Last week, I wrote about six items that are relatively unnecessary in the typical college dorm, but this week I'm going to mention six things that are usually needed. Keep in mind that every dorm is different, so this might not entirely apply to all people, but from experience I've found these things to be true.

1. Blankets

Blankets are always a necessity, especially if you live somewhere that gets cold. Whenever it's cold, it's always nice to be able to layer your bed up to keep you warm. However, I typically end up carrying blankets around during exam week to make camping out in the library a little more comfortable or simply to keep me warmer while I'm relaxing around the dorm.

2. Food

You can ask anyone who knows me, I love food. Food is essential to living in a dorm room. If you're like me, then you'll keep a happy balance of macaroni and cheese and healthy snacks. But no matter what the time, it's always helpful to have food ready to eat.

3. Storage Bins

Storage is vital to living in such a small area for four years. I keep boxes under my bed and bins in my closet for extra space. Having bed risers helps to create even more space under your bed to store big items like vacuums or multiple storage bins.

4. Headphones

Headphones help me when I'm trying to focus on studying or simply trying to tune out the rest of the world. It's especially helpful if you have a roommate who you don't exactly click with. Then, you're able to escape into your own little musical world while they go about their business.

5. Movies

I've found that keeping a good stock of movies is extremely helpful when it's movie night. Often times, my friends and I will randomly decide to have a movie night when we have a free evening and it's always useful to have a large variety available to you that might not be on Netflix.

6. Your Most Comfortable Clothes

When I first got to college, I decided to leave a few of my favorite clothes at home for when I returned on breaks, but I soon learned that keeping your most used clothes with you is the best idea. Comfy clothes just help to make your life much happier when you're stuck inside all day doing seemingly pointless or tedious work.

7. A Laptop

Laptops are pretty essential to college life nowadays. I have yet to have a professor who doesn't assign homework online. Admittedly, you can survive college without a laptop, but having to trek to the library or wherever there's a public computer is a lot more difficult than it really needs to be.

8. Printer

Ok, this one isn't really essential, but, like the laptop, it is helpful. I know people with printers and it saves you the worry of public printers running out of paper or ink, and saves the walk over to them too. A roommate of mine who had one would often print her papers 10 minutes before class on her own printer and be completely set. Meanwhile, I'd be dashing to the library before class to try to print it.

9. Coffee/Coffee Makers

If you're like me and you can't go a single day without a cup of coffee, then you definitely need to bring a coffee maker. As much as I love buying coffee around campus, it gets to be expensive as the semester goes on. Instead, it's a lot easier to make your own cup before going to class to help save money.

10. Storage Boxes

Various size and shaped storage bins are extremely helpful for living in a tiny dorm. The space under your bed can be filled with these to help increase closet space. I have about 7 boxes under my bed currently holding shirts, sweaters, food, and a variety of other items. The boxes also come in handy at the end of the year when you are stuck packing everything up.

11. Lighting

Extra/different lighting is definitely helpful for the dorm because it can help give the room a more home-y feel. Most dorms are lit by fluorescent light bulbs, but those don't always give enough light. I enjoy decorating the place with string lights that can be left on when you need to do something, but your roommate is asleep.

These are just a few of my discoveries over the past couple of years. College is a stressful time, but it's also full of exciting and happy times as well. It's usually best to have comfort during the difficult times. I hope that everyone finds these notes useful! Have a happy college life!