'Most students in the UK dress in what feels comfortable to them. If you need to buy clothes there's enough choice to suit all styles and budgets.'
While UK boarding schools usually require pupils to wear a uniform (at least until the sixth-form), universities, colleges and English language schools are typically informal environments where people wear whatever feels most comfortable to them.
Students usually wear casual clothing when attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, though your course may also require you to wear specialist items, such as a lab coat, for health and safety reasons. These protective items may be provided by your institution, though it's best to check with your department before starting your course.
If you're invited for a night out you'll notice that students in the UK tend to dress up a little bit more. If it's a more formal event, such as a university ball, this might mean wearing a dress or suit and tie, though many students avoid the expense of buying formal wear by hiring it from a local shop or outfitters.
Dressing for the weather
If you are out and about it's important to make sure you are suitably dressed. In winter, it's a good idea to wear lots of layers so you can keep warm, plus a hat, scarf and gloves. It's also a good idea to remember sensible shoes and a waterproof jacket if you are out walking.
In the summer months it's a good idea to carry a pair of sunglasses, a hat and light layer clothing to protect you in direct sunlight.
Students usually wear casual clothing when attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, though your course may also require you to wear specialist items, such as a lab coat, for health and safety reasons. These protective items may be provided by your institution, though it's best to check with your department before starting your course.
If you're invited for a night out you'll notice that students in the UK tend to dress up a little bit more. If it's a more formal event, such as a university ball, this might mean wearing a dress or suit and tie, though many students avoid the expense of buying formal wear by hiring it from a local shop or outfitters.
Dressing for the weather
If you are out and about it's important to make sure you are suitably dressed. In winter, it's a good idea to wear lots of layers so you can keep warm, plus a hat, scarf and gloves. It's also a good idea to remember sensible shoes and a waterproof jacket if you are out walking.
In the summer months it's a good idea to carry a pair of sunglasses, a hat and light layer clothing to protect you in direct sunlight.
You can find out more about UK weather here.
Cultural and religious dress
The UK is a multicultural place and it is common for people to wear clothing associated with their culture and religion - for example, a head scarf, kippah, turban or other items.
In major towns you will find specialist shops selling clothing from around the world.
Shopping for clothes
Most UK towns and cities have a large range of shops selling clothes to suit all styles and budgets.
Many major retailers offer student discounts with a valid National Union of Students (NUS) card. Visit the NUS site to find out what's on offer.
As well as high-street outlets there are also plenty of second-hand and vintage shops. These are perfect for some bargain hunting and are often found in student areas.
You can find out more about managing your money on the Budget planning in the UK page.
Many major retailers offer student discounts with a valid National Union of Students (NUS) card. Visit the NUS site to find out what's on offer.
As well as high-street outlets there are also plenty of second-hand and vintage shops. These are perfect for some bargain hunting and are often found in student areas.
You can find out more about managing your money on the Budget planning in the UK page.
