Academic dress for starting Oxford?

8

i’m starting at oxford as a first year on the fifth of october and don’t know if i have to buy a gown or something in advance (i haven’t bought one) and im scared!!! the academic dress page doesn’t say anything about when to buy a gown and i don’t even know when i would!!

i am basically really worried and don’t know what to expect and would really appreciate some help on what i am meant to do because im freaked out 💔💔 sorry if this sounds silly

Reply 1

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

There are shops in Oxford that sell sub fusc (gown/mortar board/ribbon tie for women). So you don't need to buy the Oxford-specific bits before you get there! Do you have the other bits (suit or white shirt and skirt/trouser combo, depending on your gender?)? :h:

Reply 2

BetaVersion2.9

9

Also worth checking charity shops when you get to Oxford. They often sell second hand gowns etc. Your College JCR should be able to help. The first time you really need sub fusc is at Matriculation which occurs about week 2 or 3 of term.

Reply 3

petefrommadmen

OP

8

Original post

by The_Lonely_Goatherd

There are shops in Oxford that sell sub fusc (gown/mortar board/ribbon tie for women). So you don't need to buy the Oxford-specific bits before you get there! Do you have the other bits (suit or white shirt and skirt/trouser combo, depending on your gender?)? :h:

thank you so much for letting me know and yes i do have the other bits! i have a skirt a shirt tights and the right shoes (and a random black velvet ribbon im going to use as a makeshift tie haha)

Reply 4

petefrommadmen

OP

8

Original post

by BetaVersion2.9

Also worth checking charity shops when you get to Oxford. They often sell second hand gowns etc. Your College JCR should be able to help. The first time you really need sub fusc is at Matriculation which occurs about week 2 or 3 of term.

this is so helpful thank you!

Reply 5

The_Lonely_Goatherd

20

Original post

by petefrommadmen

thank you so much for letting me know and yes i do have the other bits! i have a skirt a shirt tights and the right shoes (and a random black velvet ribbon im going to use as a makeshift tie haha)

Perfect! Make sure you keep the ribbon tie somewhere safe so that you know where it is during term-time and don't lose it, is my top tip! I had to re-buy my ribbon tie at least once if not more coz I'd either leave it behind in London when I came back for term, or via losing it in the mess that was my college room :colondollar:

Also remember that if you prefer, you can buy the soft cap that ladies are eligible to wear, instead of a mortar board! I think most women buy the mortar board but it's worth remembering there's two options for women, in case the soft cap looks good on you :h:

Final top tip: on matriculation day, don't swing your mortar board (if you choose than option) round and round by its tassle while you're waiting in queues. You'll be left with the tassle in your hand and the mortar board flying away from you.

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Reply 6

pakearth

6

Original post

by petefrommadmen

i’m starting at oxford as a first year on the fifth of october and don’t know if i have to buy a gown or something in advance (i haven’t bought one) and im scared!!! the academic dress page doesn’t say anything about when to buy a gown and i don’t even know when i would!!
i am basically really worried and don’t know what to expect and would really appreciate some help on what i am meant to do because im freaked out 💔💔 sorry if this sounds silly

That was amazing thanks for sharing this

Academic dress for starting Oxford?

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