For me, the hardest part about packing for college was choosing what clothing items to take. There’s limited space for storing clothes at the dorms, so you need versatile clothing you can wear to class, to dine, for bar hopping, going out, etc. In my freshman year, I made the mistake of bringing way too many clothes with me, which made the moving out process so much harder. As a college graduate, here is what I’d bring, what I’d leave at home, and what I’d prioritize when it comes to clothing. I also wrote an article about exactly what to bring when moving into the college dorms. Here is the ultimate college clothing packing list.
Things to Consider When Packing
It’s tempting to pack your entire wardrobe “just in case.” However, before you start packing, there are a few important things to consider before you start filling your bags.
How Often Will You Be Going Home?
How frequently you return home plays a huge role in deciding what (and how much) to pack for college. If you attend a nearby school, you might go home every few weeks. On the other hand, if you’re studying out of state—or even abroad—your visits might be limited to longer breaks or just a couple of times a year.
If You’re Close to Home
When your college is only a short drive away, packing can be more flexible. You can bring fewer clothes and essentials at the start since you’ll have opportunities to pick up additional items as you need them—or swap out off-season clothes—during weekend trips or short breaks.
If You’re Far from Home
If frequent visits aren’t an option, you’ll need to be more strategic. Since you won’t have easy access to your closet back home, it’s important to think carefully about seasonal changes and daily activities. You might want to bring:
- Layering pieces: light jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts.
- Multi-purpose items: for example, a jacket that works for both rain and cooler temperatures.
- Basics: enough quantity of basics like underwear to last until your next trip home or laundry day.
At the same time, avoid overpacking. It’s easier to buy extra items later than to struggle with excessive items when it comes to moving out of the dorms.
What is the Weather?
Weather in your college’s location can greatly influence your packing list. If, like me, you’re moving from a warm region (Florida) to a colder one (Ohio), you’ll need to plan for a wider range of temperatures and invest in winter essentials. I essentially had to purchase a whole new closet for the cold Ohio winters.
Before you start packing, research average temperatures and common weather conditions at your destination. Think about whether you’ll need:
- Heavy winter coats or jackets
- Rain gear, such as waterproof boots or umbrellas
- Multiple layers for transitional weather
- Insulated clothing and accessories like gloves and scarves
Plan Around Your Activities
Although you may not have your entire college schedule or social calendar finalized, it’s helpful to think about the types of activities you’ll likely pursue. For example, I knew I wanted to join a sorority, so I made sure to pack a few dresses for sorority recruitment.
- Clubs and organizations: If you’re planning to join a sorority or a fraternity, pack a few formal outfits for recruitment events or mixers.
- Professional commitments: Internships and part-time jobs often require business casual attire, so include appropriate outfits if you expect to work.
- Sports & fitness: If you intend to join a sports team or stay active at the campus gym, bring workout clothes and comfortable sneakers.
College Clothing Packing Tips
Don’t Bring Your Entire Closet
During my first year of college, I made the mistake of hauling practically my whole wardrobe to campus—yet I only ended up wearing half of it. And it made moving out so much harder.
A better approach is to keep your college wardrobe minimal and versatile. There’s no need to cram every inch of closet space with outfits you’ll rarely wear. Remember, you can always pick up extra clothes during weekends at home or over school breaks if you find you’re missing something. Not only will this simplify move-in and move-out days, but it’ll also help you keep your dorm organized throughout the semester.
Leave What You Never Wear at Home
College is supposed to be a fresh start, and maybe you want to change your style. However, don’t pack clothes that have been sitting untouched in your closet for months—chances are, they’ll stay that way. College is about finding what works for you, and that means focusing on comfort and confidence first. If you haven’t worn something in the last three months, consider donating it instead.
Don’t Shop Like Crazy
In the excitement of preparing for college, it’s easy to go overboard on new clothes—trust me, I’ve been there. My mom and I once went dorm shopping for essentials and somehow ended up with armfuls of new outfits instead of the lamp I actually needed. If you already have plenty of clothes, save your money for experiences like dining out, spring break trips, or nights out with friends. Remember: most dorms are small, and overbuying only makes it harder to stay organized later on.
Bring Enough Basics
Chances are you won’t do laundry as often as you think you will. So, bring lots of basics, like underwear, socks, tank tops, leggings, etc.
Laundry Logistics
Since we’re talking about clothes in this article, I thought I would throw some tips about doing laundry while in college.
- Laundry setup: Most dorms offer shared, coin- or card-operated washers and dryers. Find out whether you need quarters, a debit-style laundry card, or a mobile app to pay.
- Plan your loads: Decide how often you want to do laundry (weekly, bi-weekly), and pack enough basics (like socks and underwear) to cover that period without running out.
