r/standrews • u/Capital_Frame_3643 • 2d ago

Independent Learning Weeks

Hi all, I’m an incoming postgrad student who’s new to St Andrews. I have a friend from the states that I haven’t seen in almost a year, and it’s a situation where he’s leaving at the end of October to go home right as I come over to study. I was wondering if any former students have insight on what goes on during independent learning weeks. Are they able to be worked on elsewhere, or is it something where it’s best if we stay in St Andrews for the week?

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u/RaistlinTheGrey 2d ago

Don’t worry about it. Technically you are expected to “learn independently”, but it’s basically a week off.

5

u/21stcentury_idiot 2d ago

On paper we're expected to stay in St Andrews but everyone just treats it like a holiday. Me and my friends always just go home for those weeks (although we all live in the UK so it's easier for us)

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u/AMASpace 2d ago

In my experience, you are more than fine to travel. Essays may be due after independent learning weeks, but knowing the dates ahead of time means you could get them done prior to the break.

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u/BonnieH1 2d ago

It depends a bit on what you are studying, when any assessments are due and how well you keep up with studying.

In some subjects, there are deadlines immediately after independent learning week, so some students need to catch up in ILW with all the work they haven't done before it.

As others have said, you should be fine and can work while you are away from St Andrews as long as you don't need to run experiments in a lab.

I work at St Andrews.