Starfields 2024: Where Energy Meets Expression

Words and Images by Mistral Zerbi, Head Writer

Organized by the FS charity fashion show in St Andrews, Starfields has been the leading event of Freshers Week for as long as I can remember. Entirely student-run, this music festival never fails to deliver an experience bursting with energy, and this year was no exception. As a fourth-year student returning to the scene, I was still as excited as it was my first time attending the event.

Starfields always seems to deliver a sensory explosion. From the moment you arrive, you find yourself enveloped in a world of colour, sound, and personal expression, as shown by the fashion choices of everyone attending the event. From glittery makeup, bright neon jackets and sexy two-pieces, guests at Starfields are encouraged to stand out.

This year’s headliner, LAVERN, added another layer of intensity to the night with electrifying beats that echoed through the venue. The crowd responded in kind, moving as one to the pulse of the music. It was impossible not to get swept up in the high-energy atmosphere, and in every face, there was a shared sense of freedom and euphoria.

But what struck me most was the freshers’ energy. There’s something uniquely raw about their excitement—a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead, mingled with the joy of experiencing St Andrews' unique social scene for the first time. For many, Starfields is their initiation into the university’s social life, and their enthusiasm was palpable. They are on the edge of new beginnings, full of potential and possibility, eager to embrace every moment.

As I watched them, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. I remember that same excitement in myself—the thrill of new opportunities and the drive to make the most of everything. But with that excitement comes a challenge. St Andrews can feel like a bubble, and it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of student life. My advice to freshers is simple: don’t let your energy fade. Channel it into meaningful pursuits—projects, passions, and experiences that will define your time here and beyond.

In many ways, Starfields reflects the university experience itself. It starts with a bang, full of excitement and endless possibilities. But as the music fades and the night comes to an end, what remains is how you’ve chosen to use that energy. Will you let it dissipate, or will you focus it on something lasting, something that truly matters to you?

As I left my final Starfields this year, I carried with me a renewed appreciation for the vibrancy of the night and for the students beginning their journeys. Starfields is more than just a party—it’s a reminder that energy is a powerful force. It’s everywhere in St Andrews, and it’s yours to shape into something meaningful.