- Choose convenient storage: A sturdy, lightweight hamper or a bag with handles will save you hassle on laundry day—especially if the machines are on a different floor or across the building.
- Bring the essentials: Stock up on detergent, and dryer sheets (or wool dryer balls).
- Set a reminder: Washing machines and dryers often have limited numbers, so leaving your laundry unattended can cause backups. Set a timer on your phone to move clothes promptly.
Don’t Bring Every Halloween Costume You Own
If you love Halloween, resist the urge to pack every costume you’ve ever collected. I had friends who brought an entire suitcase full of Halloween outfits, only to wear one or two—or buy a new one once they were on campus. If you want a fresh costume, you can always find something affordable online or throw together a DIY look at the last minute.
Related: 85+ Halloween Caption Ideas That Are Unique, Funny & Spooky
Pack Seasonal Clothes
For the fall semester, focus on summer attire and a few light layers—like jeans and cardigans—for cooler days. Then, during fall or Thanksgiving break, swap out your summer pieces for heavier fall and winter items. This strategy keeps your dorm closet organized and helps you avoid lugging around clothes you don’t need.
Start Planning a Few Weeks Before Move-In
Begin making a packing list well in advance, noting what you’ll bring and what can stay at home. A good rule of thumb: if you hardly wear an item at home, you likely won’t wear it at college, either. Planning ahead not only saves you from last-minute stress but also ensures you arrive on campus with just what you need—no more, no less.
Dorm Storage and Organization
College dorms are notorious for their limited closet space, so making the most of every inch is crucial. Before you arrive on campus, consider these tips to keep your wardrobe tidy, accessible, and stress-free:
- Use under-bed storage: Elevate your bed with risers if possible and store out-of-season clothes, extra blankets, or shoes in sturdy bins or vacuum-sealed bags underneath. I actually bought some stackable drawers and they were incredibly useful for storing my clothes and other things like notebooks.
- Maximize closet space: Invest in slim, non-slip hangers and use hanging organizers for shoes or accessories. You can also add hooks or a tension rod inside the closet for belts, scarves, or bags.
- Fold strategically: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Coordinate with roommates: If you share closet or dresser space, communicate in advance. You might split the cost of storage solutions or decide who’s bringing an iron or mini-steamer.
Related: Ultimate College Packing List
College Clothing Packing List
When moving to college you can be limited regarding the amount of clothes you can bring to college, which is why I’m suggesting quantities. Also, in this list, I give color suggestions, so that you can have a lot of options for mixing and matching your clothes, without having to bring your entire closet with you.
Basics
- Underwear & socks – enough for at least 2 weeks
- Tank tops – at least 3
- T-shirts – at least 4
- Pajamas – two pairs
- Leggings – three pairs unless you work out often
Bottoms
- Shorts – 3 pairs, denim, white, black
- Jeans – 2 pairs
- Trousers – bring one business casual pair of pants. You might need them for presentations or networking events
- Skirts – two, perfect for going out
Activewear + Loungewear
Regardless of your activity level, having workout clothes always comes in handy. Woke up too late for class and don’t have time to get ready? Put on a cute loungewear or activewear outfit and you’re good to go.
- Sports bras – three
- Shorts – three
- Workout tops – three
- Leggings – three
- Running shoes – one pair
Going Out Clothes
- Cropped tops – two or three
- Corsets – one
- Leather pants – one
- Dresses – one or two
- Sneakers you don’t mind ruining – 1x
- Comfortable high heels – 1x
- Comfortable jeans – 1x
- Crossbody bag – 1x
Related: everything you need to know about partying in college
Outerwear
- Sweatshirts + hoodies – two or three
- Cardigan – one or two
- Rain jacket – one
- Light jacket – one. Must be one that you can wear during fall before going home to get your winter clothes.
- Heavy jacket – one or two
Shoes
- Shower shoes – one
- Sandals – one or two
- High heels – one pair. You might not even need high heels, but you’ll need some comfortable ones if you’re going through sorority recruitment
- Sneakers – one or two pairs. One pair you can go to frat parties with (they’ll be dirty and destroyed by the end of the semester) and a nice pair you can wear to class.
- Gym or running shoes – one pair
- Winter boots – one pair
Accessories
- Sunglasses – one pair
- Statement necklaces & earrings – for sorority recruitment outfit
- Baseball caps – one or two
- Belts
- Winter gear: gloves, hats, scarves
- Backpack
- Tote bags
- Wallet
Other Must-Haves
- A business casual outfit – trousers, blouse, blazer, flats.
I truly hope this college clothing packing list helps you!
