Finding Sports and Building Connection While Studying Abroad

Diving in During Study Abroad

One of the most frequently asked questions I heard when I decided to study abroad at University of St Andrews in Scotland was: Why St Andrews? My answer is simple: I wanted to find a place where the town enriched the university experience, a place where I could integrate into the student body and benefit from academic excellence, tradition, and diversity. I was looking for an experience where I could meet other study-abroad students and engage with full-time students. I didn’t want to feel like a visitor. I was searching for a place where I could become ingrained in a new community.

Before applying to St Andrews, I did some research on the kinds of activities that students tend to be involved in. As a student-athlete at Colby College, I wanted to continue swimming at St Andrews if I could. I found the swim club captains online and reached out to express my interest in joining the team. They were very helpful and provided me with all of the information I needed to try out.

Sports Opportunities at St Andrews

One thing that’s unique to St Andrews is there are many opportunities to continue sports at different levels. Most clubs offer some variation of recreational, developmental, and competitive levels of sport. When I arrived on campus in September, I attended the club fair and went to a few Give it a Go sessions to meet the team and prepare for the competitive team trials. I was lucky to make the competitive team. But looking back, I am most thankful not for the training sessions and meets, but for everything in between.

The people I met through the swim team and the experiences we shared are memories I will cherish forever. The van rides to away meets became unexpected adventures, taking me to parts of Scotland and England I never imagined visiting. From heading north to Aberdeen—affectionately nicknamed Aberdream by my teammates—to spending six hours en route to Sheffield, swapping stories and listening to music, every journey brought new experiences. Even as these memories unfolded, I dreaded the goodbyes. Now, with just weeks left in Scotland, I’m confident the friendships I have made will endure long after my time here ends.

Many of my fellow IFSA friends share similar feelings about the groups they joined at St Andrews. Many participated in various societies, clubs, and other sports teams. My advice to anyone considering St Andrews is get involved. While the layout of the town and the distance between parts of the university may seem daunting, there is a strong sense of community and pride to be part of St Andrews. And that makes studying here special.

Emma Farnham | Colby College | University of St Andrews Partnership | Fall 2024