iMag Slide Show

It's that time of year again; the hot, summer days will soon give way to the crispness of fall and quietly, everyone is getting back to business. But for those of you entering or returning to college, exciting times lay ahead. Of course, you've probably purchased your linens, school supplies and clothing, but when it comes to dorm rooms, there are a few things you may have forgotten about. So whether you've already made the initial trek, or you haven't yet packed up the car, we've got your last minute checklist.  

While some of you have been doing your own laundry since we could reasonably operate household machinery, some of you wouldn't know bleach from fabric softener. Whatever the case may be, the likelihood is you'll be doing it all on your own. From separating colors and whites, to making sure you choose the right temperature (whites = hot water, colors ALWAYS cold!), you'll want clean clothes for your college career. After all, your style makes a statement about you, and you'll want to make a good first impression!

A. Mini-ironing board
No, you don't have to bring your mom's ironing board, a smaller one will do. You can easily store this in your closet, under your bed or in a slim corner and take it out when you're wearing anything that easily wrinkles.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $9.99

B. Iron 
This iron is safe and easy to use in dorm rooms. It turns off after 30 seconds on its side or 15 minute sitting upright if unmoved, and it also includes an indicator that will let you know when it's safe to put away. Its retractable cord makes for easy storage.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $29.99

C. Drying Rack
There are going to be some items you CANNOT put in the dryer, or they will be ruined! This includes wool, silk, bras and certain nylons and polyesters. Therefore, you'll need a way to air dry them. A drying rack is another item that can be easily stored and taken out on laundry day.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $19.99

D. Hamper
And of course, you'll need a place to store all of your dirty laundry! These collapsible hampers are perfect for storing massive amounts of clothes, and can easily be carried to the laundry room!
target.com, $9.99

Storing all of your stuff in a college dorm room is no easy task! Many of you are coming from far away, or entering a different climate and have clothes for three different seasons! But with limited closet and drawer space, it's hard to know where to put all of those sweaters and/or swim suits. We've got you covered.

A. Shoes
Instead of that heaping pile of footwear that could end up at the bottom of your closet, an over-the-door shoe rack is the perfect solution. Your shoes won't get ruined underneath book bags and boxes, and you'll be saving floor space for other items.
containerstore.com, $19.99

B. Stacking Drawers
Great as a bedside table or extra closet storage, these stackable drawers can fit nicely into a dorm room.
target.com, $34.99

C. Wide Under Bed Drawer
Don't discount the space under you bed! This wide drawer can help you store off-season clothing. For even MORE space underneath your bed, consider purchasing bed-risers!
containerstore.com, $21.99

D. Stackable Under Bed Drawer
With more depth, these drawers can store bulkier items
containerstore.com, $21.99 each

Forget colors, fabrics and décor, lighting is what can make or break a room. Often overlooked, lighting can change the feel of a room instantly, and with college dorm rooms, this is very important! Usually dorm rooms come equipped with one fluorescent overhead that makes you feel like you're in a jail cell instead of a bedroom. So make sure you add ambient light to create a cozy and comfortable feel!

A. Floor Lamp
Every dorm room should have at least one floor lamp. We love this five-light lamp because you can point each bulb in a different direction to maximize light. Plus, it certainly adds an interesting focal point to the room!
bedbathandbeyond.com, $34.99

B. Colorful Table Lamp
This damask table lamp adds the perfect accent to a room and provides warm light for reading or working. It comes in many different colors and designs.
target.com, $16.99

C. Table Lamp
For a more toned down look, go for a more neutral color. This will be more versatile with your roommate's décor, and you'll probably get more use out of it in the future.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $19.99

D. Book Lamp
Don't overlook this key item! There will be many nights when your roommate will want to get some shut eye before you need to shut the books! This clip-on light provides limited light where it counts, so you can get late night studying done and your roommate can sleep soundly!
bedbathandbeyond.com, $19.99

E. Desk Lamp
While many college desks come with (yet again) a fluorescent light attached, turning that on won't do you any good as you try to stay calm for that mid-term. We suggest a proper desk lamp that provides the right amount of light without making your pupils dilate.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $9.99

Don't forget the little things! From extension cords and sticky tape to money savers like a Brita filter, there are many smaller items that you don't think about until you are all unpacked and in need of them!

A. Extension Cord
Most college dorms lack ample outlets; there are usually two: one for you and one for your roommate. This makes it difficult to use electronic devices throughout the room – and that's where the extension cord comes in! You should definitely bring a couple as you'll never know where you'll need to plug something in.
bedbathandbeyond.com, $4.99

B. Adhesive Putty
Many dorms are either made of cinderblock, which prevents you from hanging art traditionally, or they won't allow you to put holes in the wall. Make sure you bring removable putty that is strong enough to keep art up on the wall, but won't ruin the wall (or the art) when you take it down at the end of the school year.
staples.com, $2.49

C. Surge Protector
Back to the point of there being few outlets, a surge protector is important so you'll be able to plug more items in SAFELY. Between your computer, printer, lights, microfridge, various chargers and whatever else, you'll definitely need a surge protector to accommodate all of your electronics!
bedbathandbeyond.com, $19.99

D. Brita Filter
Rather than buying a huge, heavy pack of bottled water, why not just get a water filter? It will save you a lot of money as well as all the energy it will take to schlep a family pack of bottled water back from the grocery store every few weeks!
target.com, $26.99

For more decorating tips, go to the At Home section. Good luck!