Kate Middleton has become quite the icon since joining the royal family in 2011, but her life before becoming the duchess of Cambridge is just as fascinating.
In 2001, she started her first year at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, which ended up changing the course of her life forever. Not only did she graduate with honors, but her love story with Prince William began there as well. See some of the most interesting facts from her college years here.
1. Kate Originally Had Plans to Attend the University of Edinburgh
Kate was initially accepted into the University of Edinburgh in 2000, but eventually decided to take a gap year and attend St. Andrews the following year. Even though Edinburgh was reportedly Kate’s first choice, royal biographer Katie Nicholl claims that her sudden change of heart stemmed from William’s acceptance into the Scottish university.
2. She Studied Abroad in Italy
During her gap year, Kate did volunteer work in Chile and also studied at the British Institute in Florence.
3. She Was (and Still Is) Very Athletic
After running cross country, swimming, and playing tennis and field hockey during boarding school, Kate stayed active as an undergraduate in college, even trying out for the university’s hockey team.
4. Kate and William Stayed in the Same Dormitory
The two first met when they were both living at St. Salvator’s Hall during their freshman year. After bumping into each other in the stairwell, they eventually become friends, eating breakfast together and accompanying each other to class.
5. Kate Was Dating Someone Else When She Met William
Believe it or not, Kate and Will’s relationship was actually platonic at first. During their first semester, Will was dating fellow student Carley Massy-Birch, while Kate was dating a senior named Rupert Finch.
6. Kate Caught William’s Eye After Appearing in a Charity Fashion Show
Things officially started heating up between the pair when Kate walked the runway in see-through lingerie during the annual Don’t Walk charity fashion show their second semester. The prince was reportedly so taken with her beauty that he even tried to kiss her during an afterparty. However, since she was still dating Rupert, she denied his advances.
7. Kate Graduated With a Master’s in Art History
In 2005, Kate graduated with honors, which now makes her the UK’s first royal bride with a university degree. Even better, if Kate ever becomes queen, she will also be the first ever to have attended college.