‘It’s like the Scottish Upper East Side’: shame and snobbery as American students blamed for St Andrews classism
Summary
A student from St Andrews University shared her experience of feeling left out because of her working-class background, sparking a wider discussion about social divisions on campus. Many students say the rise of wealthy American students and private school backgrounds has changed the university’s culture, making it feel less welcoming to those from poorer families.Key Facts
- Sophie Rose Jenkins decided not to return to St Andrews because of class-based exclusion.
- St Andrews limits free spots for Scottish students, who make up about 30% of the student body.
- Many wealthy international students, especially Americans, pay more than three times the UK fee.
- About 20% of undergraduates at St Andrews are American, the highest rate in the UK.
- The university has a large number of privately educated students.
- Some students say social groups form along national and class lines, with the American presence influencing campus life.
- Expensive shops and exclusive social events reflect growing wealth gaps.
- An article compared St Andrews to Manhattan’s Upper East Side, known for elite social circles.
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