As much as we hate hearing it, it’s true: college is the last stop before entering the real world. While this means many things, perhaps the most important thing is that college is your last chance to dress up like an idiot. If you saw a giant rabbit walking down the street in a nice suburban neighborhood, you would assume either you or the rabbit were crazy, but seeing that same rabbit in college will just make you think, “Nice. Were they going for "Donnie Darko" or was it just a regular zoo-themed party? I should go buy groceries.” The point is that college is the time for costumes, and fortunately for you, you’re going to have plenty of opportunities.

1. Go Greek

The first item on this list is a classic that dates back to the 70s and "Animal House"—the toga. You can buy yourself a pre-made toga, but only lame cheaters do that. Don’t be a lame cheater! Get yourself an old, ratty, uncomfortable sheet that you would never dream of sleeping on, get some safety pins, and figure out how to drape it so that all of the necessary parts are covered and you can freely move. If it looks attractive and flattering, that’s a bonus. Congratulations, you are now ready for a toga party!

2. Tropical

Beach and tropic-themed parties are very popular, especially in California, where we actually have beaches and nice weather. This theme has a wide variety of costume options: you can get a lei, you can get one of those hilariously ugly Hawaiian shirts, you can get a hula skirt (but you have to go the full mile and get a coconut bra too), you could dress as a fish, or you could just be lazy and wear a bathing suit. If you live in California, you have no excuse for not having something tropical. I hope you get lei’d!

3. Animal

That’s right, every girl’s favorite last-minute costume! At some point in college you are going to have to dress up for jungles, zoos, or a misunderstood version of "Animal House," so it’s definitely crucial to have some animal ears, an animal hat, or a t-shirt if you’re lazy.

4. Nautical

Much like the previously mentioned tropical party, this is a very common theme that can easily be dressed for. You’ve got a captain’s hat? Perfect! A pirate costume? Even better, matey! A striped shirt? Well, I guess that’ll do.

5. Neon

Whether it’s for a rave, a highlighter party, Tight and Bright, or just general bright shenanigans, you’d better make sure to have something fun to wear under a black light.

6. Decades

Decade-themed parties are all the rage in college, because our generation just loves nostalgia (#likethisifyourea90skid #only90skidsrememberthe90s). Definitely have a flannel ready for any 90s party (this can also double as a swell lumberjack costume), some leg-warmers and regret for 80s parties, some hippie gear for the 70s, and a swell Gatsby getup for any 20s parties you might encounter. I hope you have a totally dank time, old sport!

7. A onesie

Duh, it’s college. It’s an essential.

8. Cowboy

There’s a big different between west coast and western, and sometimes, you’ve got to dress like you’re coming straight from the ranch. Grab your flannel from the 90s party (if you’re lazy) and add some boots and a hat if you’re feeling extra western. Let’s look at the bright side: you can wear it to Stagecoach when you’re all done.

9. Disney

Whether it’s dirty Disney or straight-outta-Anaheim Disney, there’s no question that we all love to embrace our childhood. Watch your favorite Disney movies and get to work. You could go the lame route and be a princess or one of the animals, but this is a huge opportunity to be creative. Who wouldn’t want to party with Timon and Pumbaa? Hakuna matata indeed.

10. Corporate gear

This one fulfills three requirements. First, it works perfectly for one of those CEOS and Corporate… ahem, Women parties that have been all the rage these days. Second, you can put on your best Don Draper or Joan Holloway gear and wear it to a "Mad Men" or TV-themed event. And finally, you can wear it after you graduate and enter the dread-inducing real world. After all, you’re not going to be wearing your onesie to work, right? Unless you are, in which case, please let me know where you are employed and how quickly I can get an interview.