David Russell Apartments
David Russell Apartments (DRA) is a modern complex of apartment blocks conveniently located near to the University Sports Centre, various science buildings on the North Haugh, and adjacent to Madras College High School which opened in August 2021. DRA offers the feel of private accommodation, with the comfort of knowing that support and advice is available when needed.
Summer refurbishment 2024
Cathedral, Chariots, Muckross, Riggs and Kilrule will have refurbishments carried out during the summer. Students allocated to these buildings will be relocated to alternative accommodation for the summer period. Further details will be forwarded nearer the time.
Summer refurbishment 2025
There may be redecoration works carried out in some Postgraduate blocks during summer 2025. If this goes ahead students will be relocated to alternative accommodation for the summer period. Student this may affect will be informed once this has been confirmed.
West development
A development of St Andrews town, beyond David Russell and Fife Park Apartments, is currently underway.
Summer guests
From the end of May through to the end of August each year summer guests will be resident in undergraduate blocks in DRA and Fife Park apartments.
Hall information
DRA offers both self-catered en suite and catered en suite accommodation.
Undergraduate flats
The majority of rooms are single en suite bedrooms, but there are 24 shared spaces in en suite bedrooms for undergraduates.
Find out about sharing at St Andrews.
For undergraduate students, DRA has:
- 981 single en suite bedrooms with double-size beds
- 24 shared spaces in suite bedrooms with single-size beds
Postgraduate flats
There are 49 studio apartments available for postgraduate students. Find out more about studio apartments for postgraduates.
Cost
2024-2025 academic year
Undergraduate - 37 week contract
- Self-catered, en suite, shared: £7,427
- Self-catered, en suite, single: £8,619
- Catered, en suite, shared: £9,697 (14 meals per week)
- Catered, en suite, single: £10,890 (14 meals per week)
Postgraduate - 50 week contract
- Self-catered studio for a single person or couple: £14,209
Rooms are situated in five-bedroom shared flats, and each flat comprises a furnished common room and kitchen. Kitchens are provided with a single set of pots and pans to use with an induction hob.
Location
DRA is located on the western edge of town, only a ten-minute walk to the Faculty of Science buildings on the North Haugh and the Sports Centre.
It is about a 20-minute walk to the centre of town and local amenities. There are regular bus routes between DRA and the town centre, and a night bus service for students runs every night between 10pm and 2am during term time.
Many students choose to use bikes to travel around campus to save money on public transport, live a healthy lifestyle, and contribute to sustainability. Find out more about travelling by bicycle.
What is David Russell Apartments like?
DRA is the University’s largest and most diverse residence, welcoming foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate students from over 80 different countries.
The hall committee and wardennial service host a wide variety of events ranging from postgraduate cocktail receptions to ceilidhs, film nights, pub quizzes and the largest student-run ball in St Andrews. DRA also has its own bar.
Facilities
DRA offers various facilities for students to use for studying or socialising.
Laundry
The laundry room contains 16 washers and 17 dryers which are card-operated. You can buy a card from the card dispensers in the facilities building which you pre-load with credit via an online portal.
Computer room
DRA has an IT suite with 22 computers which students are able to access at all hours.
Entertainment rooms
The Nisbet room has a media player, Xbox, and a large screen projection TV and is open all hours. Residents can also check out video games from the wardennial team.
There is also a cinema room that contains a large flat HD TV screen with surround sound plus a Blu-ray player and media player.
Music room
The music room is available for individuals or small groups. It includes a piano and a practice drum kit.
Bistro
The Bistro serves catered breakfasts every day as well as dinners Monday to Friday and lunch at the weekends. During the week, The Bistro offers light snacks and meals which can be purchased to eat in or take away at lunch times.
Bar
The bar offers a comfortable place to meet friends, watch television on one of the plasma screens, enjoy a game of pool, or simply to relax. The bar serves as a venue for many of the committee's events, including the weekly pub quiz.
Advice on the use of electrical equipment in residence
Support
All University halls of residence have their own wardennial team who live within the hall and are trained to support students in a range of matters – from advice on academic matters through to first aid. New students will meet their warden and team of assistant wardens during their moving in weekend.
Contact
David Russell ApartmentsUniversity of St Andrews
Buchanan Gardens
St Andrews
KY16 9LY
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 7100
Email: drareception@st-andrews.ac.uk