The Fellowship
of St Andrews

May Dip and Senior soakings are two of the University's most beloved traditions. Typically, on May 1st, students gather on East Sands at sunrise and plunge into the North Sea. This tradition serves to wash away any academic sins and provide good luck for upcoming exams. Senior Soakings occur as graduating students finish their exams; in celebration, they are doused in water by their friends. Covid-19 disrupted May Dip and Senior Soakings, but the Fellowship aimed to find a way for these traditions to continue despite students being scattered around the world. The Fellowship organised a virtual May Dip challenge called "Soaking for St Andrews", during which participants were encouraged to find creative ways to soak themselves at home, donate to the University Community Fund (UCF), and challenge their friends to do the same. This month-long initiative aimed to keep the St Andrews spirit alive, as well as raise money for the UCF which funds projects and initiatives that benefit the St Andrews community. The Fellowship was honored to have such high levels of participation and was proud to make students feel connected to one another and the town, despite their social distancing.