William said he was a country boy

Three weeks before his 21st birthday, the prince praised the way people had allowed him to enjoy student life - after initial doubts that nearly forced him to quit.

William is halfway through his four-year degree course at the university on the coast of Fife.

In the interview, he also gave an insight into his domestic habits and revealed he regularly cooks for his three housemates.

He refused to speculate his possible choice of career, and said his experiences in Africa had prompted him to teach himself Swahili.

The people of St Andrews and the students themselves have been so supportive Prince William

Speaking to the Press Association, Prince William said he had initially felt "daunted" by university life, and had considered leaving after a year.

"I think the rumours that I was unhappy got slightly out of control," he said.

"But I was like most people, I think, when you first come to university.

"It's new surroundings, new scenery, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect."

William said he had talked through his doubts with Prince Charles, but had decided to stick with his studies.

"He was very good about it and we chatted a lot and in the end we both realised - I definitely realised - that I had to come back," he said.

In pictures: Life at St Andews

The prince said he now "loved" being at St Andrews.

"People here just treat me like everyone else - it's really nice.

"I'm able to lead a near-normal life because of a combination of reasons really.

"The media have been very good considering, I'm sure, how tantalising it is having me up here, and the people of St Andrews and the students themselves have been so supportive. So, basically, I feel very comfortable."

Cider and shopping

The prince said he enjoyed the beach and the outdoor life, because he was a "country boy at heart".

"I love the buzz of towns and going out with friends and sitting with them drinking and whatever - it's fun.

"But, at the same time, I like space and freedom.

"I like cinemas, bars, restaurants and lots of sport - on the beach, playing quick golf - just making use of everything up here. There's quite a lot to do here."

I hope I'm not a tourist attraction Insights into William's life

Joking about his reputation for liking to sleep late in the morning, he said: "My father thinks I'm the laziest person on earth.

"But surprisingly, I do actually get up. I've had nine o'clock lectures all this year."

Prince William had particular thanks for the residents of St Andrews.

"They know the routes I take. Yet, very kindly, they just get on with their lives, their shopping and things like that."

William, who revealed he preferred drinking cider to beer, said he often cooked for his three housemates - although he sometimes got carried away at the supermarket.

"I buy lots of things and then go back to the house and see the fridge is full of all the stuff I've just bought."

He enjoys the social side of student life and said his friends come from different backgrounds and countries.

Course switch

The art history student praised his father's talent as a painter.

"He's brilliant. He's very modest about it and he's always criticising his own work. But I do actually really like it."

After two years studying a broad range of subjects, William said he may give up art history for geography next year.

And spending part of his gap year in Africa had made him teach himself Swahili.

"It's an odd language to learn but I wanted to do something that was very specialised. I love the people of Africa and I'd like to know more about them - and to speak to them."

William has been voted the university's water polo captain and he said he enjoys playing rugby and football.

But he said he was undecided about what he would do after graduating.