To pack or not to pack: Your ultimate fashion checklist for Edinburgh Uni

Arguably the worst part about packing for university is deciding what to take from your wardrobe and what to drop. Is it socially acceptable to bring fluffy pyjamas? Are we still wearing denim jackets in 2024? Edinburgh is a fast-paced, high-trend city and its students are some of the most fashionable. Unsure of what to take with you? Here is my practical yet stylish guide on what clothes and accessories to bring to Edinburgh (brought to you by a girl who openly wears her PJs to lectures).

Here are all the essential things you MUST pack.

1. Scarves

Chunky, skinny, long, short, woolen, silk – we at Edinburgh don’t discriminate but we will be offended if you don’t bring scarves with you. Wear them as a bandana, wear them as a belt, wear them as usual but just. wear. them.

2. Sweaters

The obvious reason for this being on the list is warmth. The real reason for this being on the list is that they’re a great layering piece. Baggy sweaters, woolly sweaters, even ripped sweaters – all will earn you an Edinburgh seal of respect.

3. Hiking boots

Even if you’re an indoorsy person, chances are, you’ll end up doing a hill walk up Arthurs Seat or a trip up to the Highlands at least once during your time in Edinburgh. Trust me, without hiking boots, the hills will be your enemy.

4. Formal attire

Ball season is arguably the best time to be in Edinburgh- free booze, ceilidh’s and a lot of hot people in hot outfits. Whilst not all balls will require formal wear, most do, so be sustainable and reuse that prom dress.

5. Fluffy PJs

Upon a lot of reflection, I have decided that it is socially acceptable to bring fluffy PJs to uni. There will be days when you want nothing more than to rot in bed (only getting up to collect that Uber Eats order) and that calls for cosy fluffy PJs.

6. Sliders

Not the most pretty shoe choice, but certainly one of the most efficient. If you need to nip to the laundry rooms and especially if your halls have communal bathrooms, sliders will be your best friends (bonus points if they’re Crocs).

7. Basics

Don’t make the mistake of only packing fashion statement items, you’ll never know when a basic coloured t-shirt or tank top will come in handy. From Halloween outfits to themed parties, you’ll never know when that random yellow shirt will save you an emergency trip to Primark.

8. Sunglasses

No outfit on a night out is complete without sunglasses. The uglier the better. Chances are you’ll end up stealing ones off the top of someone’s head in Subway but in case karma comes back around, it’s better if you pack a few.

Now for the unnecessary items you definitely DO NOT need to pack:

1. School leavers hoodies

They’re comfortable I get it. But this is the real world now and how is anyone meant to take a lad in a leavers jumper seriously? Do yourself a favour and allow it to gather dust at the back of your wardrobe at home.

2. Anything with a tartan print

I know it’s not exactly cultural appropriation but it certainly feels like it…

3. Uggs

If I’m being honest I’m not sure if anyone still owns a pair of Uggs in 2024 but in case you thought they match the cozy academia vibe of Edinburgh, I’m telling you politely, they do not.

4. Tom’s Trunk linen trousers

This one has no justification except I am a hater. If you want to look like you’ve just spent your summer perusing the Amalfi Coast on daddy’s tax-evaded yacht by all means bring them.

5. Harry Potter merchandise

I don’t think I need to elaborate but in case anyone was thinking about it, please don’t.

6. Longchamp bag

They might be practical but gosh they are annoying. There is nothing more irritating than having 10 Longchamp bags flung into your side as you’re rushing to your tutorials. For the sake of my sanity, please leave them at home.

7. Gilets

Nothing screams wanker more than a man in a gilet. It’s giving golfer dad, it’s giving finance bro, it’s not giving approachable lad that wants to make friends during Freshers’ Week.

Related articles recommended by this author:

• Six things I wish I knew before starting University in Edinburgh
• To club or not to club in Edinburgh: Maybe its time for us to put those days behind us
• Seven Guinness down: We found Edinburgh’s best pint so you don’t have to