Looking for ideas to make your dorm-bound student feel at home? Ease their transition to life on campus? We've got the essentials you need, as well as budget busters, decor tips, and ways to personalize that space.

Multi-Purpose Room

Remember all the needs this typically not-so-large space will serve:

• Study
• Sleep
• Entertaining
• Meals
• And a place to simply get away and unwind from the demands of campus 
  

This is a space that should be comfortable, fun, and reflect your student's personality.

Keep in mind there will be a roommate's preferences to accommodate, and dorm guidelines and rules to comply with. So flexibility and creativity are key.

Essentials from Home

The dorm bed is Operation Central. A good night's sleep is important. But in close quarters it's also used for sitting, studying, eating on.

• Comfortable, quality bedding is a must, starting with sheets. And the Stay Bright 250 Thread Count Sheet Set - bleach friendly, soft, yet incredibly durable - is a great choice. (A note: A quick "how-to" laundry lesson or two before leaving home is a smart idea.) The Martex Sheet Set comes in XL Twin, ideal for those extra long beds found in many dorms (you can ask ahead). And the selection of bright solids will provide a great pop of color to start off the room's decor.

• A good pillow is an important basic. The eco-friendly EcoPure Pillow is good for the environment - and even better for restful sleep. The Lauren Ralph Lauren Logo Pillow comes in three different densities to suit every sleep style.

• A soft, easy care blanket comes next. America's favorite, Vellux, can't be beat for easy care (doesn't pill, simple wash and dry), and when it comes to fleecy options the Mainstays Fleece Blanket - plushy yet lightweight - provides cozy comfort no matter the season.

• Top it all off with a comforter set that will be the room's decor focal point. Patterns, stripes, and bold colors stand up to hard use (the occasional spill or smudge) and still look good. Some of our favorites: the Hometrends Orkaisi and Hometrends Sparro Bedding sets, and IZOD's Huntington Comforter Set. All three include comforter, bedskirt, and shams - everything needed for a cost efficient, well-dressed bed. Talk about Dorm Decor 101!

Decor

Speaking of decor, this is the fun stuff - the part that will make a space uniquely your student's own. And it can be done both inexpensively and without imposing on the space.

Colorful sheets - prints and solids to compliment your choice of comforter set - can be stretched or draped on walls or over a plain headboard for an instant transformation. No sewing, cutting, or finishing required. Nails, tacks and tape are usually not allowed, but strategically placed removable plastic adhesive should do the trick. Or knot sheets from corners of shelves or headboard. Knotted from or draped over a curtain rod the same sheets are an inexpensive window dressing.

Throw pillows add individual punch to any bed. And a plush bedside throw rug will both pull together and warm up a space.

Add something extra for sitting - a bean bag chair, an inflatable. A small storage ottoman serves multiple purposes - as seating, a table, and the perfect place to keep an extra blanket or throw for wrapping up in during late night study sessions.

Store More

And storage is a prime consideration. Think "up" and "under'. It's a bit like living on a ship.

• Raise the bed if need be. Underbed storage boxes are ideal for clothing and personal supplies.
• Closet organizers (hanging shoe sorters, mesh laundry bags) and over-the-door hooks will help keep a myriad of must-haves in their place and out of the way.
• Self-adhesive removable hooks come in handy to hang hats and other light items in preferred spots.

Strategically placed colorful plastic crates are great for storage - and can be used as small tables for drinks and plates, music systems, and more.

A "laundry line" strung from here to there with a collection of bright clips can hold photographs, notes, small posters.

Make It Personal

It's the personal touches that will keep homesickness at bay (they may not want to admit it, but...) and make that stark dorm room truly special. Pack along favorite photos, a simple music system (remember space will be at a premium) and tunes. And don't forget the lighting. It makes all the difference. A bedside table lamp together with a good desk light will warm the room immensely.

Other details:

• Posters. Check.
• Alarm clock. Got it.
• Laptop. A must.
• A few plants. Worth a shot.

And voila. Home away from home.

Don't forget the following well thought out lists: 

• Desk supplies
• Laundry supplies
• Kitchen supplies
• Toiletry supplies

Down the Hall

On a final note, think about the bath. Two sets of quality bath towels - an extra for use when one is in the wash - will be worth the investment. And we recommend the IZOD 6 Piece Towel Set and the Lasting Colors Towel with Stay Bright Technology. Both are fade resistant (laundering's a breeze) - and come in a fabulous array of colors.

And remember. A handled plastic tote for toiletry storage and trips to the bathroom and showers is a must.

You're set. Use these suggestions as a guide - and your student-to-be will be ready to roll for the year ahead.