The clichéd fashion of LDC students

DISCLAIMER: The below views are those of writer Art Allen, and do not reflect the views of The Tab. The Tab loves LDC students – in fact, we ARE LDC students. Thanks Art …

Some people believe that a very particular set of skills is needed to be part of the prestigious school of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA, as well as a ferocious aptitude for culture. In reality though, all you need is a very particular set of clothes.

There are few more distinctive undergraduates than pupils of the LDC school. I know there are genuinely unique individuals, but it seems the majority are simply trying too hard. The most tragic cases are the ones where, void of all other common interests, people endeavour to fit into social groups through their sense of fashion. There are particular cliques and groups that are highly identifiable – such stereotypes you will have noticed around campus without a doubt.

Drama is possibly the most clichéd stereotype. Couple loudness and natural egotism with a constant need for attention (giving standing ovations by themselves to their pretentious peers in order to gather a little more spot light) and you’ll be there. They all want to be individual, just like everyone else.

The main staples of a drama outfit are: a denim jacket (allegedly charity shop bought but almost certainly TK Maxx), quirky accessories (they say Camden Market, they mean Primark) and garish trousers named after certain food substances such as ‘butterscotch’ or ‘mustard’. Where would a drama student be without their beloved trilby hat – naturally tilted to one side – and the chunky cable knit, claimed to be found in the neighbour’s skip.

Literature students branch out into varying degrees of pretentiousness. Such students are usually defined by an excess of facial hair (girls included), Dr Martens and an affinity for brash paisley – an attempt to prove they’re opinionated and intellectual.

Creative Writing students share similar traits but are generally even more assured of their intellectual prowess and superiority. This breed is entitled to the velvet jacket but equally the we-holiday-in-India mao collar under an Abercrombie cardigan; indulging in incense and dream catchers. More disparity exists here between the girls in knee length skirts who love Anne Fine like their mums and the brooding Bukowski-ites. You can always find a style to copy.