Albany Park was created in the 1970s when it was groovy to use a combination of grey pebbledash, flat roofs, square blocks and a numbering system that no-one really understands. But it does mean the houses are functional, easy to clean/maintain, cheap to live in and we have lots of lovely open space!

Unlike other many other halls, we also have space for students to park their cars. While people may moan about the distance Albany is from town (a 15 minute walk, but in St Andrews we might as well be on the other side of the world!) we are blessed with living on the East Sands Beach.

At many times of the year East Sands seems to be our own private beach. It is the location of many bonfires and barbeques during the nicer weather, and also plays host to numerous beach cricket, beach rugby or beach whatever sporting events.  You can also go swimming out there too, with the occasional passing seal, but be warned the North Sea is hardly the tropics (something we all have to face up to come ‘May Dip’).

Albany is famed for giving students a more independent experience than living in the catered halls. There are 68 houses in Albany Park, most are 6 bedroom undergrad houses, but there are also 2, 4 and 6 bedroom post-grad houses scattered around the place and 2 blocks of post-grad flats.

Each house is self-contained which gives you the freedom to create your own ‘home’. With a high percentage of returning residents, Albany also gives Freshers a chance to socialise with other year groups.

Like all the other St Andrews Halls Albany has a Warden team who can deal with any problems or worries you may have. Despite this Albany is a highly Committee-centred Hall and they work hard to cultivate the community spirit that is well-known here.

Freshers week is packed with events run by the Committee so that people have every opportunity to get to know their neighbours. Beyond that, we in Albany work hard to make our own fun which is why our house parties and social events are known to be memorable!