Have you spent hours on Pinterest looking at dorm shopping lists? Have you deemed the Bed Bath and Beyond dorm checklist your holy grail? Have you figured out everything you need to take to college? Well, here is a list of the things you ACTUALLY need to bring to college for your freshman year:

1. 10ft iPhone Charger:

If you are the person that cannot leave their phone alone while they are in bed, this is for you. And lets be real, who isn't? Chances are, your bed is going to be lofted so high you will not be able to reach your phone from any outlet with a standard cord. Also, there will never be outlets placed in areas that make logical sense. I personally recommend the Insignia- 10' Lightning Charge-and Sync Cable, which is available for $27.99 at Best Buy.

2. Blackout Curtains:

In case you are not aware, college students love one thing more than anything else: sleep. So on those lazy days where you want nothing but to nap and sleep, blackout curtains will be your best friend. Blackout curtains like the Eclipse My Scene Ruffle Batiste Window Panel are both cute and effective, for only $34.99. Not a bad price to pay for sleep!

3. Cozy Rug:

For the nights where your bed is just not attainable... I mean, to keep your toes warm for those early morning classes, a cute rug is comfortable and also decorative. The Threshold Fretwork Rug comes in lots of colors so it will match your decor, and is $59.99.

4. Tapestry:

If you are slightly lacking in the decorations department, a great way to decorate a wall is by using a tapestry. Make sure to choose colors that brighten your mood or will mellow you out. My personal favorite is the Plum & Bow Medallion Tapestry from Urban Outfitters, which retails for $49! Added bonus: they are a great background for all of your Instagram needs.

5. Brita Pitcher:

Depending on where you go to college, the water can be (and most likely will be) disgusting and constantly buying water bottles can really add up. The best way to avoid dirty water and empty pockets is to invest in a Brita Filter Pitcher. The Monterey Water Purification Pitcher by Brita is only $29.99, and can hold 10 glasses of water, so you won't need to take endless trips to the sink (user tip: fill it up fully before your nights out.)

6. Power Strip:

Check your school's rules concerning power strips/extension cords before purchasing, but chances are the mere 4 electrical outlets in your room will not suffice. I recommend the Quirky Pivot Power Strip from Bed Bath and Beyond (which retails for $19.99) because it can wrap around the post of your bed, or anywhere to save space.

7. Wax Burner:

Once again, check your school's policy on this, but a wax burner is a great way to keep your room smelling fresh if candles are not allowed. There is no need for lighters or matches, but your room can still smell like Vanilla Lavender instead of dirty laundry which you have not done in two weeks- guilty, sorry about it. This cute Owl Scenterpiece Warmer from Yankee Candle is $34.99, and is both functional and decorative.

8. Ottoman:

If there is one thing that every dorm room needs more of, it's storage space. And if you loft your bed, you will probably need a way to get onto it. An ottoman can function as both a stepping stool and storage for cleaning supplies, textbooks, snacks; really, whatever you can shove into it. The Threshold Rectangular Single Storage Ottoman from Target is $69.99, and will add a cute accent to the room.

9. Futon:

A great functional piece to add to your room is a futon. It can be used as sitting space for movie nights or sleeping space for when you have friends crash in your dorm room, and trust me this will happen more often than you planned. The faux-leather Emily Futon from Target, which retails for $189.99, is a great investment because it can also be used in apartments down the road.

10. Lighting:

Last, but certainly not least, is lighting. Your dorm room will most likely only have one, maybe two windows, and a dingy overhead light, so adding lighting near your desk or any other important areas is a must. Christmas lights are always a good choice, but if you want something a little more quirky, the Hedgehog Figural Table Lamp, which retails for $49.99 from Target, is a great choice.

What is on your dorm shopping list? Have any must-haves? Share them in the comments below!