What to wear on your first day at university
This is for students: wear what you feel like yourself in, comfortable layers and shoes you can walk in all day. Nobody dresses up for lectures, so skip anything you will need to adjust.
Two outfits that work
Dark jeans, cream knit, white trainers
- dark straight jeans
- cream knit
- white trainers
- brown canvas backpack
A knit over a tee is easy to take off in a warm room, and the jeans and trainers cope with long walks between buildings.
Indigo jeans, tee, overshirt
- indigo jeans
- white tee
- olive overshirt
- grey trainers
- black laptop backpack
An overshirt works as a jacket on the way and a layer in a cold lecture hall, and the backpack carries a laptop and lunch.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A light tee or shirt, shorts or light trousers, sun protection and a refillable bottle. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Jeans, a tee and an overshirt or light knit that you can take off. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat, a scarf and shoes with grip for wet paths. |
Do and don’t
- Wear shoes you can walk in for hours
- Bring a layer for cold lecture halls
- Choose a bag that fits a laptop and a water bottle
- Wear something that feels like you
- Wear brand-new shoes on a day with lots of walking
- Dress up as for an interview; nobody does
- Carry a heavy bag on one shoulder all day
- Rely on a thin jacket if the day starts early and cold
Check the night before
- Check where your first lecture or orientation is and how long the walk is
- Pack ID, student card, charger and a pen
- Look at the forecast and add a layer or umbrella
- Wear shoes you have already walked in
- Lay out the outfit so the morning is calm
Questions people ask
What do students wear on the first day?
Most wear casual clothes: jeans or trousers, a tee or knit, trainers. There is no dress code for lectures.
Do I need to dress up for orientation week?
No. Orientation is casual, and comfortable shoes matter more than smart clothes.
What bag should I take?
A backpack or a sturdy bag that fits a laptop, notebook, water and lunch. Choose one that is comfortable on both shoulders.
What if I have a meeting with a professor?
Wear the same clothes, clean and neat. If it is a formal welcome, add a blazer or smarter top.
Pick First day at university in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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