1. University of Edinburgh & University of St. Andrews The Thistle Legend ~ Why would such a proud people as the Scots choose a humble weed as their national symbol? There is a legend which relates how a sleeping party of Scots warriors were almost set upon by an invading band of Vikings and were only saved when one of the attackers trod on a wild thistle with his bare feet. His cries raised the alarm and the roused Scots quickly defeated the Danes. In gratitude, the plant became known as the Guardian Thistle and was adopted as the symbol of Scotland.

2.  Part of the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales  Population of Scotland is over 5,194,000 people  English is official language  Famous for its lochs (lakes), including Loch Ness, of course  Includes 790 islands, of which 130 are inhabited

3.  Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, and has a population of around 470,000  Edinburgh is home to 4 universities and 10 colleges (including the University of Edinburgh, of course)  The city is basically split into two main districts – the Old Town and the New Town - with Princes Street Gardens separating them  Fun fact: Edinburgh Castle, a key part of the city skyline, is built on an extinct volcano Photo by Chun Li

4.  Edinburgh Castle & other highlights of Old Town  Royal Mile ( shopping )  Princes Street and Royal Botanic Gardens  Georgian architecture in New Town  Arthur’s Seat ( hiking)  Edinburgh Int’l Festival, the world’s biggest arts festival, and the Fringe, its rowdier off-shoot  About 30 golf courses in and around Edinburgh… Palace of Holyroodhouse (official residence of the Queen in Scotland)

5.  Founded in 1583  Approximately 23,000 – 25,000 students  Over 350 degree programs are offered  Strengths in English Lit., history, political science, economics, and sciences  Over 180 clubs and societies students might choose to join  Fun fact: Author J.K. Rowling graduated from Edinburgh and wrote the first Harry Potter book in a café near the university University of Edinburgh… Student housing in Pollock Halls (Arthur’s Seat rises behind)

6.  GPA of 3.20 preferred; major GPA most important  Tutorial system; greater emphasis on final exams; more independent work  Campus buildings spread throughout town—George Square is main campus area, with King’s Buildings (sciences) about 15-minute bus ride away  Catered/self-catered housing options  Centre for Sport & Exercise (CSE) is main gym More on University of Edinburgh… Beautiful sky over city street in Edinburgh. -Photo by Chun Li

7.  St. Andrews is a university town on the east coast of the ‘Kingdom’ of Fife  St. Andrews has a population of nearly 18,000, far smaller than Edinburgh, which is 52 miles away  Considered the sunniest and driest part of Scotland, and its location on coast is breathtaking  St. Andrews is a famous golf center--known as the home or birthplace of golf  Has a “beachy,” affluent resort vibe, but can also be a bit sleepy A little about the town of St. Andrews… St. Andrews Castle Ruin

8.  Students may play at ten golf courses nearby (six of which are open to the public)  Visit the British Golf Museum  St. Andrews Cathedral (ruins) and St. Andrews Castle (ruins) are both picturesque  Market Street (shopping), a botanic garden, and lovely beaches nearby  Tentsmuir is a nearby forest and beach that has hiking trails Coastal view in Scotland

9.  Founded in 1413, making the University of St. Andrews the oldest university in Scotland  Top academic reputation: Highly ranked in Scotland and the UK; globally renowned  Enrollment of 7,000 students, 30% international  Over 600 degree programs from which to choose  Specific academic strengths in Divinity, Philosophical & Anthropological Studies, Int’l Studies, Physics, and more… Main quad buildings at St. Andrews

10.  GPA of 3.20 required  Tutorial system; greater emphasis on final exams; more independent work  13 halls of residence and student apartments, some of which are self-catered and some of which are catered  Over 120 student organizations and about 50 sports clubs that students can join  The campus is very integrated with the town  Fun fact: Prince William and Kate Middleton met at St. Andrews  Any questions? Contact abergman@richmond.edu More on University of St. Andrews… “Agnes Blackadder” Residence Hall Option