Get the Leazes Look: How to dress like a student

First thing’s first, bin the skinny jeans. No questions asked. It’s basically social suicide in Leazes, and let’s be honest, they are the least comfortable thing you could wear to a lecture. Instead, think low waisted: cargo or parachute pants, or the Jesmond uniform, a white linen trouser. You can’t take three steps around campus without seeing a pair of these - I would know, my own beloved pair were only £7 from a charity shop! Charity shops are the key to dressing as a student, especially at affordable prices. My personal favourite is the British Red Cross on Nun Street by Grainger Market; they occasionally get brand new Zara products donated there, so its definitely worth a trip. 

Now let’s talk specifically Newcastle student fashion. Look like you’ve raided your Mum’s wardrobe? Great. Look like you’ve cut up your Nan’s curtains and made a blouse? Even better! A Leazes student loves an outdated-turned-chic outfit. My favourites on campus are always the oversized shirt or Dad’s old rugby top (bonus points for any holes). Reusing instead of buying new is a key part of student living, so embrace it and go on a shopping spree next time you’re home. Moving on to bags … well actually, don’t bother. The poshest students on campus seem to throw practicality to the wind and simply carry their MacBook in their hand. If you need anything else, you’re obviously so embarrassing … but if you really must have an actual bag, let me recommend a puffer/pillow bag. They’re waterproof, which is ideal for the Toon’s climate, and there’s some great cheap ones on ASOS which are big enough to put that laptop into. 

Seeing that we’ve established that a Leazes student hates practicality, it’s time to talk about shoes. I myself am a sucker for a Birkenstock sandal in the summer, but around Jesmond I’ve seen this being taken to new heights: socks and ‘stocks. Love the comfort of your Birks, but the Newcastle cold is getting to your feet? Easy fix! Whilst I am yet to try this out myself for fear of looking like a confused old man, inevitably I’m sure I’ll be swayed by that irresistible Jesmond tattered chic. Another up and coming shoe trend on campus is the return of the Ugg, which are so comfortable for lectures. Or there’s my particular favourites; Nike Air More Uptempo trainers, which is a statement trainer that frequents Leazes daily. 

I want to end with some personal recommendations which I think are a necessity for Newcastle uni life. The first would be a thin scarf, the smaller the better. It’s perfect for those autumn days with a slight chill. Everyone in the Robbo has one, so you must have one too, or you may as well go to the Marj. Secondly, I love a gilet, an absolute essential for the Newcastle student wardrobe. Mine’s a puffer Napapijri one, but my housemates have fluffy ones which are also so cute. When I purchased my gilet, I knew that I had been truly ‘Leaze-ified’. Lastly, I would recommend some chunky knitwear - perfect for the super cold of Newcastle and often seen strutting the streets of Jesmond. As much as we can be easy to mock, us Newcastle students do have our own cool & unique sense of style!