While the semester is in full swing with assignments and due dates, I wanted to share some moments from my first semester here at St Andrew’s. Being abroad for the academic year means being able to get the full experience of the university.
One of the big traditions here is academic families. This is where older students “adopt” first years of any kind. So even as a junior abroad, you can become a member of a family. I met my family randomly going out one night with a friend. It’s a way to get to know people and then take part in other school traditions like Raisin Weekend. On Sunday of that weekend, I met my family super early (6 am early) to head down to the beach for games and challenges. I am not an early riser but it was worth it that day. We played games, saw the sunrise, and even a rainbow over the beach with all the other academic families. Afterward, we went back to the ‘parents’ house for brunch and more games. Then we, the kids, participated in a scavenger hunt around the town. It was a fun bonding experience with my academic family and Sunday ended with a party at my academic parents’ house.
The fun doesn’t stop there though. The next day all of the academic families participate in a massive foam fight on the quad. The parents dress up their kids in silly costumes and watch from the sidelines. See below to see my minion costume in its full glory. Emma, a fellow Holy Cross student, had a great beard drawn on her by her parents. Which one of us had it worse is the real question. I will be honest, I don’t really know where the name Raisin comes from because no raisins were in sight when I participated. But despite the confusing name, it is a super fun tradition at St Andrews and one I recommend participating in if you get the chance!
