As someone who has lived in Wichita State's dorms, I'm excited to share my list of items to consider to make your room as comfortable as possible! Here is what I have found to be the most useful:

1. Mattress pad
I have no idea what I would have done without my mattress pad. They add that little extra cushion that can make a huge difference in how you sleep. Both my roommate and I bought really nice ones on sale, so keep an eye out for those!

2. Over the door hooks/shoe holders/mirrors
Storage is huge in dorm rooms. I like to save space in my closet and drawers by hanging some of my stuff. But be careful since sometimes the hook can be too thick for the door to close!

3. Surge protector extension cords
You’ll be amazed how many items need to have an outlet: your mini fridge, your chargers, lamps, fans, etc. And you never want to have to play Tetris with your outlets. Bring extension cords with surge protectors so you never run out of outlet options.

4. Comfort items
College can be stressful, and sometimes, you need to have something that reminds you of home and eases your worries. Extra pillows and blankets are always a great addition. And anyone who says they don’t have a stuffed animal is lying.

5. Laundry basket with wheels
Although I had a laundry basket, mine did not have wheels. I figured I was close enough to the laundry room that I did not truly need it. However, seeing other people roll their laundry down the hall and not have to figure out how to open the door while holding their soap and laundry basket made me very jealous. You can even use it for taking lots of groceries up to your room or taking things down to your car when you go home for a weekend.

6. Under-the-bed storage with a bed skirt!
As I said, storage is huge in a dorm room. Having some form of under-bed storage is great for packing away your winter clothes so they don’t take up room in your closet, as well as other items that you don’t use daily. And if you prefer not to see all of your stuff under the bed, you can also buy an extra long bed skirt.

7. 10-foot phone charger
When you’re lying in bed, you do not want to get up to find your phone charger, and the outlet is never right there. Buy an extra-long phone charger so you never have to search for it in the dark.

8. Umbrella
Or really anything that helps on rainy days: rain jackets, rain boots, or umbrellas are all great. Sitting in class looking like you’ve been through a car wash is never fun.

9. Cleaning supplies
You don’t have to clean every day, but it's nice to clean every week or so to keep your space fresh and smelling good. It is also great to help reset for the week ahead. You’ll want something to clean with when you inevitably spill your coffee or energy drink.

10. Blackout curtains
We’re college students: we sleep in, and we take naps. You are going to want some blackout curtains for when the sun starts shining, and you need a few more minutes of sleep.

Getting ready for your own campus living journey? Check out the Move-In Day guide from Housing & Residence Life to know when and where to go, and what to bring!