Shame and snobbery as American students blamed for St Andrews classism
a day ago
- Sophie Rose Jenkins left St Andrews University due to classism, and her LinkedIn post resonated with many others who shared similar experiences.
- Working-class students at St Andrews feel ashamed of their home life, highlighting a gap between access to higher education and unobstructed degree study.
- Scotland's funding model caps Scottish students at about 30% of St Andrews' intake, while wealthy international students, particularly Americans, now make up a fifth of undergraduates.
- The influx of wealthy US students has changed campus dynamics, with fraternity culture, luxury shopping, and exclusive societies becoming more prominent.
- Students report segregation by nationality and class, with some feeling left out if they lack money or connections.
- St Andrews acknowledges the issue but says classism is a societal problem, not unique to the university, and notes few formal complaints have been filed.
- The debate over classism in Scottish universities is ongoing, with Edinburgh University previously issuing anti-snobbery guidance.
- Some students argue classism is not just about American influence but a broader attitude where working-class students are seen as less worldly.