Most UK towns and cities have a large range of shops selling clothes to suit all styles and budgets. As well as high-end luxury boutiques and high-street shops, there are plenty of second-hand and vintage shops. These are perfect for bargain-hunting and are often found in student areas. Many clothes shops offer student discounts with a valid National Union of Students (NUS) discount card or university ID card.
You will see all kinds of fashion at UK schools, colleges and universities, and almost anything goes. Students usually dress casually during the day – jeans and t-shirts are fine – and more smartly to go out in the evening. Very few student bars and pubs have a dress code.
Some courses require you to wear specialist clothing for health and safety reasons. For example, if you are in a science laboratory, you are likely to need to wear protective glasses and a white lab coat.
For parties and nights out, people dress in many different styles, from casual jeans to glamorous outfits. If it's a more formal evening event, such as a university ball, this might mean wearing a dress or suit and tie. You can avoid the expense of buying formal wear by hiring it from a local shop or outfitters.
The weather in the UK is rarely extreme, but it can change quickly. In just one day, you might experience warm sunshine, rain, cold wind and maybe even snow. Wear several layers so you can put them on or take them off as the weather changes, and always carry an umbrella.
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, sari or long skirt. In major towns and cities you will find specialist shops selling clothing from around the world, particularly from Asia and the Middle East.
