1. Coats

Cambridge is absolutely freezing come November, and for all your macho claims you really should take your worried mum’s advice and put a coat on. A waxed jacket is a perfect option for both keeping warm and fitting in with the Cambridge aesthetic of country boy chic, and the popularity of the style means they’re available in nearly all price ranges. For edgier club nights and humanities lectures, invest in a good denim jacket. Add a fur collar if you’re feeling really indie.

2. Fancy Dress

When fancy dress is required you can usually make a passable outfit with stuff you already own or make something decent with a quick visit to the charity shop. However, when you’re required to make a fool out of yourself as often as you are in Cambridge, it is worth having one go-to outfit that you know kills it. Superheroes are classic and easy to get hold of, if slightly predictable; you might be better off going for a villain costume. Varsity recommends eBay!

3. Coloured chinos

You can mock the posh stereotype all you like, but coloured chinos look smart and fun and are a far better choice than jeans. If you are really worried about your friends at other unis mercilessly ripping you to shreds, avoid the classic red, but don’t ignore the spectrum of other colours at your disposal. Varying shades of blue are a safe bet for those nervous about stowing the dark-wash denim at the back of the wardrobe. Varsity recommends: Jack Wills (£54.50) and Next (£28).

4. Week 5 outfit

This is not so much an outfit, but a state of mind. You should forget all your desires of dressing to impress; dress to protect your fragile sanity. Tracksuit bottoms that are two sizes too big are a must,  as is that t-shirt at the bottom of your drawer that still smells like home and your vague memories of normality and sleep. Accessorise at your own discretion with bags under your eyes and a permanently panicked expression. In the comfort of your own room, feel free to don a onesie but under no circumstances wear it out in public. Things are never that bad. Varsity recommends: tracksuit bottoms from Canterbury UK (£32.99) onesies from Very (£30). 

5. Suit and tie 

Suits are the absolute must-have for a Cambridge student. Worn on all occasions, from formal halls to themed swaps to internship interviews, this is an item definitely worth investing in. A suit doesn’t have to break the bank, though. Providing you keep the cut simple and the colour palette muted, a suit will always look high quality. For the more expressive out there, I still wouldn’t recommend buying an unusual suit. Instead use ties, bowties, braces and socks to add some personality to the look. Varsity recommends: Ties from Ralph Lauren (£49), braces from M&S (£25) and socks from Hugo Boss (£11) and Paul Smith (£17).