academic kids

Raisin Weekend is one of the St Andrews' traditions which makes studying in this town so special. The vast majority of Freshers have an amazing weekend which they will remember forever.

However, it goes without saying that it's not worth overdoing it for one weekend if it's going to affect the rest of your time here. Don't drink more than you want to, or doing anything illegal - even if your parents say its ok! Older doesn't always equal wiser.

We don't want you to leave with a record (other than an academic one!) and spending your first Raisin Weekend in hospital or throwing up over Student Support Services staff is pretty embarrassing, and means you will miss out on the Monday morning festivities.

Things to remember...
- At your mother’s tea party on Raisin Sunday, your academic mother will give you a Raisin string, and you should give her a gift (usually a bottle of wine or if feeling traditional a pound of raisins) in return. You should give your academic father a bottle of wine, and in return you will get a Raisin receipt.
- Your mother will dress you up in a fancy dress outfit for the foam fight- St Andrews is freezing at this time of year, so make sure you are warm enough!
- Remember to get your shaving foam early as everywhere in town rapidly sells out as Raisin weekend approaches!
- Your father’s Raisin receipt, which you will pick up from his house and have to take to the quad before the foam fight on the Monday morning will probably be large and cumbersome - this is all in the spirit of things, but remember, don’t get involved if anyone’s property has been nicked or vandalised. It isn’t very clever, and you will get into trouble.
- Have a great time- but know your limits! Don’t end up too sick to enjoy the rest of the weekend, and don’t end up in a position where you or your academic parents are disciplined by the University or have to spend the night at the police station.

Before Raisin Weekend save the Raisin First Aid Helpline number in your phone - 01334 4762020 - so that if any of your friends ends up worse for wear you can get help easily.

The most important thing is - enjoy yourself!