In just a scant two or three weeks, students across the country will be packing up and heading to the opportunity of a lifetime: college!

The challenge: fit nine months worth of clothes, decor, entertainment and (of course!) study aids into a tiny room (the average size for a dorm with two beds is 12×19 feet), and many will share that space with a roommate.

As part of their off-to-college shopping frenzy, freshman spend quite a bit of time and money decorating their dorm rooms. It’s part of the post-high-school makeover process, and how coeds outfit their personal space will speak volumes about who they are and where they want to go. My 17-year-old stepkids, who are twins, head off to different colleges this year. Our boy is going out of state and lucked out with a single dorm in a brand new building right in the middle of campus. He’s after the ultimate bachelor pad (oh dear). Our girl is staying closer to home and will live in a circa-1970s dorm with a roommate. We’re going to have to work extra hard to transform that cinder block room into a palace!

No matter what your dorm circumstances, there are a few must-haves that can make any room feel more like home. Check with your college office of residential life to see what’s allowed, and then SHOP your way to the ultimate dorm room!

Mini Fridge–Water bottles, sodas, chilled candy bars (or carrots), the mini-fridge is a must-have for the modern college student. No one wants to sip room-temperature while studying for a stressful exam!

Microwave–Not every dorm allows them, but a microwave can offer suite respite from the so-so cafeteria fare. Heat up a bag of popcorn before an in-room movie, a cup of instant cocoa or coffee for late-night study sessions, or feast on a dorm favorite: instant soup!

Desk Lamp–The glaring overhead florescent light can make any room look harsh. Soften your space with a stylish and practical desk lamp, which is also practical to have for those nights when you have a term paper due the next morning and your roommate needs some shut-eye.

Hangers–You won’t have much room to hang your clothes, so save space with huggable hangers, which can increase closet space up to 50%!

Area Rug–Cold linoleum floors just won’t cut it when you have a room full of friends who want to hang out. Soften the floor underfoot with a cushy rug.