#UniShorts: 3 Best Bars in St Andrews for Students

St Andrews is a relatively small town, but the university consistently reports high levels of student satisfaction across the board. While this old Scottish town might not boast the extensive nightlife options of places like London, Liverpool, Newcastle, or Glasgow, it has a number of exceptional eateries, brunch spots, and pubs. 

To give prospective international applicants an insight into some of the best social spots in this North-East Fife gem of a town, we’ve compiled a list of the 3 best bars in St Andrews for students, whether they’re completing an undergraduate degree or doing a Masters course. 

If you want more in-depth insights and breakdowns of top UK and US universities, use the search function on our website to check out the rest of the resources on the A&J Education website. 

• Best Bars in St Andrews for Students: The Rule 

Where? South Street, next to Jahangir Tandoor Restaurant and across the street from The Adamson. 

Best Bits: one of the best bars in St Andrews for students, The Rule has a wide and diverse selection of beer, from the classics on draught to the rotating high-quality craft ales. Watching live sport here is excellent as well, with a spacious floor area and several wide flatscreen TVs. If you’re a beer garden fan, head out through the back of the pub to the large, well-stocked outdoor area behind The Rule. 

Drink to Try: if you’re an international student, you’ll have to ask for a pint (or two) of ice-cold Tennents from the draught tap. This lager is ubiquitous with Scottish culture, and it’s pretty cheap as well, so there’s no excuse not to try it. 

Top Deals: students should make use of the Student Saver deal at The Rule, which enables you to get discounts on food and drink on any weekday, as long as you have your student ID with you. 

A Typical Night: a few pints in the beer garden, followed by a great night indoors at one of the long wooden communal tables. 

• St Andrews Brewing Company

Where? South Street, just beyond the historic West Port gate, and opposite the old Madras College building. 

Best Bits: affectionately known as “BrewCo,” this pub is often talked about as one of the best bars in St Andrews for students. You’ll love the board games, the warm old pub atmosphere, and the delicious BrewCo beer (which you can also get in cans from Taste of Scotland on Market Street and the Balgove Larder just outside of town). 

Drink to Try: do yourself a favour and try the company’s stellar Yippie IPA, a citrusy and gorgeous beer that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Food to Try: BrewCo’s crinkle-cut waffle fries are excellent, as is their range of burgers. 

A Typical Night: a proper old-school pub experience, with a group of friends laughing and chatting around the table, board games out for the optimal social experience. 

• Best Bars in St Andrews for Students: The Adamson

Where? Along South Street, just next to the excellent Shawarma House (that’s your snack sorted for the end of the night). 

Best Bits: the cocktails at The Adamson are brilliant and innovative, with bartenders who know what they’re doing and a vibey, cosy atmosphere (particularly if you head down the side alley to the gorgeous cocktail bar at the back of the establishment). 

Drink to Try: the Smokey Old-Fashioned is a lot of fun, as you’ll get a drink that’s infused with a flavourful and characterful applewood smoke. If you’re feeling like a million bucks (or if your parents are paying!), order one of The Adamson’s signature cocktail trees for you and your friends. The Pornstar Martini tree is particularly delicious. 

Who to Take? The Adamson is a bit more upmarket than places like The Rule or The Central or The Criterion in town, so you might want to take your parents, best friends, or significant other there for a special occasion. 

A Typical Night: a few cocktails with your old friends, a few more with some new ones, and a delicious mixed shawarma wrap from the place next door before ambling off home. 

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to the best bars in St Andrews for students, there are plenty of excellent options that will provide the perfect backdrop for you and your friends to have a great night out. 

Here are a few other places you should check out if you’re considering applying to the University of St Andrews:

• Balgove Larder: check out the brilliant Steak Barn onsite. 
• The Central: a beloved old-man pub with gorgeous interior decor. 
• The Criterion: another characterful establishment with great beer on tap.
• Janetta’s Gelateria: an iconic ice cream shop that’s open late, serving delicious sundaes. 
• Toppings & Company Bookshop: exquisite bookshop with regular readings and events. 

If you want to find out more about nailing the university admissions process, get in touch with our team of experts at A&J Education to book a free consultation.