40+ Easy College Halloween Costumes You Can Pull Together at the Last Minute
Cute and cheap costume ideas for busy college students — because yes, people absolutely wear costumes in college.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
With many Halloween celebrations canceled last year, 2021 is the time for all you college guys and girls to go all out. Whether you're attending a Halloween party or just enjoying at night at home with a few friends, you're going to need the perfect outfit. But finding non-cliche Halloween costume ideas isn't always easy, so we've compiled a list of fun and classic costumes for you to pick from.
Of course, student life is busy, so this roundup includes simple DIY costumes you can make at the last minute, along with cheap costumes that college students can buy online (thanks, Amazon Prime). Below you'll find cute and easy Halloween getups whether you're looking to have the hottest costume, the most iconic costume, the funniest costume or just the best pop culture costume this year. We also have couple costume ideas if you wanted to dress up with your roommate or significant other, as well as group Halloween costumes if you wanted to match with your friends.
Roxanne from 'A Goofy Movie'
You already have the textbooks part down. Next, search your closet for a green t-shirt and some blue jean shorts.
Last-Minute Burrito Costume
An easy last-minute costume fit for any Chipotle devotee (especially if you're trying to get in on the chain's annual Boorito deal).
Disco Ball
This disco ball costume is surprisingly easy to make! Pair with a silver shirt and silver pumps to complete your look.
Baby Yoda Chicken Nuggies
You can even wear a large robe or winter jacket for your attire, because once people see your ears (which you can construct yourself out of felt or craft paper), they'll laugh out loud. Oh, and don't forget the chicken nuggies!
Scream
Nothing *screams* Halloween more than a reference to the classic horror franchise. Casey's blunt, blonde bob and prop phone are vital to portraying her character.
Bubble Bath
Use a discarded styrofoam container to create the "bathtub" for this cute DIY Halloween costume.
Phil & Lil from 'Rugrats'
Who isn't down with the Rugrats? This costume is especially cute if you want to match with your bestie!
Get the tutorial at Living After Midnite »
RELATED: 25 Best Friend Halloween Costumes That'll Win Halloween This Year
DIY Cactus
Get lit this Halloween by turning yourself into a glowing cactus.
Black Cat
Need something super last minute? Throw on a tutu and some cat ears, and you're ready for the Halloween bash.
Bad Witches
Sometimes, it's the accessories that really make a costume. Crafting your own witch's broom and felt hat can be a fun side project — then, you can shop the rest of your outfit from your own dorm closet.
This T-Shirt dress comes in several colors, so you and your friends can go as a group. You can accessorize however you'd like, but adding white gloves is a good move.
Fuzzy Dice Costume
Here's an adorable but really simple couple costume idea: Fuzzy dice attached to a rearview mirror. If you don't want to be attached all night, you can just skip the mirror.
Mermaid Man
Green dishwashing gloves make a quick prop for this costume — just ask a friend to dress up as Barnacle Boy.
Gumball Machine
All you really need is a hot glue gun, and tons of pom poms! You can even wear a red skirt or shorts instead of pants.
Smarty Pants
Those leftover Smarties from last year's Halloween? Tack them onto some old jeans for a "punny" costume.
RELATED: 22 Pun Halloween Costumes That Are Too Good Not to Wear
It's Raining Men Costume
The more hotties the better for this punny costume.
50 First Dates
You can't do a 50 First Dates costume without Lucy's pineapple and Ula's mop head of hair.
Power Rangers
Take a cue from Kylie Jenner and her squad — who dressed up as Power Rangers, but gave it a total upgrade
Dressing up with some friends? Bring together the cast of Clueless for Halloween with these cute getups.
RELATED: 35 Halloween Costumes That Throw It Back to the '90s
Holy Guacamole
DIY your own avocado outfit or purchase your own avocado-themed dress or shirt. Add some angel wings and a halo and you're done!
Lindsey works with the Good Housekeeping Institute to test and review products including appliances, bedding, baby items, pet products and more.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
The Best of Amazon's Halloween Decorations
Win All the Awards With These Pop Culture Costumes
Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids
80 Unique Group Halloween Costume Ideas
