Clothes shopping for international students

An essential clothing guide for those new in Bath

Moving to a new city and venturing out to find new clothes can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money. 

We've put together a clothing guide with everything from seasonal changes to student discounts for international students living in Bath.

Unpredictable weather

The UK is known for its unpredictable weather. One minute the sun is shining, and the next, the clouds fill the sky, and it starts raining. To help prepare you for this, it's always important to layer. Clothing can be added or removed when you layer, so it's quick for unanticipated weather changes. Here are some essential layers to put on your shopping list:

• Waterproof jacket
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweaters/hoodies
• Thermal layers for winter
• Scarves
• Hats/beanies
• Gloves

Don't forget to pack suitable, waterproof footwear as rain is very common and you don't want to ruin your Nikes! 

On the bright side, it can get quite warm in the UK too! Typically from March, the weather can improve massively, and we've been known to have a few week-long heatwaves, so it's important to also be prepared for hot weather. Breathable fabrics and lightweight clothes are the go-to in summer. They allow air circulation and keep you cool whilst you're having fun in the sun. 

Tips for shopping on a budget

Shopping on a budget can actually be very easy, you just need to look around before you buy!

• Always check the sales and clearance sections in shops and online. You can actually find some very good deals.
• Download apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to gain access to in-store and online student discounts.
• Plan your shopping around seasonal sales to save yourself money. For example, do your summer shopping in winter. Desk fans can be very cheap as no one will want to buy one when it's snowing outside!
• Explore charity shops for unique finds at a good price. There are plenty of charity shops to explore in and around Bath.

Online shopping

Sometimes you might not have the time or energy to shop in person, so you might want to look online. Just make sure you check the sizing, as different shops can vary in the way they fit.

• Popular shops: ASOS, Amazon Fashion, Marks & Spencer, H&M.
• If you're looking for a going-out outfit, we'd suggest browsing: Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo, Shein, Cider, Nobody's Child, Bershka.
• Winter essentials: Marks & Spencer, New Look, Next, GO Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse, TK Maxx.

High-End Shopping

If you like to be a bit boujee now and again, or you're just looking for something a bit more high-end, there is a range of places you can go.

SouthGate Bath shopping centre

SouthGate is the upscale fashion hub, known for its high-end shops, such as Lululemon, Levi's, Fat Face, Oliver Bonas, Tommy Hilfiger and more, located a 35-minute walk from campus.

Milsom Place

A stylish open-air courtyard, around a 40-minute walk from campus, known for its fashion boutiques, lifestyle shops and cafés.

There's a variety of clothing shops to explore in Bath as well as online, so you'll definitely be prepared for all seasons! Now you've got your clothes, what about your food shopping? Check out our 'Battle of the Supermarkets' to see which shop is right for you.

Happy shopping!