It’s that time of year again: back to school. More specifically, it’s move in time for any college student. Whether you have already moved into your new dorm room or you’ll be moving in soon, here is guide to make sure you have everything you could possibly need for a great year. Even if you are not a freshman moving in for the first time, it is always a good idea to have a list and check it twice. You never know what new items you’ll want in reach.

The Room

The best way to have the most fun all year long is to have the best room to hang out in. From the comfort of your bed and extra seating to the decoration on the walls, making the space you have to use your own is very important. Here are a few ideas for you:

• Mini-fridge – if your school allows it definitely get one! You might not always be in the mood to run out during the day or night for a drink or a quick snack. This is the perfect way to avoid walking to a deli or your on-campus eatery.
• Mattress Pad – don’t underestimate the power of a mattress pad. School bedding isn’t quite like your bed at home. However, you can make it seem like it is by getting a thick, cushy padding. Be cautious though, you don’t want to make your bed too comfy or getting up for class will be more difficult than you already imagine.
• Blanket(s) – sometimes you just want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket to do your Netflix binging. Be sure to have at least one tucked away somewhere, and maybe an extra for a friend to binge with you.
• Posters/Wall Decals – white walls are so boring. Why not add a little of your own style? If you can’t paint your walls, the next best thing is to add a few posters or even some wall decals. A picture of a beautiful beach next to your favorite quote is the perfect way to make the room feel like home. Don’t forget some pictures of you and your closest friends!
• Extra Seating – if you are lucky enough to have extra space in your dorm room, think about getting a big comfy chair for friends. You’ll be thankful for it on those movie or game nights in the room when everyone isn’t crammed on your bed.

The Closet

The clothes you bring mostly depend on where you go to school. If it’s summer all the time, you certainly don’t need a heavy winter coat. On the opposite side, if you go to a school where winter will be a factor, short and that cute tank are not going to be priority. My advice, pack for each semester and take a little of everything. This advice is especially good to those of you at schools where the seasons change. Pack a little comfy, a little sporty, a little chic, and a little fun.

• Jackets – unless you are the ultimate fashionista, one or two will do. A winter coat and a lighter jacket for those chillier or rainy days should be enough to carry you through one semester. While you are home on Winter break, grab another one if you feel it is necessary. Remember, you only have so much space for so many clothes.
• Sweatpants – even if you think you are going to dress for class every day, you might change your mind. Sometimes it is just one of those days where sweatpants and a sweatshirt is good enough. Not to mention those Netflix binge days are way better in sweats!
• “Fancy” Clothes – whether you want to head out for a night on the town with friends or you want to go on any job/internship interviews, it is a good idea to have a few extra pieces in your wardrobe for those special occasions.
• Sports Wear – don’t forget to pack those cute gym clothes you bought. Maybe you’ll finally start that gym routine you have always wanted. Or they can just be for future inspiration.
• Shoes – this is another item where you want a little bit of everything. A pair of sneakers, some winter shoes and those shoes you wear for special outings should cover just about everything. However, a pair of slippers and shower shoes are always a good idea too.
• Accessories – for all the ladies out there, what you add to the clothes is just as important as the clothes themselves. Don’t forget a few pieces like earrings, necklaces and rings to spruce up a seemingly boring outfit.

The Tech

Let’s be honest, you are not always going to be studying. Sometimes you just want to chill. However, even your gadgets can help your study habits. Don’t forget anything!

• Laptop – whether you need it for a 10-page paper or an all-day Netflix marathon, you need your laptop!
• TV – sometimes you need a bigger screen than a laptop for movie nights with friends, especially since the dorms have cable. Anyone up for a Disney Channel Original Movie Marathon?
• Speaker – the best type of speaker would be a portable one so you can have music wherever you go. Music is a great way to focus while studying or add a little atmosphere to your room. Pus, late night dance parties are always fun. Just don’t wake the RAs!
• Chargers – the only way you’ll be able to use all this tech is if have the ability to keep everything working and charged to full battery.

The Others

Even with all the fun you have planned, there are still a few other things you’ll need for a smooth year.

• Laundry Needs – you are not at home with the parents anymore, which means you’ll be doing your own laundry. You’ll need a laundry bag, detergent and dryer sheets. However, if you aren’t a wrinkles person I would suggest a small iron or wrinkle spray. Sometimes the easier way to bring detergent is to use a pod form. Saves space, and you’ll know exactly how much to put in with each load.
• School Supplies – it is school after all, so don’t forget all your classroom and study needs. Pens, pencils, notebooks, flashcards and highlighters are all necessary. I would also suggest a stapler since you will have to hand in papers already stapled, and there may not be one in the classroom.
• Anything Else to Feel Like Home – anything that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed would be a great idea to have with you. Whether or not you have a tendency to get home sick, you still might have those days where you want that special something that makes you happy.

This is not an in-depth, full proof checklist for all your college needs. It is just a list of things you might overlook or initially think unnecessary There might be things not on this list that you think you’ll need, or there are items you could do without.

My general advice would be to take anything you think you will need initially. That way if you change your mind, your parents can just take it home with them. It is a lot easier to bring something you don’t need than to find a way to ship something you forgot. So take a look around your bedroom and think, is there anything else here that I might want there? Here’s to making this school year a great one!