That fateful day in mid-March when I discovered I’d be in St Andrews until the 20th because of a late exam, I definitely crashed out. I’m a certified early leaver; last spring, I left so early that the St Andrews Shuttle’s £ 30-per-person deal hadn’t even started yet. It’s not that I hate Scotland or St Andrews, quite the opposite, but by the end of the school year, I’m burnt out and ready to see my family.
Now that we’re in the revision period, I’m still counting down the days until I’m on my flight home. However, I’ve found so many wonderful things about spring in St Andrews (and Scotland!) that I’m actually glad to have a late exam that lets me experience this season. If you’re also singing the homesick blues, here are the top five things that are keeping me sane during the spring exam diet.
Spring-Special Day Trips
I know this advice is trite at this point, but it’s still an important reminder that we live only an hour’s train ride away from a beautiful European capital, Edinburgh. But, I won’t recommend you go there to study or shop (though I love doing those as well). Go to Edinburgh to see their Botanical Gardens, or walk through Prince Street Gardens! Visiting Edinburgh in the winter is beautiful, especially to see the Christmas Market, but their spring florals are absolutely not to be missed.
I feel like I’m also always forgetting that Scotland has so many beautiful estates and gardens that open up come springtime. While not always free to enter the castle, places like Glamis Castle almost always have a cafe or tea room that is perfect for a spring study date with your friends, and you can walk the grounds for a vibrant spring walk.
Spring Cleaning my Schedule
Another benefit of the long exam diet is the chance to have total control over my schedule, which I don’t usually have during the semester. Class and society obligations are complete, so don’t be afraid to break your old routine to find something new. Personally, I’ve begun sleeping a little later, going to the gym mid-morning, and revising after lunch. I break up my revision with music, a Lade Braes walk, cleaning, or whatever I feel like! Then, my evenings are totally free to stay in and watch TV (who else is obsessed with SNL UK?) or go out with friends.
Part of the reason I was scared to be here for so long was the fear of feeling stuck. By changing up my schedule, I’ve felt the opposite — total freedom!
Trying New Places
Many of my friends have complained that while revising for spring exams, their days have begun to blur together. But I’ve found the opposite to be true because, with a long exam diet, I have the chance to try everything in St Andrews that I’m usually too busy for during the semester. That recipe you want to make, the coffee shop your best friend raves about, or even the part of town you really want to see, these are all perfect distinguishing activities for the revision period.
I find that doing one distinguishing activity every day, whether it’s a walk, a snack, or something else, really makes the days exciting and fulfilling. Personally, I’ve gone for runs with my friends and made the treats I’ve saved on Instagram as distinguishing activities.
The Spring Afternoon Floral Walk
This is very similar to what I’ve said above, but with a very different purpose. When you’re walking, how often do you actually stop to smell the roses? Or, at least look at them, then notice there’s actually yellow tulips right next to them. This is the purpose of a spring afternoon floral walk, and I think it’s one of the best benefits of a late exam. Right when the sun is shining at its brightest, I love to go out to the St Andrews Botanical Gardens, Lade Braes, the cabbage patch, or even just back in the neighborhoods to observe all the beautiful flowers blooming.
You’ll be so surprised at how many different kinds you find and how different they all are once you start paying attention. I’m always so fascinated by the patterns in which the flowers have been planted, based on color, variety, and shape. During the winter, an outdoor walk can be depressingly bleak, and when I get home, it’s too hot for these long walks to be enjoyable. So enjoy the benefits of a Scottish spring and go for a floral walk!
Friend Dates
Finally, I’d argue that a benefit to having a late exam is being able to do spring dates with your friends. The possibilities are limitless once you’re no longer restrained by busy schedules. You can have a study date at a pub on a Wednesday afternoon, be a plus-one to a beautiful academic wedding, cook together, or even attend a workout class together. Sometimes, people are afraid to bother their friends during the revision period for fear they’re too busy working, but I’d say never be afraid to ask people out, even if just for an hour. Especially if they’re extremely stressed about exams, an invite is sometimes the push someone needs to relax. Asking your friend out on a very lovely date might be just the thing you both need.
If you have a very late exam this spring, you have nothing to fear. There are so many benefits to being here all May; St Andrews is your oyster! You just need to take advantage of the many benefits I’ve outlined that a Scottish spring offers.