Going to college is an incredible opportunity for students to challenge themselves and take the first few steps into adulthood. With this big step comes a big lifestyle adjustment — and the biggest back-to-school shopping list ever.
We’ve made your college shopping list easy to manage with a helpful guide on what to bring to college. From dorm room essentials to college gameday outfits, you’ll find everything you need to prepare (and dress) for success.
How To Get College-Ready with Confidence
So, where do you start on your college shopping list? Incorporate style and school spirit into your post-high school look with our ultimate what to bring to college checklist.
Upgrade Your Dorm Room
A student’s dorm room says a lot about them. It’s the place where they study, socialize, and — hopefully — sleep. The right dorm room bedding keeps students comfortable between classes and sets a stylish ambiance in their half of the room.
Choose high-quality bed sets for dorm rooms that feel as good as they look. Soft sheet sets topped with comforters and quilts add a cozy touch that makes students feel right at home. A few decorative pillows let them express their personality and prop themselves up during late-night study sessions.
And don’t forget the shower! Equip students with bath towels in distinctive colors that set them apart from the other kids in the shared bathroom (or decorate their own bathroom). Coordinate their towels with shower flip-flops and waterproof toiletry baskets for extra sophistication.
Build Your Class Wardrobe
College is a chance to change up a student’s personal style. While some high school wardrobe staples fit right in at their new school, stepping up clothing choices makes students feel instantly polished for class presentations, job interviews, and making a great first impression with their professor.
Young women can find their style and stay comfortable in an athletic dress that’s perfect for everything from heading to class or grabbing coffee with friends. Athletic dresses are the ultimate college clothing option that pair well with sneakers for an effortless look, or you can layer them with cardigans and sweaters for cooler campus evenings.
For men, there’s no better college look than polo shirts and casual pants. Switch out T-shirts for button-downs when you attend classes, and leave the high school sweatshirt at home in favor of pullovers and hoodies in classic coastal colors and styles. Wear khaki shorts made with performance fabrics to stay cool and flexible all day long if it's too warm out for pants.
Show Your School Spirit with Gameday Outfits
It’s time to root for your school team! Whether you’re planning for a homecoming football game or a championship tennis match, these college gameday outfits let you show your school spirit.
Women can find tops and bottoms that look and feel great in our Women’s Gameday Collection, complete with layering options for afternoon games that turn into overtime evenings. Pair school T-shirts with pullovers and jackets in your school colors, allowing you to stand out in a distinctly stylish way.
From collegiate T-shirts for different conferences to collegiate outerwear for late-night tailgates, young men can step up their game day look with just a few tweaks to their wardrobe. Our Team Colors Shop is a great place to start for students or parents visiting their kids for the weekend.
Accessorize for Fun and Function
When deciding what to bring to college, don’t overlook the small details that are both functional and fashionable. Add drinkware that insulates beverages to your back-to-school shopping list, and remember key fobs for those extra-important dorm keys and passcards. Pack pickleball paddles for pick-up games at the rec center (you can never be too prepared for pickleball!).
Show your personal style with women’s hats and bags that double as outfit accessories and functional tools. Trendy women’s sunglasses let you look cool (but not too cool for school), and a quick spritz of fragrance sets a sophisticated tone for every step you take across campus.
For men, hats and visors keep the sun out of your eyes while keeping your style in check. Add a pair of your favorite men’s sunglasses as you walk to your next class and a subtle spray of men’s cologne that sends reminders of sunrise on the coast.
Get Back to School Style
Graduating from high school is a big enough deal without worrying about what to bring to college. From high-quality dorm room bedding to cool college clothing, Southern Tide has everything you need to fill out your back-to-school shopping list before you even get your class schedule.
Find more tips on the college look with our guide to preppy style for young adults. And if the college years are almost finished, check out our men’s layering guide for building a polished, ready-for-anything wardrobe for life beyond campus, or explore thoughtful essentials for her that help young graduates step confidently into the next chapter.
