Cambridge University international US incoming undergrad what to bring?

Basically title, I’m a male coming from CA and not sure what to bring clothing wise. Sneakers and hoodie ok for every day? What do you wear for the rain/snow. Boots? What about a warmer jacket, is rain coat better or a puffer or like a ski type jacket. Is it that cold?

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Anonymous

Basically title, I’m a male coming from CA and not sure what to bring clothing wise. Sneakers and hoodie ok for every day? What do you wear for the rain/snow. Boots? What about a warmer jacket, is rain coat better or a puffer or like a ski type jacket. Is it that cold?

Probably cold rather than wet for coats. Cambridge is on the drier side of the country, which doesn't mean it can't rain for 40 days and 40 nights, but the biting winds are what people notice more.

It depends a little how you live your life. If you take up rambling and walk everywhere, then you need a traditional rain coat, because you'll generate your own warmth. If you just trudge between lectures with your head down, go for warmth.

Also, unless you've got something already, don't travel with it, there are lots of cheap through to expensive places you can buy coats in Cam.

For lectures - people are mostly just appreciative if you aren't in your pj's - uni clothing is 'you do you' but trainers (sneakers) jeans and a hoodie is the default.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Thank you! What kind of shoes do students wear in the rain? Their trainers?
What about for formal events what type of shoes?
Also in the US clean white trainers are acceptable with khakis and collared shirt, how about at Cambridge?

Reply 3

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Anonymous

Thank you! What kind of shoes do students wear in the rain? Their trainers?
What about for formal events what type of shoes?
Also in the US clean white trainers are acceptable with khakis and collared shirt, how about at Cambridge?

Yes, trainers, maybe walking boots or leather boots, but mostly the same shoes regardless of weather.

For formal events, probably many dig out a pair of leather lace-ups. Clean white trainers - not the standard or regular 'go-to' for formal events, but Cambridge is a very international community, where everyone knows everyone comes from very different cultures of formal dress, and also all students have pretty similar budgets in terms of buying formal clothing - ie not much. So it's a little more about how you would feel. If you wear white trainers to something formal, it's very unlikely anyone will say anything at all. The question is are you the type of student that will confidently wear a hand-knitted, llama wool jumpsuit because that's you, or are you going to worry all night that you will be outcast because you tied a half Windsor knot or instead of a full Windsor?

There are lots of Americans in Cam, and the Boston/preppie look of khakis and collared shirt is a common sight. You can wear it to formals if you are comfortable with that, but a navy blazer/jacket and leather shoes would be more the norm, or a suit (jacket and trousers that look the same colour is fine). I think you don't have to worry too much immediately, try a few events first, and get a feel for your comfort and conformity. There are plenty of reasonably priced shops in Cam where you can buy something if you want to dress up or down.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

Haha thank you!

Reply 5

McGinger

20

And - remember that you can buy stuff here once you realise what you actually need, you don't have to bring it all with you.

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

OP

Would you advise a black suit or a dark navy?

Reply 7

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Anonymous

Basically title, I’m a male coming from CA and not sure what to bring clothing wise. Sneakers and hoodie ok for every day? What do you wear for the rain/snow. Boots? What about a warmer jacket, is rain coat better or a puffer or like a ski type jacket. Is it that cold?

It’s bloody freezing in winter here, bring warm clothing mate. Probably not a ski jacket though.

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post

by Anonymous

It’s bloody freezing in winter here, bring warm clothing mate. Probably not a ski jacket though.

Like a down filled puffer or those long wool coats what do students wear

Cambridge University international US incoming undergrad what to bring?

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