This week my work experience student, Rose, went around the various uniform shops in Oxford, to give you the lowdown on where to buy your sub fusc (academic dress). Here's what she found out:
The four shops which sell sub fusc are all within a five minute walk of each other – they are all on the High Street, apart from Walters, which is a short walk down Turl Street.
They all told me that the only necessary items were sub fusc, alongside a white, long-sleeved and high collared shirt or blouse, and a black skirt and tights or trousers.
Shepherd & Woodford
Sub fusc package (comprising of commoner’s gown, mortar board and bow tie / ribbon) – £22.99
Shirt / blouse can be added for £19.99
Skirt can be added for £16.99
The staff were really friendly and helpful, answering lots of questions!
When I asked if college scarves and stash were necessary, they told me it was down to personal choice. I told them about a friend at Durham who really loves having a college scarf, and they said that, in all fairness, it is a lot colder in Durham than in Oxford!
University Shop
Sub-fusc package (comprising of commoner’s gown, mortar board and bow tie / ribbon) - £25
Do not sell shirt / blouse or skirt. They recommend a variety of other high street shops for this, ranging from Primark to Next and Debenhams.
They reminded me to also buy black tights and an academic diary. They also told me that the colleges will give out lots of information about sub-fusc during Freshers’ week.
Walters
Sub-fusc package (comprising of commoner’s gown, mortar board and bow tie / ribbon) – £22.99
Other packages also available to include college hoodies / sweatshirts
Shirt / blouse can be added for £19.99
Skirt can be added for £16.99
They said that buying college stash and a college scarf is down to personal preference, and that usually students buy it once they are here and accumulate it as they go along, if they want it.
Ede & Ravenscroft
They sell two packages, which are of differing quality, but both of good quality nonetheless!
Package A (Prestige House Package)
Sub-fusc package (comprising of commoner’s gown, mortar board and bow tie / ribbon) - £52.25
Package B (produced overseas)
Sub-fusc package (comprising of commoner’s gown, mortar board and bow tie / ribbon) - £29.95
They recommended buying a diary when you start, but didn’t recommend any other clothing-related purchases, other than a white shirt / blouse and black skirt. (They also gave me a really lovely business card!)