There are a nice mix of pubs and bars to suit every taste and occasion, from the more hip student haunts like The Rule and The Vic, to the more down to earth Drouthy's or The Whey Pat (which are technically old man pubs, but students love them too and the Whey Pat has the best nachos in town). Many of the pubs are hotel bars, but some are very good and not just full of golfers, for example 1 Golf Place and the One Under are popular with students. For the 'higher class' of student (aka yahs) theres Catch and Ma Bells, which are nice but can be pricey.

The Vic is a popular hangout for residents and students alike and is brimming with a distinctive personality. A ceiling-high bar display with strange bottles, exposed brick walls and wall decorations ranging from a surfboard to crammed bookcases are all illuminated by quirky wire lamps within the bar. With a range of delectable pub fare like macaroni cheese, Cajun spiced chicken wings with blue cheese dressing, a 2-4-1 burger bargain, and speciality cocktails served in cute jam jars, The Vic’s menu complements this eclectic, fun-loving atmosphere.

A beloved hang-out spot for students and locals, The Vic overflows with unique character. A staircase papered with comic strips leads the way to the dining area, where an industrial road sign points the way to burgers and free WiFi. Inside the bar, quirky wire lamps illuminate exposed brick walls, a ceiling-high bar display with unusual bottles and wall décor ranging from a surf board to overstuffed bookshelves.

The ‘Barassie Links’ 18 is a mix of the old and new with additional holes added in 1997 to increase length. The old 18 (the gentle, scenic Hillhouse is the ‘discarded’ nine) wasn’t long enough for a championship-hosting course, so the new 18 incorporates most of the tougher original holes. Some feel a little underwhelmed by the new Barassie, others view it as a classic links that has everything.

St Andrews has its fair share of top bars, and one place in particular which is a must-visit during your student years is the Vic. This lively pub, social club and kitchen focuses on ensuring that everyone has a good time with classic cocktails, craft beer, gins and hand-made pizzas on the menu. Every Friday and Saturday there’s live music until 3am so you can start and end your night out here.

The Vic may be a popular student destination on a Thursday night, but it wasn’t until my second year that I even realized that this clubserves food. Start your day well by ordering the Fool Vegan breakfast. This dish is served until noon (or 3pm on Sundays) and it comes complete with vegan sausages, potato hash and a sweet potato cake — enough to cure even the worst hangovers.

The cultural center of St. Andrews is the Byre Theatre, Abbey Street (tel. 01334/475-000; www.byretheatre.com), which features drama ranging from Shakespeare plays to musical comedies. Tickets cost £6 to £20 adults, £5 to £12 children. Pick up a weekly version of What's On in Fife from the local tourist office to find out what's featured.

Tied for last place are the Vic and the Rule: two establishments which score low on the vibe scale. These popular going-out bars/clubs are suitable for a long night out, but fail to deliver in terms of drink quality and price. Each earns points for its outside area, which provides respite from the crowd and noise.

Typically very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, this place can get quite chocca. Serving traditional drinks and cocktails over 3 floors with a lovely beer garden out the back. A good place for a little wine or a pint during the day too, and it’s very kid friendly which allows you to relax a little too.

The Vic is a lively pub and restaurant with a dog-friendly policy, making it a fantastic option for dining with your four-legged friend in St Andrews. With a varied menu featuring pub classics and contemporary dishes, you and your pooch can enjoy a tasty meal in a vibrant atmosphere.

Within 30 seconds you’ll see the Vic on the corner of Bell Street and Market Street. This is quite a funky spot so it’s one where you might want to try a nice gin and tonic, or equivalent refreshing beverage. It’s also a decent place for a spot of grub if you’re beginning to flag.

The Vic “We’re all about good, honest food served up in a relaxed space where everyone is welcome. Our gourmet burgers are the heart of what we do, but speciality sandwiches, sharing plates and much more means that we have something on the menu to suit all tastes.

The Vic is a popular student hangout and a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner, or just for a beverage. They have yummy vegan options and well-priced food for the budget conscious wanting to eat out.

A relaxed, alternative bar, the Vic excels in its food and beer selection and its laid-back attitude with board games, ping pong and a dog friendly policy. Their jam-jar cocktails are particularly good.

We spent the prize money on shots and it was a fantastic night. Most other times I end up there I get hit on by creepy old men. So it’s fair to say that my feelings towards this venue are mixed.

The Vic offers a relaxed atmosphere bustling with character, contemporary yet traditional cocktails, craft beer, small batch production gins and hand-made pizzas.

The Old Vic St Andrews is most popular around 11 PM on Saturdays. Visitors usually stay up to 4 hours here. It's most quiet on Tuesdays.