Right, which Russell Group uni students are the best dressed? Have your say and vote now

My bet’s on Bristol


When it comes to university life, we often focus on rankings, research output, or who got what on the NSS. But let’s be honest: Half the real drama is played out on the campus catwalks.

From oversized trench coats to absurdly curated Depop finds, students across the Russell Group aren’t just hitting deadlines – they’re hitting lewks. And while academic prestige might get your uni on the map, what about style prestige? That’s where things get interesting.

The Russell Group has long been home to fashion-forward students. Now, they’re going head-to-head for a new kind of accolade: Sartorial supremacy. But which are the best dressed Russell Group unis?

Edinburgh students have long mastered the art of melancholic glamour. Think sweeping wool coats, skinny scarves blowing dramatically in the wind, and trousers so wide they could pass for tents in the Highlands. Every coffee-sipping philosophy student here looks like they’re moments away from publishing a poetry chapbook or starring in a moody indie film.

Bonus points if they’re wearing weathered leather boots and carrying a canvas tote bag with a quote by Virginia Woolf.

By contrast, just a train ride away, students at the University of Manchester approach fashion with chaos and confidence. Manchester’s style scene is a patchwork of vintage ravewear, Y2K influences, and genderless maximalism. No two outfits are alike — that’s the point. Mesh tops, low-rise trousers, heavy boots, and an abundance of jewellery create an aesthetic that is less “put together” and more “collaged into brilliance”. It’s unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply embedded in the city’s musical and cultural legacy.

Further south in Bristol, fashion becomes both functional and fashionable. Here, gorp-core (that blend of outdoorsy practicality and urban edge) thrives. Students regularly wear Arc’teryx jackets not just as a status symbol, but to survive the rain while looking like they might scale a hill between seminars. Paired with wide-leg cargos, statement beanies, and technical trainers, the look is rugged, ironic, and strangely cohesive.

Meanwhile, in Oxford and Cambridge — the traditional giants of British academia – fashion reflects the institutions’ age-old reputations. In Oxford, quiet luxury dominates: Immaculate tailoring, neutral tones, and an apparent allergy to logos or loud branding. It’s refined and subtle, like a well-written essay. Cambridge, while similarly traditional, offers more playful academic flair. Layered knitwear, patterned socks, and charity shop blazers give off a sense of earnest eccentricity. It’s the kind of style that doesn’t try too hard, but still somehow works.

Over at Leeds the student doesn’t follow trends — it makes them. Expect maximalist patterns, genderless fits, faux-fur coats in spring, and enough funky shirts to outfit an entire disco revival. A Leeds student outfit says: “Yes, I thrifted this on a trip to Berlin,” even if they actually got it from Cow Vintage last week.

And UCL students could be mistaken for creative directors on lunch break. Think: Sleek black jeans, structured coats, excellent knitwear, and wire-frame glasses. Everything looks simple — until you realise every detail is intentional. Their version of rebellion? Refusing to wear logos. They dress like they’re in a long-term relationship with brutalist architecture and it works. The fashion vibe at their rival, the London School of Economics? Future CEO. Students here dress like they have a LinkedIn headshot scheduled after lectures. Think blazers, wide-leg trousers, statement bags, and an alarming number of loafers.

While the spotlight often falls on the fashion frontrunners, several other Russell Group universities boast distinctive and vibrant student style scenes worth celebrating. Glasgow offers a signature look of layered streetwear perfectly suited to its famously rainy climate. Students here favour oversized trench coats, chunky boots, and effortlessly cool ensembles that capture the city’s indie spirit and artistic energy. Unlike Sheffield, where the grunge revival is alive and well. Students combine vintage band t-shirts with worn denim, oversized knitwear, and intentionally messy hairstyles, embodying a rebellious yet approachable aesthetic that’s as comfortable in lecture theatres as at local gigs.

Nottingham strikes a balance between polished casual and activewear influences. The campus style leans towards clean-cut basics, smart trainers, and versatile outerwear — ideal for students on the move who value both comfort and presentation. In Warwick, a love of cozy knitwear and neutral tones prevails. Oversized jumpers, timeless puffers, and soft scarves not only provide warmth during chilly Midlands winters but also reflect the university’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.

In the picturesque South West, Exeter’s coastal location and proximity to Dartmoor National Park greatly influence its student fashion. Outdoor-inspired gear like quilted gilets, wellies, and performance wear blend effortlessly with casual denim and cosy knitwear. This look is practical for coastal walks along Exmouth Beach or countryside hikes, while remaining sharp enough for lectures in the historic city centre. Meanwhile, Newcastle is known for its bold, glamorous approach to student fashion. From flawless makeup to statement heels, students here bring a confident, high-energy style that stands out — even in early morning lectures.

Last but not least, Birmingham’s buzzing city streets and melting-pot culture make the students style icons in the making. Right in the West Midlands hotspot, this city’s mix of gritty industrial roots and flashy new developments means campus fashion here is all about mixing it up. Think fresh streetwear colliding with smart casual — tracksuits layered under sharp blazers, vintage gems from Bullring Market teamed with bold, colourful statement pieces ripped straight from Digbeth’s artsy scene. With its multicultural vibes, Birmingham’s students bring every look to the table.

And while no one enrolls in a Russell Group university because of the fashion scene, many find that what they wear becomes just as formative as what they study. Don’t let your uni flop. Cast your vote, rep your campus, and remember — in the Russell Group, it’s not just about what you learn. It’s about what you wear while learning it.

So – which Russell Group uni has the best campus fashion of all? Cast your vote for the best dressed Russell Group unis below.

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