University days were a riot, especially for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The royal couple met at university, and well, you know the rest. Three children and a fabulous royal wedding later, the Waleses are stronger than ever, all thanks to their meeting at St Andrew's University.
Striking up a romance at university requires many date night ideas, and the pair had plenty up their sleeves. From fairytale strolls in the forest to townhouse retreats, picturesque piers to bougie bars, William and Kate covered it all. Keep reading on to discover the duo's favourite student haunts where love blossomed…
St Salvator's Halls, St Andrews University
Prince William and princess-to-be Kate Middleton both joined St Andrews, enrolling as History of Art students and lived in the same halls, St Salvator's - known to student residents as Sally's.
William would frequently bump into Kate, who clocked his eye instantly. According to Vanity Fair, the future Princess of Wales had been honoured as the "prettiest girl at Sally's" in freshers' week. Kate recalled in their engagement interview that she "turned bright red and sort of scuttled off" when they met "feeling very shy about meeting him".
Fairmont St Andrews Hotel
© PA ImagesIn 2022, a then-20-year-old Kate reportedly caught William's eye when she hit in the runway in an avant garde, semi-sheer black-gold dress for a charity fashion show at the five-star Fairmont St Andrews Hotel that March.
The Prince is said to have paid a grand £200 for a front row ticket at the university charity fashion show, titled Don't Walk.
13A Hope Street, Will and Kate's first uni flatshare
© HMJ PropertiesLike most students, the couple moved out of their halls of residence in their second year to share a flat with friends in September 2002. Prince William shared a new nest with Kate, fellow Etonian Fergus Boyd, later Prince George's godfather, and Olivia Bleasdale into a two-story, top-floor apartment, 13A Hope Street, in the centre of town for £100 a week.
Prince William's favourite pub, Ma Bells
© Getty ImagesThe couple often enjoyed a cider or two at Ma Bells, the Prince's favourite pub which was the basement bar of the St Andrews Golf Hotel. The haunt is popular with the golf crowd and fun-loving university students.
The Jahangir curry house and West Port Bar & Kitchen
© TheForkWho doesn't love a curry? Will and Kate certainly did, as the two were spotted at beloved St Andrews curry house Jahangir. The Indian restaurant is situated in the centre of the town and was opened in 1998. The restaurant has won multiple awards including being given two medallions by the Scottish Tourist Board for Good Food & Service.
The courting couple would also visit the West Port Bar & Kitchen, according to our HELLO! sources.
Seaside fish and chips at Prince William and Kate's favourite chippy
© ShutterstockAward-winning Anstruther Fish Bar was the duo's favourite chippy, which was situated in the coastal town of Anstruther, a short drive from their university.
The fish and chip shop has also had other famous visitors including footballer Gary Lineker, Kevin Keegan and Luke Donald, so it's a certified celebrity favourite.
West Sands beach, St Andrews Castle and Cathedral and Tentsmuir Forest
© Getty ImagesWilliam enjoyed the occasional surfing session at West Sands beach, a short drive from St Andrews University. While they live in their flat, the couple enjoyed walks along the scenic seaside setting, according to VisitBritain.
The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned to the beach in May 2021, competing in a land yacht race along the coast.
William and Kate's beautiful cottage where they lived in third year
© AFPAfter their second year of university was complete, William and Kate moved to Balgove House, on the private Strathtyrum Estate, just outside the town centre. The grand four-bedroom property was owned by Henry Cheape, the Prince's distant cousin who was a close friend of the royal family.
The cottage offered more privacy for the young couple and unmarked police cars patrolled the estate with William's protection officers living in outbuildings.
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