Tom Ritchings is a Student Services Coordinator in the ISA London Office. Tom works with students who are studying abroad in England and Scotland.
London is hot on fashion, especially during London Fashion Week in mid February and mid September. It’s a diverse population; tolerant culture and often eccentric enthusiasm create a no rules attitude toward personal style.
The first thing to remember about studying in London is that there are tons of student discounts! From department stores to vintage boutiques, no matter where you’re shopping, there’s always some sort of student discount; all you need to do is ask.
Local Tip- Here are some fashion stores with some great student discounts:
- Topshop
- Oasis
- Miss Selfridge
- Diesel
- LaSenza
- Claires
- Republic
- Dorothy Perkins
Stylish Streets and Neighborhoods
Oxford Street is the nucleus of London’s fashion scene. This one-and-a-half mile strech of fashion is the longest shopping street in Europe and has a wide range of affordable stores. Oxford Street has several fashionable department stores, of which Selfridges is the most exclusive. Nearby Bond Street, Regent Street and Jermyn Street offer more expensive designer options.
Carnaby Street (also close by), galvanized London’s 60s fashion revolution and has remained a young and trendy shopping area to this day. In West London, you can find high end fashion in Knightsbridge and King’s Road. While exploring Covent Garden you will discover many small independent urban shops; be sure to look out for Neal Street which specializes in shoes, whilst Shoreditch and Camden in East and North London, offer cheaper, vintage and more bohemian boutiques.
To the Market
London’s markets are also a good option to find unique fashion accessories. Here you can uncover some real gems and novelties, where already bargain prices can often be haggled down further. London’s best clothes markets include: Portobello Road (Notting Hill), Camden, Spitalfields and Brick Lane.
To learn more about ISA’s programs in London, visit: http://studiesabroad.com/london
