Essential wardrobe pieces every first-year student needs

The first days at uni are chaotic enough – new people, new rules, and that feeling that now you’re a fresher, your wardrobe needs an upgrade. That’s why it’s worth approaching the whole project with a bit of strategy. You don’t need to drag half your wardrobe from home into your student room – just a few key pieces that will work equally well for lectures and for nights out.

Freshers often think their only options are living in trackies seven days a week or dressing as if it’s Friday night every day. The truth lies somewhere in between. A few plain T-shirts, a smart shirt or two, a good pair of jeans and some trousers that look polished enough when needed are more than enough. As for footwear, one pair of everyday trainers and a slightly smarter pair of shoes will do the trick. Everything else comes down to how you mix and match.

And don’t forget – September can be deceiving. It’ll still be warm when you’re moving in, but in a few months you’ll be reaching for layers: hoodies, a blazer, a jacket, even a coat. If you prepare those few essentials in time, you won’t find yourself sitting in a December lecture in a short-sleeved T-shirt wondering where you went wrong.