Albany Park, St Andrews
Encyclopedia
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, informally referred to as "St Andrews", is the oldest university in Scotland and the third oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. The university is situated in the town of St Andrews, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It was founded between...
completed in 1973. It is situated on the East Sands Beach on the road out of town to the East Neuk
East Neuk
The East Neuk or East Neuk of Fife is an area of the coast of Fife, Scotland, which is geographically ill-defined but nonetheless stirs local passions....
of Fife, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. It is around twenty minutes' walk from the town centre of St Andrews
St Andrews
St Andrews is a university town and former royal burgh on the east coast of Fife in Scotland. The town is named after Saint Andrew the Apostle.St Andrews has a population of 16,680, making this the fifth largest settlement in Fife....
.
Brief history
Albany Park was originally conceived as an accommodation complex for older students looking for more independence than traditional halls of residence. Its aim was to replicate the feel of living in private accommodation, while maintaining affordability for students from low income families.Albany Park Life
The majority of social events throughout the year are organised by the Albany Park committee, such as Freshers' Week or the annual Albany Park Ball. Albany Park has a reputation across the university for its parties and friendly atmosphere. Albany Park is in close proximity to the East Sands beach making it popular with students keen to burn property after returning from the Union. In 2008, a warden was brought back after many years of absence to maintain a high standard of care of the students, especially as in recent years Albany Park has started admitting First Years. However, this decision was met with controversy by the students.Facilities
Albany Park is a collection of 68 student houses. There are 12 x 4 person, 4 x 6 person flats and 12 x 2 person flats allocated to postgraduates. The rest of Albany Park comprises 6 person houses which are allocated to undergraduates. Each postgraduate flat has either 4 or 6 single bedrooms, a sitting/dining/kitchen area and a shower and toilet. The showers in two ground floor flats are designed for wheelchair access. Undergraduate accommodation is in houses for 6 with a kitchen/dining room with cooker and fridge freezer, a common room, 6 single study bedrooms, a shower and 2 WCs and one house for 4 with a twin, two single bedrooms and a kitchen/dining room. There is laundry and a computer room on the complex.In 2008 a common room, second laundry room, and new cycle shelter were added.