It can be overwhelming to shop for items for dorm rooms, especially as an incoming freshman. It is difficult to anticipate what kind of items residents may need. I brought way too much from home my freshman year, so here are a few dorm essentials that I recommend.

1. A laundry basket with a handle or wheels.

This may seem dorky, but a laundry basket with wheels like this one will save you tons of time and effort.

2. Small, hand-held iron.

When you accidentally leave your laundry in the dryer for a few hours, you'll thank me for this one.

3. Photos from home.

Pictures make a room more personal and sentimental.

4. Mini-vacuum.

A mini, hand-held vacuum will make cleaning up your messy dorm room quick and painless.

5. Desk lamp.

Not only can desk lamps be decorative, but when you are sharing a room with someone sometimes sleeping times may differ. Having a small lamp will help you stay up late studying in your room, minimizing the disruption it may cause your roommate.

6. Mattress pad.

Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable. Purchasing a mattress pad will help your sleep exponentially.

7. Extra hangers.

Somehow hangers always seem to disappear. Having a few extra will help minimize this problem.

8. Hanging calendar.

Placing a calendar above your desk will keep you organized and on-top of your school work.

9. Shoe-hanging rack.

This will help maximize your small dorm room and make it easier to find the pair of shoes you are looking for.

10. Water bottle.