Why your first-term wardrobe matters
Your first term brings a mix of lectures, seminars, evenings out and time in your room or flat. Most people find that they wear the same few pieces most days, so it is worth thinking about your clothes before you pack rather than buying a full new wardrobe in September.
Start with the weather. Autumn in the UK is often mild in the day and cold after dark, and campus buildings can be overheated or draughty, so layers matter more than heavy coats. Also think about how much you will walk. If your timetable spans several sites, comfortable footwear will be used more than anything else you buy.
How to choose without overspending
Begin with a simple test: will this item work for at least three situations, such as a lecture, a society event and a casual day? Versatile pieces in neutral colours tend to earn their place. Hoodies, sweatshirts, dark jeans, plain t-shirts and a mid-weight jacket can be combined in many ways, which means you need fewer items overall. Check fabric weight and care labels too, since a thin, heavily patterned top may look worn after a few washes.
There are trade-offs to weigh. Lightweight pieces pack well and suit warm rooms, but they are less useful on wet, windy walks. A thick coat is warmer but takes up space and is often too much indoors. Shoes are a similar dilemma: smart leather looks good for presentations, but trainers or sturdy everyday shoes are usually more practical for daily walking. Decide which matters more for your course before spending.
Buy for the next three months, not the perfect night out. Versatile layers and comfortable shoes will do most of the work.
From the editors
Common mistakes are easy to avoid. Many students buy for an idealised social life and end up with clothes they never wear, or they buy far too many items before they know what their days look like. Another frequent error is forgetting sleepwear, warm socks and indoor footwear, which are needed every day. Wait until your timetable is confirmed and your accommodation has been checked, then fill the gaps. You can always add items once term has started.
What to buy first
For each item we name a store where you can start comparing.
Layering sweatshirts and hoodies
Choose two or three versatile sweatshirts or hoodies in neutral colours that work under a jacket or on their own. They do most of the work in a typical first term.
Search termshoodie · sweatshirt · layers · autumn clothes
Our recommendationcrosshatchclothing.comBest for everyday basicsEveryday jeans and chinos
Pick one pair of dark jeans and one pair of chinos or trousers that suit lectures and going out. Wash-resistant fabrics tend to hold up best to frequent use.
Search termsjeans · chinos · trousers · everyday wear
Our recommendationduckandcover.co.ukCore essentialsLightweight waterproof or wind-resistant jacket
A jacket that handles drizzle and wind is more useful than a bulky coat for crossing campus. Look for one that layers over a hoodie.
Search termsjacket · waterproof · wind-resistant · rain jacket
Our recommendationrepresentclo.comWarm layersComfortable everyday trainers
Trainers or everyday shoes for walking between buildings are a priority, as you will wear them most days. Break them in before term starts.
Search termstrainers · everyday shoes · comfortable footwear · walking shoes
Our recommendationgenuinestyle.comShoes and accessoriesLoungewear and socks
A few sets of loungewear and a good supply of socks cover evenings in and sleep without needing a full wardrobe. Thick socks help in cold halls.
Search termsloungewear · socks · sleepwear · pyjamas
Our recommendationsockshop.co.ukSleepwear and loungewearSlippers for shared flats
Indoor slippers keep your feet warm on hard floors and make shared kitchens and bathrooms more comfortable. Choose a closed back if you wear them outside to the bin.
Search termsslippers · indoor footwear · comfortable slippers · house shoes
Our recommendationmahabis.comEvenings in
Where to start shopping
Begin with the basics you will wear every day. Genuinestyle.com is a sensible first stop for shoes and everyday clothing in one place, so you can compare trainers and casual pieces together. For layers, crosshatchclothing.com offers hoodies, jeans and T-shirts that suit lectures and relaxed days, and it is worth picking two or three pieces that go with each other.
Next, sort out the things you need at home. Mahabis is useful for indoor slippers that keep your feet warm in a shared flat. Once you have a draft list, check it against your timetable and the weather forecast for your first week, then buy in stages. Keep the receipts and any returns information for each order so you can swap sizes if something does not fit.
Before you order
- Check your timetable and how far you will walk between buildings.
- Look up the average temperature for your city in September and October.
- Make a list of three to four outfits you can combine for different occasions.
- Confirm whether your halls or flat is heated and whether you need indoor slippers.
- Check your size guides and care labels before buying.
- Keep receipts and note returns information for each order.
- Leave some budget and space for items you will need after your first week.
The stores at a glance
crosshatchclothing.com
Best for everyday basicsCrosshatch covers jeans, hoodies, T-shirts and tracksuits, which suit lectures and relaxed days on campus.
Recommended for Layering sweatshirts and hoodies
duckandcover.co.uk
Core essentialsDuck and Cover offers plain jeans, T-shirts, polos and hoodies that layer easily for a changeable autumn.
Recommended for Everyday jeans and chinos
representclo.com
Warm layersRepresent sells sweatshirts, hoodies, trousers and jackets, useful for building a warm outer layer for cold mornings.
Recommended for Lightweight waterproof or wind-resistant jacket
genuinestyle.com
Shoes and accessoriesGenuine Style carries everyday shoes, clothing and accessories, so you can cover footwear and basics in one place.
Recommended for Comfortable everyday trainers
sockshop.co.uk
Sleepwear and loungewearSOCKSHOP sells socks, underwear and loungewear, which are easy first-term purchases for evenings in and warm nights in halls.
Recommended for Loungewear and socks
mahabis.com
Evenings inMahabis specialises in slippers and comfort footwear, handy for shared flats and cold floors.
Recommended for Slippers for shared flats
urbansurfer.co.uk
Casual streetwearUrban Surfer offers hoodies, footwear and lifestyle clothing that suit casual days and social plans without looking overdressed.
jessicarussellflint.co.uk
Relaxed sleepwearJessica Russell Flint makes UK-designed silk sleepwear and kaftans for those who want a single comfortable piece for nights in.
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Frequently asked questions
How many outfits do I really need for the first term?
Most students manage well with a rotation of around five or six tops, two bottoms, one warm outer layer and two pairs of shoes, plus sleepwear and underwear. Add more once you know your social calendar.
Should I buy a heavy winter coat before I arrive?
Not necessarily. A mid-weight, wind-resistant jacket that layers under or over a hoodie is often more useful for autumn. You can buy a warmer coat later if you find you need it.
What footwear is most important?
Comfortable shoes for walking between lectures are the priority. Trainers or sturdy everyday shoes that you have already worn in are usually better than new, stiff pairs on your first week.
Is it worth buying slippers for halls or a flat?
Yes, many students find indoor slippers useful, especially in shared flats with hard floors. Choose a pair that is easy to slip on and comfortable enough to wear for a while.
TransparencySome links to stores may be partner links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you. We choose the stores independently. How we make money
