Viva Street Style: How Are University of Auckland Students Dressing For Orientation Week?
University students are crowding inner-city campuses and choosing clothing to express their interests. They explain the influences behind their style to Madeleine Crutchley.
A university campus offers the opportunity for new definitions.
For many students, clothing is an important tool for communicating newfound keystones of identity. Some are shedding school uniforms and embracing individuality within an academic setting for the first time. Others might be coming to campus later in life, and looking to style themselves for an exploratory era.
For my first day at university (2017), I was meticulous in choosing an outfit.As a result, I pounded the pavement in Old Skool Vans, donned very of-the-time black skinny jeans and layered an oversized maroon knit cardigan with a T-shirtprinted with a “Save The Clock Tower” flyer from Back To The Future. Earnest and unbearable. But how else could I signal my media and philosophy majors?
Baggy denim, oversized hoodies, sneakers and Doc Martens certainly assert a keen presence on campus for 2026 – comfort was a recurring point of reference for the students Viva met. Second-hand pieces were also a popular choice. Backpacks and big tote bags were often decorated with Labubus and other good-luck charms, while band T-shirts, stickers and pins paid winking reference to beloved cultural artefacts.
Below, students explain the influences for their everyday ensembles.
Yamato Nagai
A sunny polo and billowing pants made Nagai stand out in Albert Park. The first-year business student cited the influence of skate culture. There was special attention to the details, too – with silver rings from skate label Palace and Stolen Girlfriend’s Club.
Rayhana Haidari
The second-year communications students said a busy schedule demanded comfort. The jersey, branded with Italian footballer Paolo Maldini’s name and number, was a gift. However, Haidari had hoped no one would ask about it. “I don’t know anything about football.”
Mia Haturini
Anthropology student Haturini opted for a fully thrifted ensemble, down to the campus-style boots. The T-shirt, which reads “I survived my trip to NYC”, is a reference to the film Spiderman: Homecoming.
Amelie West
The first-year patisserie student stood out in a monochromatic display of white. West wanted to wear the skirt, a fresh purchase, within the first week at university. The crochet bag thrown over the shoulder also reflects the student’s love of craft.
Jason Zhu
Down by the University of Auckland business school, first-year economics student Zhu dons a pair of baggy, illustrated second-hand jeans and a slightly cropped hoodie (if you squint, you’ll see a pin of Walter White from Breaking Bad).
Traye Paea-Lio
The cold wind blowing through Tāmaki Makaurau was a determining factor for Paea-Lio’s ensemble, which features plenty of academic references (see: plaid scarf, neat collar).
Lani Fihaki
First-year student Fihaki drew on Mum’s wardrobe for the second day of university. To classes in Marine and Environmental Science, she wore her mum’s earrings and top (telling Viva she wanted to represent both her roots and personality).
Charlie Beachman
Second-hand pieces make up this autumnal ensemble, including a jacket shopped from Depop and a hand-me-down from Beachman’s grandmother. The third-year student said a university campus offered more freedom of expression through clothing.
Kane Le’au-Anderson
Big jeans were everywhere on university grounds and here they’re paired with another classic: Doc Martens. After four years at university, Le’au-Anderson said comfort was becoming the most important aspect of everyday stylings (right before darting off to catch a bus).
DJ Eloso
The inspiration for Eloso’s oversized knit jumper? “It was freezing in my house this morning.” The first-year architecture student said baggy jeans were also a staple.
Zoe Robertson
Fourth-year student Robertson said this ensemble was grabbed straight out of a suitcase.
Charlie Marsden
The first-year law student, who felt it was important to make an effort on campus, was wearing a jacket from Mum’s wardrobe.
Camryn (left) and Daniella
Colour was a refreshing sight on the two screen production students. Both felt the potential for mood-boosting through dress. As Daniella explained, “I work better if I feel put together.”
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