[3] The hall, originally a male-only residence, was built between 1930 and 1933, funded by the American Philanthropist, Edward Harkness and modelled on Oxbridge colleges.

[5][9] The stained glass windows, designed by William Wilson,[10] and paintings in its oak-panelled dining room feature associates and benefactors of the University of St Andrews such as David Beaton, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose and Edward Harkness.

On 15 January 1945, students at the hall became ill after consuming sausages from a local butcher that turned out to be contaminated with arsenic trioxide.

In the early years each bedroom was provided with a fireplace[17] but now they come with a desk, a wardrobe (sometimes built-in), a bookcase and a wash hand basin.

Each room has views of either St Andrews Bay or the edge of the United College Quadrangle and the front lawn.

[citation needed] The D-Block extension houses some students and is connected to the main building by a corridor.

The Hall Committee are responsible for hosting weekly events for residents from themed ceilidhs to pub quizzes and whisky tasting.

At the end of the academic year a High Table dinner for graduating students (Valedictorians) is held.

Freshers' Week is organised by the hall committee and includes several events designed to integrate new students into life at the university.

Before final exams "Sallies Day" is celebrated on the front lawn where students picnic and drink Pimm's.