Packing up your life to move to University can be stressful; and we’re just concerned about the clothes! You may find yourself in all sorts of situations at University which require any given outfit, from gym kit to black-tie balls. However, there are certainly some essentials which no student could do without, so make sure you pack these key items, and leave the clothes that will cause clutter.
Can’t Live Without…
. The Cosy Knit (Topshop, £48)
A versatile cardigan is one of the most essential items in any wardrobe. Keep cosy on campus with an argyle cardigan, slouchy enough to fit over any outfit!
· The Skinny Jean (Topshop, £48)
We can already guess – they are the most worn item in your wardrobe, right?! A perfect pair of skinnies will be enough to pull your outfit together without losing any comfort or style. We love Topshop’s Leigh jeans which feel like a second skin.
· Shoes! (Nike £64; Office £20; Office £60; Office £80)
Every student will need some variation of these gorgeous pairs! If you’re thinking of joining a sports society this year, a pair of trainers is essential (we’re loving Nikes in the brightest shades to stand out at the gym). A pair of ballet flats will always be total lifesavers when it comes to going out, as heels can be treacherous! However, if you’re attending the Fresher’s Ball, or any other formal event this year, a pair of statement heels can really lift your outfit. We love these platform Mary Janes from Office, a new twist on the classic. Finally, for everyday chic, HCX loves a good pair of ankle boots. The low and chunky heel on this Office pair will keep you on your feet.
· The Going Out Dress (Topshop, £26)
Just like the LBD, the brightly coloured body-con dress is a going out staple. Team it with ballet flats for an easy night out look which can be worn again and again (and probably again when options run low at the end of term!) Complement eye-catching brights with understated make-up, such as a nude lip and flick of mascara.
· The Hold-Everything Bag (Zara, £100)
A roomy tote will prove to be invaluable in campus life. This bottomless Zara bag can store everything, from your laptop to a spare pair of those ballet flats. Good luck finding it all…
· The Classic Jacket (Topshop, £60)
Nothing says ‘Exeter University student!’ more than a waxed jacket. This updated take on the classic from Topshop even features quirky leather elbow patches. See how you can style this piece for lectures in our feature ‘The Student Uniform: Lecture Looks and Accessories’, coming on Thursday!
· The Little Black Skirt (River Island, £15)
A going-out staple! For those nights when a body-con dress may feel too much, a little black skirt is ideal. Pair it with a simple cami and statement jewellery, or even a crop top for those brave enough.
· The Crop Top (Topshop, £28)
The perfect counterpart to a little black skirt or high waisted jeans, the crop top qualifies as another essential going-out piece. HCX loves the horizontal stripes of this version from Topshop; be daring and clash the pattern with a brightly coloured skirt, or printed jeans.
· The Diary (Paperchase, £14)
Planning your days at University is absolutely essential! Keep on top of work and play with this stylish diary from Paperchase; it may be your most useful accessory, but it does not have to compromise on style.
· The Leather Jacket (Topshop, £52)
The versatility of the leather jacket is well-known; go from campus to Timepiece without missing a beat! As well as adding an edge to even the girliest of outfits, a leather jacket is perfect for Exeter’s mild weather.
· The Simple Cami (Topshop, £6)
From pairing with the little black skirt on a night out to complementing your jeans during the day, the simple white camisole is a University wardrobe essential. The cami’s ability to go with everything will prove to be a lifesaver on those days where you just need to throw on an outfit and go!
· The Snood (Fat Face, £20)
Keep cosy from that sea breeze in a snood, the perfect piece for winter. Layer it over your leather jacket and cami for a casual look which won’t compromise on comfort! We are loving the berry shade of this one from Fat Face.
· The Most Worn… Leggings! (Forever 21, £14)
Possibly the most versatile item in any student’s wardrobe has to be the humble pair of leggings. The easiest item of clothing to wear when simply hanging out in your flat/house with friends, or even when layered up with knits if venturing on to campus, leggings are oh so important to pack! Avoid the inevitable pitfalls of rips and see through fabric with a thicker pair, such as these from Forever 21.
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Leave at Home…
Now we’ve talked you through the essentials, let’s get onto the painful business of what you should leave at home. The last thing you want is clutter in your new room, so whilst you may not want to part with it, we can guarantee you won’t need…
· Too many heels. More often than not you’ll wear flats on a night out in Exeter, so you’ll only need heels for big events such as the Fresher’s Ball. Too many will only take up space in your room, so sadly you’ll have to wait until Christmas before you are reunited. But trust us, it’s for the best.
· Hand wash items. Delicate silk tops will end up stained after a night out, and subsequently destroyed in the washing machine, or left to fester because you don’t want to hand wash. A definite stayer.
· Bikinis. We may still be in summer, but as winter sets in, bikinis will be the last thing you’ll want to wear. Leave them at home until Spring.
· The entire contents of your make-up bag. Take some time to sort through what is empty, dried up or rarely used so you only take your essentials. The same for your toiletries. Are you really going to need that ancient face mask?
· Both pairs of blue jeans. Whilst we all have favourite items, whether it’s jeans or jumpers, you won’t need two of the same thing. Leave a spare pair at home for when you visit on weekends, and just take the one pair.
· All the underwear you own. Underwear is something that accumulates rapidly over the years but never really gets thrown away. 10-12 pairs of pants will mean you always have them in good supply, and for your bras, white and black are essential, so then take one or two more of your choice. You’ll probably find that some are past their best and need to be binned. Don’t you just love a good sort-out?
· Fancy dress costumes. By all means take one costume, but if your wardrobe starts to resemble the rails of a fancy dress shop, you know it’s time to cut down. Wouldn’t you rather have an LBD instead of that old Tinkerbell costume?
So there you have your definitive packing guide. Take our advice and your wardrobe will be the envy of other flatmates, unpacking will be a dream (yay!), and most importantly, there will be more room for new things. We always have an ulterior motive.
Photo Credits: www.topshop.com, www.office.co.uk, www.zara.co.uk, www.fatface.com, http://www.forever21.com/UK/, www.riverisland.co.uk