The Only Clothing Packing List You’ll Ever Need for College

When I packed for college my freshman year, I made the ultimate rookie mistake: I overpacked and under-planned. While I thought I had a strategy, it really was just bringing almost all of my clothes to stop from feeling overwhelmed. I showed up to the dorms with more clothes than could fit in my room’s closet — including every pair of jeans I owned — and still managed to forget a few essentials. 

Now, after multiple move-ins and a few years of living with limited storage options, I finally know how to pack clothes for college — and I’m passing on my (and four other college students’) hard-earned knowledge! This guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay organized and avoid overpacking.

As an incoming college freshman, the instinct to overpack so you’re prepared for every possible situation is strong and somewhat valid … But trust me, those “just in case” outfits will do nothing but collect dust in the back of your cramped closet.

So, how do you pack clothes for college? I asked four experienced college students, and here’s what they had to say.

Pack based on how you actually dress, not how you wish you dressed. That means leaving behind that top you bought last month that still has the tag on it. If you haven’t worn it at home, you probably won’t wear it at school. Stick to your tried-and-true staples. You’ll repeat your favorite comfy outfits more than you realize — I practically lived in sweatpants my freshman year.

Think about your lifestyle: Do you go to the gym often? Do you always reach for cozy loungewear? Let your answers to these types of questions guide what makes up your college wardrobe. There’s no need to reinvent your style before move-in day.

If you need a good place to start figuring out what to bring, ask one very practical question: What’s the typical weather like during the months you’ll live there? You should pack for every season you might encounter. At a school that experiences cold winters, like the University of Vermont, where I go, you’ll need at least one warm coat, a pair of gloves,  a cozy (and hopefully cute!) hat, and boots. You won’t need all that if you’re going to school somewhere warmer, but you’ll likely still need sweaters and lighter jackets. If you can go home during school breaks, plan to swap seasonal clothes instead of bringing everything at once (it’ll save so much space in your room).

Though the majority of the clothing you pack for college should be items you wear often, there are some exceptions. For example, it’s smart to bring a pair of dress shoes and at least one nicer outfit for those unexpected business-casual moments, like career fairs, presentations, or job interviews.

Take it from me, and do not bring your entire wardrobe. Start packing by pulling out your favorite weekly outfits, and then build from there with versatile, layerable basics. If you’re unsure about something, don’t bring it! You’ll thank yourself later when you want space for new thrift finds or college merch.

Still stuck? Check out the packing list your school provides. You’ll be surprised how little you actually need.

Once you’ve narrowed down what to bring, the next challenge is figuring out how to pack clothes for college. Simply throwing everything into a suitcase and sitting on it until it zips shut is not the move. Here are three packing methods to try for a smoother process. 

Try the Countdown Method, a college student-approved formula where you pack a certain number of each category of clothing. For instance, you could do: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 jackets, and 1 bathing suit.

The original method has specific numbers assigned to different clothing types, but you could totally customize it. Instead of 1 bathing suit, for example, you could do 1 “wow” outfit for a special event. If you live in sweatshirts, maybe bring one extra instead of a second jacket. Or, if you’re worried about running out of clothes, start your countdown at 7 instead of 5. The idea is to give yourself structure without going overboard.

Another great option is what I like to call the “one week rule”: Pack what you’d wear in a typical week and double it. That gives you enough clothing to rotate for two weeks until you’ll have to do laundry. It helps you stay realistic about what you’ll actually wear.

Don’t forget about storage solutions! Those IKEA tote bags your mom swears by? You’ll be obsessed with them too. Compared to bulky suitcases, they’re easier to carry, pack, throw in the car, and store once empty.

If you’re flying to school, save suitcase space by ordering bulky essentials (like towels or toiletries) for in-store pickup at a local store, like Target or Walmart. That way, you’ll have more room for your carefully chosen clothing.

Of course, how you pack clothes for college depends on your lifestyle, your campus, and your habits. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are smart strategies you can use to make the process easier. Stick to the items you love, pack with intention, and remember: You can always add to your wardrobe later. It’s better to arrive a little under-packed with room to grow than to move in with a closet you can’t even close!