SCU Starter Pack
As a first year at Santa Clara, it took me a while to truly understand the SCU student. What did everyone wear? How did they decorate their dorms and apartments? What are the quintessential college items unique to this pocket of the Bay Area? Every college student can confidently claim necessity to items like a TV for their mandatory movie nights, or maybe an air purifier to put on their Swig countertop – but what are some items that every student wants and, one could argue, needs to really encapsulate a Santa Clara student?
Footwear also plays a distinctive role in the outfits of many students. After about a week on campus, I had seen more Adidas sneakers and flip flops than I could count. These colorful sneakers are a gender neutral fashion statement that elevates any outfit to showcase a student’s style just a little bit more. Flip flops offer an easier and more comfortable wear and are a Santa Clara staple during California’s never-ending sunny weather.
The final accessory I simply had to include is the classic water bottle. Whether it's the California heat, the Bay Area attitude of hydration, or simply the aesthetic, students on campus seem to be obsessed with having a water bottle. Many choose to sport the popular choice of the Stanley but others showcase hydration aids such as the YETI or even a Hydro Flask. Either way, I can attest to the fact that this accessory has kept my monthly Freshman year sicknesses down to bimonthly and has provided a hefty addition to my everyday backpack.
My first year at Santa Clara has not only been academically educational—it's also been a crash course in mastering the SCU style. From the essential low-rise jeans and Adidas sneakers to the ubiquitous skateboard and trusty water bottle, these items are essential to student life. It’s all about sporting your effortlessly cool staples.
When it came to first day jitters, one of my biggest concerns was what I should wear to class. There are a few staples that can't be denied as classics when it comes to walking around campus, most notably a low rise jean. A light wash, baggy, low rise jean will take you to class, to any club meetings or obligations, and even to the frats. This look is stylish, casual, and as many of my East Coast friends have noted, oh so California. Appropriate for class yet casual enough for The Hut, this classic clothing staple is essential for a Santa Clara student’s wardrobe.
An additional accessory essential for a student’s look is not just in their clothes but how they actually move around campus. Walking may seem like the obvious choice for such a small school, but many students prefer a skateboard to solve their travel constraints. Whether it's a skateboard, penny board, longboard, or electric device, students are constantly cruising across campus. Not only is it efficient to shorten those long walks to Lucas, it's a more fun mode of transportation that exemplifies a sense of relaxed efficiency and once again brings out that California vibe.
