After a year of college, I have learned that there are just some things that are essential to making the most out of the college experience. With college coming up in just a few short weeks, here is a list of what you might want to consider adding to your packing list. For incoming freshman, I suggest really taking a look at this. If you don't get these, may the odds of survival be ever in your favor.

1. Febreze

Dorm rooms can get really stuffy really fast. Sleeping, eating, you do almost everything in your room and you may go nose blind to the stench of your room.

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2. Plug-In Room Scents

This is an easier way to prevent a stinky dorm room. Pick a scent you want, plug it in, and voila! This should be a supplement to Febreze though. You never know when you'll have to spray on demand.

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3. LED Candles

Candles aren't allowed, for obvious reasons, but who's to stop you from getting flameless ones? Sometimes it's nice to just relax after a long day in class, turn on a candles, open the laptop, and watch some Netflix. This is the ultimate homey accessory.

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4. String Lights

I'm sure you've created a Pin Board just for college, and I'm sure that most of the Pins contain string lights. They're a great (and cheap) investment into making your room comfy and cozy. You'll appreciate having them in the evening, especially when it's winter. The good thing about these is that you can find them anywhere.

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5. Lamps

I didn't have this one my freshman year and really wish I did. The lights in the dorm are not the easiest on the eyes and are incredibly bright.

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6. Fans

Not kidding on this one. Even if you go to school in Canada, you need fans. They provide two important things. 1. Circulation for your stuffy room. 2. They keep you cool in your non-AC and superheated dorm. When you move-in, the first few days are hot, hot, hot. And in winter, the heat gets jacked up. A table fan is great but definitely invest in a window fan. Makes a huge difference.

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7. Table Mirror

If a table mirror or a wall mirror, it doesn't really make too much of a difference. But most dorms only come with one, or some none, so for easy hair styling and makeup application, your mirror is your best friend. Some people get the table mirrors with the lights, which I hear are very helpful.

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8. Extra Blanket

It may seem odd from what I just mentioned about the fans, and this is more of a choice than essential. It's nice to take a nap in the day and not undo you're (supposedly) made bed. It's also nice to have as an accessory at the end of your bed too.

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9. Slippers

Again, more of a personal preference, but it makes all the difference of feeling settled and at home (or dorm I guess). When you walk over to your friend's room down the hall, grab your slippers!

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10. Flip Flops

Okay this is different and very important. Don't wear your slippers to the bathroom, because they'll get ruined. Bring shower flip flops. I think it's a rule too so just bring some flip flops. You can buy flip flops anywhere. Bring your cute summer ones from this season!

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11. Bathrobe

This will be really helpful when going too and from the shower. Instead of changing in the shower and getting all your clothes wet, invest in a bathrobe or bath wrap. I have a bathrobe with pockets which makes it helpful to store my keys.

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12. Trash Can

This one seems obvious but a lot of people forget to bring a trash can. You need one. It's surprising how the amount of trash builds up in a day. If you bring a trash can, bring the mini trash bags, or use grocery bags inside. I just took the trash can from my bedroom at home and replaced the one at home.

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13. Extra Pillows

Now I know this will get people excited but before that happens let me explain. You want pillows because your's serves as a bed as well as a couch, so to speak. You want pillows for that and so that it looks nice. Don't go overboard with them because the room is small and the bed is small. I have two sleeping pillows, one long back pillow, and one small decorative pillow. I personally took my sleeping pillow from home and bought a long pillow. The additional pillow came with my bedding set.

Buy a long pillow for yourself on Amazon.

14. Swiffer

I didn't have this last year, but boy I wish I did. The room can get pretty dirty and there's no one to clean it for you. Invest in a Swiffer if you don't want to live in a heap of dirt, trust me, you don't. If you have carpet in your dorm, you don't this (but see #15).

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15. Vacuum

Along the lines of cleanliness, this one is a good idea too. I did have the hand help one last year and worked really well for cleaning up hair and food crumbs off the floor.

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16. Shorts

Okay, this goes back to the fans and how hot the room can get. September through May, I only sleep in shorts. It's pretty warm. You don't need to necessarily go out and buy shorts, but just make sure you bring your PJ shorts and your workout shorts. Both work great for staying cool at night.

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17. At least Two Towels

So for towels, bring at least two bath towels for showering. Keep one hanging or folded in your closet and then when you need to wash your towel, swap them out. Then, based on personal preference, bring your face towels or other towels you use. Plus, you can match your towel and room themes!

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18. Fabric Softener Pods

At least on my campus, we aren't allowed to use dryer sheets because they caught. Some people still use it (and they break so you can't do your laundry). Don't be that person. Fabric softener pods are really useful. You just pop one in the washer, and when the load is done, throw the pre-softened clothes in the dryer. Simple!

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19. Ottoman

I'm assuming we all know what an Ottoman is because of Monica in Friends. Otherwise a better way to describe this a footstool. Let's be honest here. Chances are that you are more than likely going to loft your bed. And you should, to create more space. But high heights come with high troubles (I sound like an advertisement). Voila, the footstool. The one with extra storage is nice because it has three uses. Footstool, storage, and a place for visitors to sit.

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20. Anti-Bacterial Wipes

This one may seem obvious to some, but for those who didn't think about these babies, here you go. Rooms can get dusty. A clean room is the key to surviving college. Oh and yeah your classes too.

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