As the exam season is in full swing, thousands of students across the nation are buckling down for last-minute revision before they sit their tests that will decide which university they’ll be attending this Autumn.

For those aspiring to walk in Royal shoes, St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland presents a plethora of opportunities and was even the place where Prince William and Princess Kate’s love story began.

Prince William initially embarked on an art history degree before switching to geography in his second year. He graduated with a Master of Arts in 2005, securing a 2:1.

His future wife, Kate, pursued Art History and also graduated with an MA at a 2:1 in the same year.

While many are familiar with the Royal couple’s educational journey, not many enthusiasts are aware of the unique traditions upheld by St. Andrews, including an annual dash into the sea fondly known as the May Dip, and even a curse that could result in students failing their degree if they don’t take the necessary precautions, reports the Mirror.

Let’s delve deeper into some of the most peculiar traditions of William and Kate’s alma mater….

Red Gowns

St. Andrew’s University stands out with its distinctive red gowns, a stark contrast to the typical black attire at other institutions.

The tradition dates back to the post-reformation era when the gowns were mandated to prevent students from illicit underage drinking.

Nowadays, the red gowns are reserved for ceremonial use, donned during formal dinners, chapel services, and the iconic Pier Walk.

The way the gown is worn also signifies the student’s year, as detailed on St Andrews’ official website: “First years wear theirs fully on the shoulders, then in second year off the shoulders. Third years wear the gown off the left shoulder if they are arts students and the right shoulder if they are studying science. A fourth year student will wear the gown off both shoulders, across the elbow.”

The Curse

One of the university’s most intriguing traditions is the curse of Patrick Hamilton, who was executed in 1582 for his Protestant beliefs. His memory lingers at the execution spot marked by cobblestones engraved with ‘PH’.

Superstition holds that any student who steps on them risks failing their degree.

May Dip

Despite the severity of the curse, there is a way to break it – by participating in the May Dip.

This annual tradition occurs on the first of May and sees students heading down to East Sands before sprinting into the North Sea to cleanse themselves of the curse and get their academic pursuits back on course.

Raisin Monday

While studying at the university, third and fourth year students have the opportunity to “adopt them” a first year student, acting as their mentor and introducing them to the student lifestyle.

The mentoring period typically concludes in mid-October with Raisin Weekend. During this event, the first years are entertained by their mentors, dressed up in fancy dress, and directed to gather in St Salvator’s Quad for the annual Raisin Monday foam fight.

This tradition, which has been a part of St. Andrews life for centuries, got its name from the custom of first year students thanking their mentors with a pound of raisins at the end of their initiation into university life.

In return for the raisins, the mentors would give each student a receipt that could be used at the crucial foam fight.

Soakings

At the end of the school year, when students are finally set to graduate, they traditionally take part in a ‘soaking’ at the conclusion of their final exam. As per tradition, a final year students friends will wait outside the exam venue to shower them with cold water and signal the completion of their undergraduate education.