What to wear and how to survive British weather

It's a fun adventure starting a new path as an international student in the UK, and packing the right clothing is essential, given the UK's weather.

Here are a few things you should bring to cope with the British weather:

Layers!

It's crucial to have clothing that can be layered when living in the UK, as the weather is known to be so unpredictable. The good thing about layers is that if the temperatures change, you can add or remove them to adapt to the weather. 

It's best to bring a couple of lightweight t-shirts for warmer days and base layers in the winter. Bring a few different hoodies or cardigans to wear alone or layered over a t-shirt when it turns colder outside. Your outer layer of clothing is the most important part when it comes to British weather, especially in Autumn and winter. A wind and water-proof jacket/coat is a must, so think about a multipurpose coat that can withstand rain and keep you warm.

The UK is notorious for its wet weather, so packing a portable umbrella is handy. It's great for keeping at the bottom of your bag so you don't have any moments when you're stuck in the rain. Make sure it's a good one too, one that can endure strong winds, so don't feel guilty for spending a little extra, think of it as an investment into keeping you from catching a cold!

UK seasons

Winter - The UK's winter can get very chilly and wet. Bring your layers of warm clothing, sweaters, scarves, beanies, gloves and a thick coat. Don't forget to bring some warm socks and boots to keep your feet warm and cosy.

Spring/Autumn – Pack breathable, light clothing for spring and autumn such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers and lightweight jackets. It's important to keep in mind that it's still going to be cold temperatures this time of year, and temperatures can range a lot, but you won't need a lot of your thick winter wardrobe. 

Summer - The UK's summer can be very unpredictable, from feeling mild winds to a week-long heatwave, so it's vital to be prepared with shorts, t-shirts, light dresses and breathable materials (but still hold on to a few hoodies and long sleeve tops).

Due to the UK's unpredictable weather, your wardrobe should include items for all seasons. Honestly, there's nothing worse than being sat in the library feeling cold and all you want to do is climb back into bed, so it's important to make sure you wrap up for the cold temperatures and have suitable light layers for when summer rolls around.