London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities—you’re never bored here. Historical landmarks, stunning views, and delicious cuisine all await those who arrive. The metropolis has so much to offer, not just to residents but also to visitors, especially students who choose London as their place of study.
It’s fascinating to look back at how student life was transformed. Throughout the 20th century, the way students lived reflected social changes, economic pressures, and evolving fashion trends. Changes in clothing, daily life, and education mirrored the massive shifts of the era. Read more at londonka.
The Early 20th Century
At the start of the 20th century, London students, particularly those enrolled in prestigious institutions like King’s College or University College London (UCL), wore very formal attire. Men were required to wear a tie, often paired with a tweed coat in the colder months. More women enrolled each year, and they dressed in knee-length skirts, high-collared blouses, and hats.
Students lived modestly; most stayed in halls of residence or had to rent rooms in private houses. They often shared accommodation, scrimping on food and heating. In their spare time, they frequented libraries, debate clubs, and cheap pubs. Women’s behaviour was strictly governed by moral codes, meaning girls were constantly chaperoned. It was widely expected that university-educated women would remain unmarried and pursue careers as teachers.
During World War I, some university buildings were requisitioned for military purposes or turned into hospitals. In certain institutions, so many young men left for the front that student numbers dropped dramatically. After the war, student fashion became less formal. Men began wearing pullovers and lighter suits, while women adopted shorter skirts and straight-cut dresses. University badges and scarves, signalling affiliation with a particular institution, became popular. London students socialised in cafés, went to the cinema, and attended dance halls in Soho. The economic crisis of the 1930s forced many to take on extra part-time work, making survival difficult.
Students After World War II
Many London universities and colleges closed during World War II. Those who continued their studies wore looser-fitting clothes, as materials were strictly rationed. Skirts and sleeves became shorter. Rigid standards for clothing remained in place until 1949. Despite the harsh austerity, there was a noticeable rise in leisure-oriented consumerism among students. Those with any disposable income spent heavily on clothes, concerts, and cosmetics. They drew inspiration from American fashion, buying full skirts, sweaters, and ballet flats. Traditional university uniforms all but disappeared.
The 1960s brought a genuine fashion revolution. London became a fashion epicentre, with areas like Carnaby Street and King’s Road setting global trends. Students, particularly those from the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Slade School of Art, wore miniskirts and brightly coloured tops. Long hair gained popularity, symbolising a protest against conservatism. The 1970s and 80s saw the emergence of new subcultures. The Punk movement, which originated in London, heavily influenced students’ lives and fashion. The influence of the East also brought the Hippie enthusiasm to young people, which lasted into the 1970s.
Later came the elegant Jackie Kennedy style, where plain skirts and pillbox hats were all the rage. The following decade brought popular broad-shouldered blazers, leggings, and neon colours. This period was tough for students due to the economic reforms introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government. Cuts to grants forced most students to find part-time work in shops or cafés. Rock music soared in popularity, and young people flocked to concerts by famous bands, visiting venues like the Royal Court Theatre and the Camden Roundhouse. They also actively participated in political rallies and meetings, championing social change.
Students in the 1990s
The 1990s brought a sense of relaxed freedom. London opened up world-class library access to students at places like the Senate House Library, the British Library, and the British Museum archives. Young people spoke freely, expressing their aspirations and views, and bravely engaging in debates on topics such as feminism, colonialism, and nuclear weapons. This freedom translated into ripped jeans and chunky boots, contrasted by black slip dresses and unisex denim. Students often bought clothes in second-hand shops at Camden Market, where they could create their own unique style on a budget.
It’s worth noting that the rise of the internet and cheap air travel opened up huge opportunities for cultural exchange and travel. Students continued to live in halls and cook for themselves, which helped them save money. They embraced London’s amazing nightlife, frequenting bars with free entry.
Contemporary Student Life
Today, most London universities don’t enforce a dress code for lectures, so students dress comfortably. Young men wear jeans or slim-fit trousers, while young women wear pretty much anything they like. For example, a sharp blazer and a crisp white shirt remain hugely popular among the youth.
Student life in London is brimming with cultural events: theatres, concerts, and art exhibitions. The city’s dynamic energy and the opportunities it provides are what continue to draw young people to the UK capital.
Ultimately, 20th-century students were a mirror of their era. Their clothing—from formal suits to leather jackets—demonstrated social change. London has always been, and remains, a hub of student culture where life, fashion, and learning intertwine.