Dressing for a new climate

If you grew up in the GCC, your body and wardrobe are tuned for heat and strong air conditioning. Studying in a cold, wet or windy place means learning to dress in layers and to keep dry.

Know what you are facing

• The University of Leicester describes UK weather as unpredictable, which is why it recommends clothing that can be layered.
• The University of Nottingham notes that the UK winter is very chilly and wet, and that spring can bring a surprise heatwave.
• Check the average monthly temperatures and rainfall for your new city before you pack, and look at the forecast every morning once you arrive.
• Wind and rain make it feel much colder than the number on the thermometer suggests.

The three-layer system

• Base layer, next to your skin: its job is to move moisture away from your body. Woolpower, a Swedish clothing maker, recommends wool as it can keep you warm even when damp.
• Mid layer: a jumper, fleece or cardigan that traps air. The more air it traps, the better it insulates.
• Outer layer: a coat or shell that blocks wind and rain and keeps in the heat from your inner layers.
• Adjust as you go: take a layer off when you warm up (for example on a crowded bus or in a heated lecture theatre) and put it back on outside.
• The CDC advises several layers of loose-fitting clothing rather than one tight, heavy layer.

Fabrics and staying dry

• Wet clothing makes you colder. The CDC warns that being wet from rain, sweat or cold water increases the risk of getting dangerously chilled.
• Woolpower notes that damp cotton conducts heat away from the body, so a soaked cotton hoodie under a coat can leave you cold.
• Thermal underwear adds an extra warm layer, as South Tyneside Council's cold-weather advice notes.
• The University of Nottingham says a good waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella, and recommends a waterproof bag to protect your laptop and notes.

Head, hands and feet

• Wear a hat and gloves (or mittens) and a scarf when it is cold. The CDC recommends covering the face and mouth with a scarf or knit mask in severe cold.
• The CDC lists the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers as areas most at risk of frostbite in extreme cold.
• Keep one pair of waterproof boots or shoes for wet days, as Leicester advises, since ordinary trainers can soak through. Nottingham also suggests investing in good shoes for bad weather.
• Thick socks with boots make a big difference on long walks to campus.
• The NHS notes that icy pavements can be very slippery, so choose shoes with good grip in winter.

Indoors and going home

• The NHS advises heating rooms you use regularly to at least 18°C in cold weather and keeping bedroom windows closed on winter nights.
• Indoors in winter, wear several thin layers rather than turning the heating up as high as it goes, which also saves money.
• Going home to the GCC in summer is the opposite problem: pack light, breathable clothes and a layer for strongly air-conditioned malls, flights and offices.
• Keep a small 'travel layer' (cardigan or light jacket and socks) in your hand luggage for cold planes and arrival in a cold country.