Upon entering college, I was overwhelmed by the long lists of dorm room essentials that Pinterest said I needed. Trying to be the most responsible college student, I created vision boards with lists upon lists that I never actually read, because honestly, I was mostly interested on how to hang twinkle lights and picture collages. Though my parents made sure I had everything I needed for the school year, there are five items I intend to keep in my dorm every single year of college. Though this is not the stereotypical list of college “must-haves”, they add a touch of home often forgotten in the crazy world of college.

1. My Mexican Swap-Meet Blanket

For anyone who does not know what exactly these masterpieces are, trust me when I say they are the warmest, fluffiest, most fantastic blankets in existence. They have crazy animal murals that may not match your wall décor, but what really matches two dolphins swimming through a sea of stars in the light of a full moon? Though one might not need a heavy blanket in sunny Southern California, this is a nostalgic reminder of home that I can crawl under after a long day of class. When you can never really escape school, it is nice to have a little reminder of home.

2. Nine Reusable Water Bottles

As a college student, I do not have the time nor the money to keep a case of water in my room. Honestly though, if you try to refill only one, you might just end up dehydrated since water fountains are few and far between. So for the sake of your health, refill a few of your favorite water bottles with your personalized stickers to stay hydrated.

3. Water Warmer Kettle

An item that has one sole purpose of heating water may not seem that important, but water boiled in a fantastic water heater tastes so much better than water heated in a microwave. The diversity of warm water expands beyond the obvious cup of warm H₂O. With it I can have an instant cup of tea, a bowl of Ramen, or a warm face mask. From instant oatmeal to mac and cheese, a cup of hot water goes a long way.

4. The Harry Potter Series

For all the book lovers out there, trust me, your favorite books are completely necessary on your bedside table. Those special books that never get old no matter how many times you have ready them. Those amazing books that take you out of a day of stress to a school of magic or a western frontier, depending on whatever you are into. Trust me, reading on a digital device is not the same.

5. The Work-Out Videos I Never Use...

Even though they might be a bit dusty, their presence alone reminds me I should probably not order ten pounds of gummy bears online. Perhaps one day I will pull them out and actually use them, but for now, they rest on my desk reminding me to put down the jar of peanut butter.