8 College Dorm Essentials

Freshmen, it's almost that time of the year. Recent high school grades are preparing for their first semester at university. For many, it is the first experience living away from home. Students leave childhood bedrooms behind. Planning and organizing the transition to dorm life can be difficult and expensive. Buy these 8 affordable items to make the transition to dorm living easier.

8. A Portable fan. This is a basic item that every dorm room should have, especially those without air conditioning. Target and Walmart offer several affordable options to keep colleges students to keep cool. Fans have come a long way! They come in bold new colors, shapes and sizes.

7. A desk lamp. Dorm room lighting is absolutely terrible. Florescent fixtures are a terrible source of light for reading and homework. Don't give students another reason not to study in their room!

6. A soft fuzzy rug. Dorms lack the warmth and comfort of hardwood and berber carpeted floors. Purchase a fun, bold area rug to create a cozy environment! Shag is making a comeback!

5. High thread count twin sheets. The thread count of bed-in-a-bag sheets is absolutely horrendous! When purchasing bedding for dorm twin beds, buy the larger XL size. Dorm beds are usually longer than the standard twin.

4. Extra seating. Dorm rooms come fitted with the bare essentials. There is no space for little Timmy's friends to sit! Be cautious when investing in a futon or chair. Use that old love seat in the basement or that recliner in the den. Avoid spending money on cheap, uncomfortable furniture.

3. Posters! Add some color to those bare walls. Hang up posters, homemade artwork, memorabilia and awards in the dorm room. Don't damage the walls with nails. Be creative.

2. A dirt devil. Busy college students rarely have time to clean. When they get the chance, they need a convenient option. A dirt devil is perfect for all the awkward spaces in small dorm rooms. Parents don't waste hard earned money on a Hoover if messy Charlie isn't going to use it.

1. Storage! Dorms lack space to store things, that's a given! Discount chains offer a variety of colorful options for parents and students. Buy closet organizers, shoe racks, and baskets for storage. Be prepared to use every inch of space.

Hopefully these tips help! Have fun decorating dorm rooms. It can be difficult and time consuming creating a functional, organized personal space. Avoid making large purchases before actually seeing the space. Be sure to bring a measuring tape when buying items.