) There is even a small group of first year students who refer to our way of life as 'chasing the impossible dream!'
If you think that the vast majority of British Uni's rarely the first things to come to mind are tweed, Hunter wellingtons and aviators which when combined is basically the student dress code. And as for the clubs and societies, we have a polo tournament coming up in the next few days, a formidable clay pigeon shooting club, private societies for several things such as drinking and dining with new members admitted on an invitation only basis, and all in all very good chat.
We are all familiar with the 'Gap Yah' phenomenon, and although to an extent it applies to a good number of students here, most of us don't come across as quite so oblivious to the world outside our bubble in the real world. What i do find extremely funny about the sketch and indeed its recently added sequel is that the use of the words lash, banter and chunder were not uncommon at school by any means, but certainly at this institution they have become part of my everyday vocabulary. Sometimes I wonder what I would have been like had I gone somewhere else, but at the end of the day St. Andrews is my home and I would never want to be anywhere else.
The town itself is very small; it only has three streets to its name, but this brings about a very interesting relationship between the students and of course the 'Town and Gown'. This means the entire town is very close knit even between very different social factions. Best of all it gives rise to 'Overheard in St. Andrews' , one of the highlights of my week is to stumble on a ridiculous quote from a dim-witted tourist or a student who hasn't quite grasped the concept of whispering. It is a great honour/disgrace to be quoted on Overheard take it as you will, but when you hear something like, 'Yes, we all played rugby at public school, but anyone who plays rugby at Uni is just a chav!' It does tend to brighten up your day before you have to rush out for a nine O'clock tutorial.
Anyway was on the lash the night before, must pull a TC before I head out to do some work.
Until next time keep up the banter.
Aien Aristeuein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKFjWR7X5dU
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/28/gap-year-spoof-youtube
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=2396011363&ref=ts
