The Different Types Of Shoes To Pack For University
All the different types of shoes you’ll need for university without overpacking.
You might not think about shoes for university — why would you? It’s not exactly a priority, even on our must-have uni essentials checklist.
But, we have to break the news to you… student housing is super limited in space at the best of times, so you’ve got to bring less than you think. You can’t just empty all your shoes into your suitcase or boxes and be done with it.
Deciding the different types of shoes to take for university is a necessity. A) Because you don’t have a lot of storage space. B) are you really going to wear trainers to the clurrrb?
We didn’t think so.
We’re here to give advice on what shoes to take to university. Warning: it won’t be all of them, but remember you can sign up to Student Beans and unlock some incredible savings using our shoes student discounts.
Jump to:
Different types of shoes you should pack
How many different types of shoes are there? A lot. More than you realise.
But, we’re going to condense it to a select few that you should definitely bring to uni if you have them. Going out shoes, nursing student shoes, slippers — do you need them?
The every day trainer
You obviously have to pack the pair of shoes you wear daily. These could be trainers (or Vans/Converse) or whatever shoe you wear regularly.
This shoe needs to serve you day-in-day-out. Think of your feet when you’ve got a lecture-heavy day, doing a food shop, or just heading into town to chill. A pair you can chuck on for almost any occasion and goes with a lot of your wardrobe.
The sporty shoe
Whether you’re an avid gym-goer, love to kick about a ball with your flatmates, or just walk a lot (in particular through grass and muddier ground), you’ll need some sort of gym/sport shoe.
These will be ones you take to the gym or don’t mind ruining over time on hikes and other physical activities. They’re typically your most comfy ones, and therefore a necessity to reach your gym goals.
The smart pair
When you’re at university, you might have more formal events like a summer/winter ball, or you might be hopping out for job or placement interviews. These occasions require a smarter pair of shoes, not your scruffy Birks or stinky gym shoes.
Whatever they might be — brogues, boots, heels, clean trainers — just make sure they’re smart and most importantly, clean. These can also serve as going out shoes, too. So perhaps something that caters for dancing the night away.
The comfy indoor pair
Student halls and housing can be pretty grim places. Sticky floors, crumbs trapped in between toes, mud and leaves from outside — do you need more convincing?
You should 100% bring a pair of slippers, sliders, or Crocs that you can slip on and wear around your student accommodation without stepping into any nasties.
If the cold weather is nipping at your toes, invest in some men’s UGG slippers for the ultimate comfy vibes.
The winter shoe
Winters in the UK can range from mild to Baltic. Imagine walking from your accommodation to your lectures in the rain or snow, whilst wearing a pair of Crocs or your canvas trainers… frostbite on your toes and ruined socks.
You’ll need to pack a pair of warm, winter shoes that can keep you from chattering with cold. Whether they’re Doc Martens, Timberlands, UGGs or something like a Chelsea boot, bring them with you to uni because you’ll be sorry once the winter rolls around.
Need to buy a pair of warm shoes? Sign up to Student Beans and get a Dr. Martens student discount to make your winter less chilly.
Unpacked and waiting till your next loan drop? We’ve got where to buy the best UGG dupes so your feet can stay toasty without costing a fortune.
How to pack shoes
Sorry, we’re not trying to parent you, but you’re going to have to know how to pack shoes. It’s not so much an art form as it is common sense. Do you want creases in your creps?
There’s not just one correct way to pack your shoes, but we’ve got a step-by-step to steer you in the right direction.
- Clean: scrape off any leftover dirt that might be trapped in the tread of the shoe and wipe the external of the shoes, too. If they’re particularly smelly, spray the inside with antibacterial shoe spray.
- Fill them: fill your shoes with items like socks or underwear (even belts) to keep your shoes sturdy. Filling your shoes can help prevent creases and also save space by utilising the inside of the shoe for smaller bits.
- Wrap: place your shoes in a plastic bag or something similar to keep them protected while protecting the rest of your clothes, too. Pack them heel to toe with the soles facing out.
- Pack: start by packing your suitcase with the shoes on the bottom. This helps to distribute the weight of your case, allowing lighter items to be placed above the shoes, preventing them from being squashed.
Best shoes for nursing students
If you’re a nursing student, or similar, or even on your feet all day doing practical work, you need to invest in a good pair of shoes.
You need a pair that can withstand hours on your feet, protect you from hazards like chemicals, and comfy enough to walk distances. How are you going to take care of people if your feet aren’t taken care of?
We’ve got the best shoes for nursing students.
- Sketchers Slip-ins Work — get a 20% Sketchers student discount with Student Beans
- Clarks Un Abode Go Loafer
- Hoka Bondi SR — use our Hoka student discount for 10% off
- Nike Air Zoom Pulse — save 10% with our Nike student discount
- Clarks Nalle Lilac
Sign up to Student Beans to unlock fashion student discounts
