As a fresher trying to get the most out of meeting new people every day, there’s a script that everyone knows and loves to stick to: “Where are you from?”, “What are you studying?”, and “Have you joined any societies yet?”. But, if there’s one phrase that’s been creeping in more and more frequently, it’s “Just wait until Raisin Weekend”.
I’ve quickly come to learn that Raisin isn’t just a weekend, it’s the weekend. Every older student I’ve met has their own story of chaotic foam fights, questionable costumes, and hangovers so bad they become legendary. Some speak and smile fondly when recounting the event, while others shake their heads and laugh, recalling their experience. And me? I am equally thrilled and terrified. I’ve never taken part in anything involving both shaving cream and academic parents before, but apparently, that’s all a part of the charm. So, before the madness begins, I’m getting prepared. Emotionally, physically, and mentally, I have to be ready for the wildest tradition in the St Andrews calendar. Consider this my pre-Raisin survival plan: how I’m bracing myself to Raisin, recover, and hopefully remember it afterward.
For those who are not familiar with the concept of Raisin and academic families in general, it’s a 2-day celebration of the academic family tradition here at St. Andrews. Throughout the beginning of the term, “freshers” are adopted by third-year students, who become their “academic parents.” The name academic is somewhat misleading, though, and the “families” formed are based on anything from mutual interests, mutual friends, or a mutual appearance at the same place. Over Raisin weekend, our parents host parties, games, and general mischief to welcome us into university life. It all comes together on Monday morning with the infamous Raisin Foam Fight, when hundreds of students dressed in ridiculous costumes cover each other, head to toe, in shaving foam. It’s messy, absurd, but ultimately unforgettable. Being 6 weeks into my uni experience, joining an academic family has cemented itself as a central part of the social aspect of St Andrews. After attending my share of family pub crawls, dinner parties, and academic weddings, my parents are starting to prepare us for the big event. I’ve heard the rumors of the 4 am wake-up calls and 7 am hangovers. From the stories being told, Raisin Weekend might be the most unhinged yet oddly wholesome bonding experience of university life, and I am bracing myself for impact.
As much as I’d love to say I want to experience Raisin weekend spontaneously and just enjoy the moment, I know better. And for me, preparation seems like the only way to make sure I come out of the weekend alive or, at least, with my dignity intact.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
I don’t think I can stress this enough, but in the days leading up to Raisin, make sure to get your fill of water and electrolyte-packed drinks so that you can last through the weekend and improve your recovery time. During Raisin, make sure to keep water on hand and to eat plenty before a long day of challenges that most likely include drinking!
- Family Plan
Before deciding which family to spend the weekend with, make sure you have some understanding of their plan for the weekend. Some families tend to be wilder than others, and if that is not your vibe, don’t plan to spend the weekend with them. Communicate with your parents about any concerns you may have and any problems that come up during the actual event. And most importantly, know your limits! You do not need to do anything just because someone says you have to. If you ever feel uncomfortable or do not want to partake in a certain activity, tell your parents and avoid the mistake of falling into pressured situations.
- Logistics
Make sure your phone is charged the night before, know where your academic parents live, maybe establish a buddy system, and pace yourself! Raisin Weekend isn’t a sprint; there are a lot of hours of activities to be completed, and you probably want to remember as much as you can of the day.
Even though I haven’t experienced the full force of Raisin Weekend yet, I know that recovery will play a key role in ensuring I have the best possible experience. Thankfully, Raisin Monday happens to fall into the St Andrews-proclaimed holiday of reading week. So, there won’t be any early tutorials or lectures to worry about following the big event. This leaves plenty of time for rest, resetting, and regrouping. Whether you choose to travel or take the week to relax in town, remembering to rest and make time to reset will be highly beneficial. After all, you’re still enrolled in a world-class university at the end of the day, and the second half of the semester calls for some focus.
Despite all the warnings, I can’t help but feel excited for Raisin Weekend! Yes, it’s chaotic and a little terrifying, but it is entirely unique to St Andrews and one of those experiences everyone talks about, but you really only understand it once you’ve lived it. Maybe I’ll come out of it exhausted, covered in foam, and mildly traumatized, but I’ll also be part of a tradition that’s shared with generations of students. Either way, I’m ready to Raisin, recover, and embrace the memories that make St Andrews feel like home.