Before starting my freshman year, I spent around 40 minutes stressing over which black t-shirt to pack; the only difference between the two was a scoop neck vs a v-neck cut! This is the guide I wish I had while packing for college, and the one I use now.

The Ultimate (Free!) College Packing List

Wondering what to bring to college? Check out our complete guide to everything — and we mean EVERYTHING — you need to bring to college.

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Whether you’re starting your first or final year of college, always remember: less is more when you’re living in a dorm or apartment!

You should have enough clean clothes, and underwear, for at least a week in each season. Otherwise, you’ll end up doing laundry multiple times a week, something you won’t have time or the willpower for.

Without further ado, here is what I believe to be the definitive guide to what every college girl should have in her wardrobe, the staples you’re actually going to want to be wearing for your four years of college life.

Table of Contents

Get a few basic tees or tank tops of varying lengths (cropped tees count, too) in different basic colors like black, white, grey, and navy blue. Also, throw in at least one fun tee in your favorite color for variety!

These can be worn alone in summer or layered under cardigans, jackets, and long-sleeved tops in winter. (See our guide to everyday outfits for how we love to wear these.)

3 Cute Tops (Blouses, Bodysuits, and/or Basic Crop Tops)

Buy at Lulu’s

These would be your trendy pieces that rotate from year to year; they can include crop tops, cute cami tanks, and button-downs!

Don’t bring too many from home since they’ll clutter up your closet, and you can easily exchange items between your dorm and house on trips home (or have your parents mail you things if needed).