The Kate and Will myth (and why education comes first)

Presumably, when you told your friends the exciting news about your soon-to-be home, they immediately made some connection to that iconic royal couple, Kate and Wills. This constant, majestic allusion paints St Andrews in a particularly romantic light, and while wind-swept beaches and its humungous decrepit cathedral uphold this ambience, you will soon come to discover that the St Andrews romance scene is far hazier than the foggy, cobblestoned streets. You will also inevitably face the reality that dating in St Andrews is a fun game but should never interfere with a prestigious education. Today, I bring you a cautionary tale, forged from my own first-year delusions, about the expectation of dangerous liaisons and heated rivalries when approaching university and the importance of sorting out your priorities. 

I will begin with an embarrassingly honest confession to you: Hearing the story of Kate and Wills fuelled my belief that, immediately upon arriving at St Andrews, I would be met by a handful of eager suitors, hopefully in possession of a small fortune. Hearing other stories of university sweethearts only furthered my fantasy that I would be boo’d up before I had even unpacked my bags. During Freshers’ Week, I kept my eyes peeled for any possible candidates with whom I could kickstart my own romantic mythology. However, after being faced with many a two and three, I realised that searching for the one was a redundant task, and my time was better spent focusing on the thing I came here to do: study and learn. 

Well duh, you think to yourself. Yet, I would advise you to hold that judgement until after you’ve found yourself wandering away from the school side of university. It is only then that you realise that an institution founded in 1413 cares more about how hard of a worker you are than your insane ability to pull at 601. Thus, it's probably best to find your reason to give it your all now and stick with that. Save reading body language for another day, and instead pick up that book for Tuesday’s seminar and get annotating. 

I understand that the opportunity to date becomes only more exciting when one is inexperienced in the recreation of romance, and isn’t everyone truly an amateur when it comes to affairs of the heart? So then, why shouldn't you come to St Andrews with an open heart, expecting a whirlwind of passion? If the royals could pull it off, why can’t you? And you know what, sure. However, the issue arises when you begin to overlook everything that university could be in favour of an idealised view of what it should be. There is more to university than aristocratic love stories, and though Kate and Wills have a tale as old as time, they received something else that will follow them for their entire lives: degrees from the University of St Andrews. 

Moving swiftly on from my Freshers’ naivety, please allow me instead to play my best ‘Tiger Parent’ as I whole-heartedly emphasise the significance of maintaining your academic career over everything else. It’s fun to have a crush! It’s a delight to be in love! However, if you’re sitting in the library pontificating why they aren’t texting you back, contemplating that extension request, ask yourself how Malala would feel. If you sense she may be disappointed, then maybe you should reevaluate. St Andrews was famous before the royal couple and will remain famous long after them — because of its legacy of prestigious, world-class education.

To put it bluntly: A hand is nice to hold, but a first-class degree is even nicer. You have so many opportunities to make the most of: there are a plethora of books in the library to read, a mass of professors and tutors who are passionate about their chosen subjects, and the independence to seek out your interests. Following your curiosity will fulfill you infinitely more than following a crush — and will probably benefit you more in the long run too. 

I’m not here to scare you about the academic rigor of this university, nor am I here to dissuade you from interacting with anyone of your preferred gender for the duration of your degree. There is a place for romance at university, undoubtedly. I just ask for you to remain conscious that study is the focus of your time here, even if that has to shift priority every now and then. In both romance and school, some are here for a good time, not a long time, and it's up to you to decide where your allegiances lie. Yes, you should ask that person out on a date, but also ask your tutor to clarify that concept you didn’t understand. Both are admirable, courageous acts. 

Illustration by Niamh McPartlin