Interviews are an essential part of the university/ college admissions interview process. They allow colleges to get to know the applicant beyond their application and test scores. As an applicant, you want to put your best foot forward and make the best first impression possible. One of the crucial ways to do this is by dressing appropriately for the interview.

If you’re preparing for an upcoming university interview, it’s likely you might be thinking about what to wear.
After all, they say clothes make the person!
First impressions matter, and a polished first impression can go a long way during this important occasion. With so much riding on it, putting together an appropriate and impressive outfit isn’t something savvy school leavers and mature applicants leave to chance!
In my helpful blog post, I’ll show how to dress smartly while also keeping budget-friendly!
The good news is that by reading this article, you’ve taken the correct first step in preparing for your interview. You don’t have to buy a lot of new clothes; I’ll cover everything every well-dressed university applicant should have in their wardrobe, as well as best practices for wearing them with confidence!
So let’s hit the mini brief first so you can start preparing your list of what to wear for a university interview!
This post is all about what to wear to a university interview.
What To Wear For A University Interview
Most UK universities do not have a strict dress code for interviews, so aim for smart casual attire such as chinos or tailored smart trousers with a nice blouse or shirt. Choose comfortable but smart clothing that fits you properly and select neutral colors such as white, grey, black or navy. Add tasteful accessories like scarves in muted tones with simple designs.
Now we’ve got the short answer in place, let’s discover more about how to bring your best-dressed self to your uni interview!
Is there a standard dress code for U.K. university interviews?
Fortunately for many potential university or college students, you’ll be pleased to hear that dress codes in U.K. universities aren’t as restrictive as you may have thought!
However, most universities don’t offer a dress code as such for new or current students attending interviews, but it is well worth double-checking if your particular university or company’s website to see it they have any requirements.
Ok so as there are generally no formal interview clothing rules in place, what do you wear?
Read on to find out more!
What To Wear For A University Interview
You don’t need me to tell you that dressing appropriately for a university interview is important!
As a potential new student, showing up dressed for success will help you not only make a good first impression but also shows the utmost respect for the institution and its processes! Which is always going to go in your favour.
It’s also worth knowing when it comes to acing university in-person interviews, what you wear can be just as important as what you say!
Casual dress isn’t completely out of the question, but the key takeaway is ‘smart casual’ such as chinos and tailored trousers and a nice shirt or blouse will let you strike that perfect balance between being friendly and professional.
Of course, you don’t need me to tell you that showing too much ‘ankle’ is not the thing to do at your university or college interview! You know what I mean here! So keep your blouse and shirt buttons at an appropriate level. I’m talking about button-up shirts or button-down shirt.
If you’re a female, who wants to wear a skirt to an interview, then make sure it’s nothing shorter than a knee-length skirt. Even if it’s an online interview.
Here are some of my best tips on what to wear for your university interview.

PRO TIPS: If you’re doing a virtual interview, be mindful of your surroundings. Especially surface areas with a ‘reflective’ surface.
Choose comfortable but smart clothing
Choose clothing that is comfortable yet professional.
Wearing a skirt that rides up when you sit down is not only going to be uncomfortable it hits zero style points!
A collared shirt with a smart blazer will look beautifully polished and smart while still being easy to wear.
Remember that this is a formal occasion and wearing something even semi-tailored should be a priority.
Not only will you look smart and like you mean business, but it’ll also boost your confidence as well as help create that all-important first impression!
The key is to dress smartly in a way that reflects your own style, yet gives you that ‘smart, and put together’ look!
Dress in smart neutrals
When it comes to colour choices for a university interview, it’s best to veer on the side of being tasteful and wearing more conservative colors.
A good rule of thumb is to go for a dark color, dark navy or black trousers with one of your smart dress shirts. Preferably in neutrals such as a white shirt, grey, black or navy, will make sure you look the part!
Wearing bright colors would obviously be too much of a casual look and could potentially come off as unprofessional.
If you do choose to add some colour to your outfit, add muted tones in the form of accessories like scarves in neutrals with a simple and classic design.
Make sure your outfit fits you
Badly fitting interview clothes can not only give a poor impression of you but are also uncomfortable too!
It’s hard to reflect on an interview question with your trousers digging into your waist!
Poorly fitted clothes can be very distracting, so make sure your whole outfit fits you properly. From your jacket or shirt right down to your shoes, make sure it’s a good fit!
Tasteful accessories
Don’t forget accessories such as a smart watch, a piece of simple jewellery, a polished-looking belt and a tie if appropriate.
These small details can add a little sparkle and polish to your overall look and go a long way in making a positive impression.
Don’t forget the weather forecast!
Make sure you consider the weather when picking out what to wear for your university interview.
The weather is notorious for being unpredictable, especially here in the U.K.! So make sure you dress accordingly.
Showing up drenched or windswept is not a good look and won’t give the best impression!
A lightweight jacket or cardigan is an ideal choice for both cold days and hot days.
It’s a good idea to invest in a light classic trench coat in grey, black or navy. This will be a useful addition for a job interview and can be popped over a more formal blazer, suit jacket or shirt.
Don’t wear shabby clothes
This obviously goes without saying!
When attending a university interview you want to make the best possible impression you can!
Wearing shabby clothing such as old fraying belts or a shirt that’s gone that ‘overwashed shade of grey’ we all have lurking in our wardrobe can create quite the opposite effect!
Not only could it reflect poorly on your personal hygiene and overall grooming, but it may also give off the perception that you’re not taking the interview seriously enough!!
It’s important to convey that you are responsible and professional; wearing shabby clothes does not send that message!
Comfortable shoes are a must!
Don’t forget to wear comfortable dress shoes – no matter what type of look you’re going for, your shoes should always be comfy.
You may have to do quite a lot of walking, navigating around campus and hobbling around in your highest stilettos is not advisable!
I would suggest investing in a good pair of leather brogues or smart on-trend loafers that will last you through all kinds of interviews and special occasions.
A low-heeled court shoe with a pointed ( not too pointed!) toe or a rounder ballet style also looks professional and will be much more comfortable.
Go for the best you can afford. Soft leather shoes are much more comfortable than rigid plastic styles.
Be professional!
Always remember to maintain a professional outlook in your choice of an interview outfit.
Make sure you avoid bold colours and patterns that might distract from your answers and also from how you want to present yourself professionally!
You want to make sure that you stand out in a good way during your university interview! Save bright pinks or your gold lame for a night out on the town!
Uncomfortable clothing makes for an uncomfortable interview experience. If your interviewer starts to notice this in the interview, make sure to keep good eye contact with your interviewer and show good body language.
What to wear for a university interview – to end on
I hope this has helped you to smash your ‘what to wear at my uni interview’ goals!!
By following my pro tips, you can ensure that you get dressed appropriately and look your best on the day of your university interview!
After all, as we all know first impressions are crucial! so you’ll want to make a good impression.
With the right outfit and attitude, you’re sure to make a lasting impression and secure a place at the university of your choice! Good luck!
Don’t forget to check back to my blog regularly for more hints, tips and hacks on university life!
This post was all about what to wear to a university interview.
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