Hundreds of first-year students at the University of St Andrews took part in the annual Raisin Monday foam fight today, 19 October 2026. Students, many in fancy dress, gathered on St Salvator’s lower college lawn at 11am, armed with cans of shaving foam.
The event is a modern iteration of a 600-year-old ritual where first-year students traditionally thanked older students for mentoring them by giving a pound of raisins. For the past few decades, the tradition has evolved into a large-scale foam fight.
Second- and third-year students, referred to as “mums” and “dads”, choose themes for their matched first-year “children”. Participants noted the event helps bring students together and fosters community, particularly in the university's small setting.
This year, students were encouraged to donate to a local food bank before the foam fight. The event also appeared to be less alcohol-fuelled compared to previous years. An optional North Sea dip, traditionally part of the Sunday preceding Raisin Monday, was also noted.