As you begin your freshman year of college, there are many things you’ll need in order to survive your first year. You’ll need to bring sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, school supplies, textbooks, etc. While you may think you have everything you will need, below are a few items that will certainly come in handy:

1. Foam mattress topper

This is a must have. Those dorm mattresses are not comfortable at all, so putting the foam topper on will make your bed much more comfortable.

2. Bag chairs

Dorm rooms are small, so there isn’t a lot of chair space. Bag chairs are perfect when you’re having company since they fold up easily or throw under your bed for storage.

3. Drying rack

The dorm dryers seem to shrink your clothes even on delicate. Drying racks make it a lot easier to dry the clothes that can’t go into the dryer. Most fold up for easy storage, so they only take up space when they are being used!

4. Storage ottoman

These are not only extra seats, but a great storage place for small items. I tend to keep my printer paper, print cartridges and magazines in mine.

5. Over the door hooks

These are great since most dorm closets are small. You’ll need extra hooks to hang anything from sweatshirts and coats to bath towels and robes.

6. Command hooks

These are a must in the bathroom, especially if you live in a suite style room. They give you more space for hanging towels by the sink and your clothes or towels in the bathroom when taking a shower.

7. Plastic storage drawers

Storage drawers are great and they come in many different sizes. It’s a good idea to purchase these after you have set up your room, so you will know which size will fit in your room. They can be kept under your bed, in your closet or even in the bathroom. They can be used as extra storage for clothes, a bedside table, to keep your food fresh, or toiletries.

8. Power strips

While dorm rooms tend to have a decent amount of plugs, you still have to share these plugs with your roommate. Power strips don’t take up a lot of space and give you extra plugs. I personally like using the swivel power strips.

9. First aid kit

Most first aid kits include band aids and bandages, but you may also need a thermometer, ibuprofen and throat lozenges. Unfortunately, everyone ends up getting sick in college. Just like preschools, dorms are also Petri dishes! Hopefully you won’t need it, but at least you’ll have it if you do.

10. Fabric shelf hanger

These are great for keeping sweatshirts, toiletries and accessories in your closet. Keep them in the corner of your closet for easy access and to save space!

11. A vacuum

You may think you won’t need a vacuum, but after a few weeks, the amount of crumbs and hair that will collect on the floor is actually disturbing. Talk it over with your roommate(s) and be sure to have at least one person bring one!