St andrews may dip

On May 1, 2026, hundreds of St Andrews University students participated in the May Dip at East Sands, but many expressed discomfort with photographers targeting them during this traditional event. This raises significant concerns about consent and body image.

The May Dip is a long-standing tradition where students run into the North Sea at dawn to cleanse themselves of academic sins and to bring good luck for exams. However, in recent years, the event has attracted numerous photographers who focus on capturing images of female students in swimwear.

Students have reported feeling uneasy about being photographed without their consent. Anna stated, “It ruined my night,” while Olivia added, “They know what they’re doing; they know exactly who they’re picking out.” Such sentiments echo broader societal issues regarding body image—more than 60% of adults in the UK report negative feelings about their body image.

The university has taken steps to address these concerns by warning students about the presence of press photographers at the event. Yet, many participants feel that these warnings are insufficient. Anna remarked, “To have comments on your body just feels really repulsive.”

The May Dip also holds cultural significance as it is said to be the only cure for the legendary curse of Patrick Hamilton. This adds another layer of complexity to an event that is meant to be celebratory.

As discussions around photography ethics and student privacy continue to evolve, observers expect further conversations about how to balance tradition with personal comfort. The Gaudie—a torchlit procession that commemorates John Honey’s rescue of crew members in 1800—also plays a role in shaping this community’s traditions.