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.
Factors to consider
How often will you be going home?
You might be lucky and go home every few weeks, or you might go to an out-of-state school. This is a very important factor to consider.
Before packing for college, think about how often you’ll be heading back home. Your travel frequency can significantly influence what and how much you need to bring. For instance, I went to an out-of-state school, so I only went home a couple of times per year. This meant I had to be strategic about what I packed, ensuring I had everything I needed for an extended period.
However, if your college is close to home, you might find yourself going back for long weekends or short breaks throughout the semester. In that case, you can afford to bring fewer items since you can easily pick up more clothes or essentials when you visit home.
If you’re going to college far from home, you need to be prepared to buy additional items along the way. It’s better to pack light and buy what you need as you go rather than overpacking and struggling with too much stuff.
What is the weather like?
The weather of your college location is a major factor in deciding what to pack. I went to college in Ohio and moved from Florida, so my packing list looked very different from someone attending school in Florida. I had to buy a whole winter closet, since I didn’t even own winter coats.
If you’re moving to a different climate for college, take the time to look up average temperatures and weather conditions. Do you need rain gear, heavy winter coats, or just a few light layers?
What activities will you be doing?
While you might not have your entire college schedule figured out, it’s helpful to consider the types of activities you’ll likely engage in. For example, if you’re planning to join a sorority, make sure to bring a few formal outfits for recruitment.
If you’re planning to get a job or an internship, you might need some business casual outfits. Or if you’re planning to join a sports team, you might need more workout clothes.
College clothing packing tips
Don’t bring your entire closet with you
In first year of college I brought my entire closet with me and regretted it so much when it was time to move out. I had enough space to fit it all which was very surprising since dorms are so tiny. And I probably didn’t even wore half of the clothes I brought.
When it comes to clothing, it is best to be minimal. You don’t want to be super uncomfortable fitting your clothes into every space you find at your dorm. Remember you can always go home during the weekend or during breaks to bring more clothes.
Leave what you never wear at home
College is supposed to be a fresh start, and maybe you want to change your style. But don’t force yourself to wear clothes you otherwise wouldn’t wear just because it’s college. Comfort and confidence is key and it is hard to be confident if you’re uncomfortable with what you’re wearing. If you haven’t worn it in the past three months, do yourself a favor and donate the item.
Don’t shop like crazy
Before moving to college, I went dorm shopping with my mom and I don’t know how we ended up buying a bunch of clothes instead of buying a lamp (oops). So, without even realizing it, I had bought enough clothes to fit yet another big suitcase. If you already have enough clothes, don’t buy more. Save that money instead so you can afford experiences while in college – like dining out, drinking at bars, spring break traveling, etc. Always keep in mind that traditional dorms are tiny.
Bring lots of basics
Chances are you won’t do laundry as often as you think you will. I am out of college and still don’t do laundry as often as I should! So, bring lots of basics. And by basics I mean, underwear, socks, tank tops, leggings, etc.
Don’t bring every Halloween costume you own
If Halloween is your thing, don’t make the mistake of bringing every Halloween costume you own. I had a couple friends who brought an entire suitcase filled with halloween costumes. At the end, they just wore a couple of them or ended up getting a new one. You can always buy something cheap costume on amazon or just wing it.
Pack seasonal clothes
This probably goes without saying, but just pack seasonal clothes. For example for the fall semester, just pack summer clothes and a couple fall clothes, like a pair of jeans and a couple of cardigans. And then during fall break or thanksgiving, go home, leave your summer clothes there and bring back with you your fall clothes + winter clothes. This is the best thing you can do, this way you won’t have any problems organizing your closet.
Start planning a couple of weeks before move-in day
Figure out what you’re going to bring with you and what you’re going to leave at home. Keep in mind that if you don’t wear it at home, you probably won’t wear it in college.
Get stackable drawers
If you’re going to have under-bed space, I recommend buying some stackable plastic drawers. That way you’ll have some additional storage space for clothing. Most dorms have just a tiny closet and a desk, which can make organizing your clothes a bit challenging. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived without mine.
Related: Ultimate College Packing List: Everything You Will Need In College
Ultimate 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!
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