Congratulations! You made it to Med School!

As you wrap up your summer adventures and embark on this new journey, I hope you can battle the jitters with all the excitement and curiosity that starting university brings. It is an amazing experience, and we at the Medical School and the associated student societies have lots in store for you!

So, who am I? I’m Ayra, the School of Medicine President. I am thrilled to be welcoming you to St Andrews in September! Be it at the Medical School, the many society events or on St Andrew’s three streets, you will be sure to catch me somewhere – I guarantee it. So, please come say hi! I would love to chat, answer any questions, or offer my expertise on the best cafés in town. I am a croissant connoisseur first and foremost.

 Um… what is the school president?

School presidents are elected student representatives, and each school has them. Our main role is to represent the academic interests of students within the school and act as a bridge between the student body and the university’s academic staff. On behalf of the student body, I’ll be attending Staff-Student Consultative Committees (SSCCs) and relaying student feedback on teaching, assessment, and the learning environment. This feedback will be drawn from the contributions of Class Reps – if you’re keen to get involved, keep an eye out for the elections in September!

I’ll also be working closely with all the brilliant medical societies. You can look forward to learning more about the societies on offer at the University and Medical School’s Freshers Fayres.

What should you be on the lookout for during Freshers’ Week?

Alongside all the events, gatherings and exploring during Freshers’ Week, the Medical School has some things planned to help introduce you to fellow students and staff:

Family tours: Alongside staff, the Bute committee will be guiding you and your families/guardians around the Medical School to explore where you’ll be spending the next three years. Whilst you might remember some aspects from your interviews, this will be your first opportunity to check it out for real! Feel free to ask your guides (second- and third-year medics) any questions that you may have. Tea and coffee will also be provided! Do not worry if you are unable to attend these tours, as there will be ample opportunity to explore the school throughout the week.

Introduction: Alongside introductory talks on Monday from staff, you’ll be able to meet Pritja, the Bute Medical Society President, and myself to hear more about what we do for med students.

Meet Your Group Sessions: You will be toured around the Medical School by current students once you’re sorted into your assigned groups. This serves as a great way to get to know your fellow group members; these are the folk you’ll be spending clinical practice sessions with!

Catered Social: You can enjoy a catered social on Monday evening in the Medicine Courtyard. Feel free to grab some food, relax and mingle. Vegetarian and vegan options will also be available.

Medics Freshers’ Fayre: All medical societies and unions will have a stall for you to ask questions and sign up. Most societies will be on the lookout for some First Year Representatives to join the committee. Being a First Year Rep in my first year was a brilliant way to meet some people, especially from other year groups – would highly recommend applying.

Bute Bonfire: What better way to kickstart the weekend and explore St Andrews beaches than with a bonfire! A Bute tradition, hosted on Friday of Freshers Week. Many second- and third-year students attend the bonfire, so this is a brilliant opportunity to ask questions in a more informal environment!

Help desk: During Orientation Week, there will be a “help desk” staffed by students from medical societies in the foyer of the Medical School to help re-direct you or answer any questions! The students are very friendly so don’t be afraid to approach them if you are unsure of anything.

Is there anything I can do now?

• Follow @standmedicine and @standrewsunion on Instagram.
• Join your fellow medics before you come to St Andrews on the St Andrews Medic Freshers 2025/26 Facebook page.
• Reach out via medicinepresident@st-andrews.ac.uk if you have any questions about Freshers or Societies.
• Congrats! You’re ready for Freshers!

I hope I’ve helped the jitters and given you much to look forward to! I’ve only scratched the surface of what you can expect from us in Martinmas. Freshers’ Week will be bustling with the unpacking, forms to fill out, stethoscopes and lab coats to get hold of. It may be difficult to find a moment to sit back and relax. I’ve found, however, that things have a funny way of falling into place. Eventually.

So, before you enter the gleaming gates of our small, bustling town on the East Coast of Scotland, remember that you have an entire Summer ahead to relax, be proud, and get excited. St Andrews is a truly a wonderful place to study. The School of Medicine and University of St Andrews look forward to welcoming you in September.