Ready to spend the next year living with a stranger in a tiny little space? While this experience can be rather stressful, you might wind up having a blast—or, at the very least, you won’t hate it. At any rate, you can make the most of your experience by making sure you have the right things for your dorm room.

Here’s the cardinal rule of dorm room shopping: think less and think functional! Even if you’re lucky enough to have scored a larger dorm room, you simply won’t have the space to fit everything you desire. Therefore, what you do bring should be as practical and functional as possible.

Here’s a list of dorm room essentials that will make your life easier.

Stuff for Your Bed

Here’s an important note: many dorm room beds are longer than standard twin beds, so find out what size sheet you need before school starts. Bring at least two pairs of sheets so that if one is dirty, you have a spare. In addition, bring enough blankets to keep you warm—one thin one and one thick one will generally do the trick. And don’t forget pillows. One useful purchase is a large reading pillow, which can double as a comfortable place for you or guests to sit.

Stuff for the Shower

One of the most important purchases you’ll make: cheap flip-flops that you can wear in the shower. You don’t have to be a hygiene freak to be worried about what’s on those shower floors. Also, you’ll want a modest bathrobe, since you’ll be walking from your dorm room to the shower. Try to get one with big pockets to carry your keys. And speaking of carrying stuff, make sure you have a small basket with a handle to carry your soap and shampoo and stuff to the shower.

Of course, towels are important as well. Three is probably a good number to have, along with a bunch of washcloths and maybe a hand towel. It goes without saying that you’ll need soap, deodorant, and whatever else you need to make yourself clean and non-stinky—but if you’re smart enough to go to college, you already know that.

Stuff for Storage

Maximize the space you have with some basic storage stuff. Along with hangers, bring some basic things to organize the closet. You don’t have to spend money on all kinds of trendy closet gadgets, but bring some basic plastic totes or other stackable items. Shoe racks are inexpensive and can save you space. And you can put up a hook or two—as long as you use the kind that’s easily removable at the end of the year.

You can also use your bed for creative storage. Under the bed is always a useful place to put things you need but don’t use too often, like sweaters during the warmer months. Also, discount stores sometimes sell “bed pockets,” which are these funky totes you can stick on the end of your bed. They’re great for storing things like remote controls, loose school supplies, makeup, and anything else that tends to wind up as clutter.

Stuff to Decorate

Love to decorate? Repeat the following mantra, “This is just a dorm room!” Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your room look nice, as you do want a comfortable place to retreat from campus. However, there’s absolutely no reason to turn this into a major project. You don’t have the time or money, and you’re moving out in less than a year.

Think simple and colorful. Most dorms come with ultra-white walls and look very institutional, so throwing down a few colorful items can make a difference. An area rug does wonders for a room—but be careful not to overspend, as the rug will get lots of traffic in your little. Throw pillows are another colorful and inexpensive way to add color to a space fast. And photos are perfect for adding color and combating homesickness.

Of course, there’s always the walls. The typical college dorm room has a bunch of posters slapped on the walls with some sticky material (use the kind that comes off). There’s nothing wrong with this, although you may want to avoid more cliché poster choices (hint: if it contains beer , Belushi, or scantily clad girls, it’s cliché). For a slightly more professional and homey touch, hang a framed picture on the walls. No, don’t spend a fortune—but keep in mind that framed pictures can be used again, unlike posters, so a few dollars spent here may be worth it.

Dorm Fridge

For most students, this is an essential too. Even if you don’t use it often, it’s nice to have a carton of milk or some Chinese leftovers after a long day of classes. If you’re low on space, get a small one. Again, don’t spend a fortune, but you’ll be able to use a decent fridge for years, so getting a hallway decent one is a good idea.

Remember, this isn’t your first apartment, so focus on bringing what you need and only what you need. Enjoy your new dorm room!

Naomi Rockler-Gladen is a featured writer for Xomba.com. Read the rest of her work here .