I remember at this time last year, I was finishing up shopping for my first year of college. I was living on campus, so I needed so many things. Of course, I bought basics such as my comforter, sheets and laptop. But there were so many things that I needed, that I actually did not even think of until I entered my dorm room. So here it is: the real freshman fifteen.

1. Full length mirror

I know it sounds sort of silly, but I could not LIVE without my full length mirror. Mine was especially cool because I bought one that hung over the door. I popped it over my bathroom door and looked in it for almost everything. I did my makeup in this mirror, and also made sure I looked decent before leaving the room. I feel this is crucial for every girl to have, but it could be crucial for guys too. Almost every store sells the full length mirror that hangs over the door, but I got mine from Target for about $15.

2. Power strips

To clarify, yes I knew I needed extension cords, but I completely forgot about power strips. I had these things everywhere. I had one by my desk where I plugged in my fridge, coffee pot, microwave, lamp and printer. I also had one by my sink so I could plug in my hair tools. I had one by my TV so I could plug in my TV, DVD player, and game systems. These made having many electronic devices within a small space so easy. I got multiple two-packs from Walmart for about $7.

3. Lap desk

I actually hate sitting at my desk to do my work. I would much rather sit in my bed and get stuff done. That's where the lap desk comes in. I used mine so much. I used it to do work in my bed, to eat in bed, and to do work on the floor. I got mine from Walmart for about $15.

4. Fan

I never realized how hot a dorm room can get. Especially if you are like me and forget to turn your AC on before you leave for class. So I made sure I got a small fan to circulate the air and to cool it down when I forgot to turn the AC on. They also have ones that can clip onto your desk, or really anywhere. I saw one of those at Walmart for about $8.

5. Brita filter pitcher or water bottle

I usually do not drink a lot of water, but I was tired of living on coffee and 12 packs of coke. After my first semester, I went and bought a Brita water bottle. I love it. I am not one to drink water out of the sink, but I do not mind it when I use this. I also noticed that many people I visited had a Brita pitcher in their fridge. Although these products are not cheap, I think that they are amazing, and an absolute necessity if you plan on staying healthy in college. I got my water bottle from Walmart for $13.

6. Throw blankets

I did not have to purchase these considering I have about 10, but I did forget to bring them to my dorm. As soon as I had the chance to go home, I brought them with me. You never know when you'll end up sleeping at your friends dorm or, in my case, the Sorority house, so having a throw blanket just in case is important. Prices for throw blankets can range from $10-$40 so just get one that'll work for you.

7. Tide-to-go pen

I honestly have yet to buy one of these, but I have actually had to borrow one from people before because I drop stuff on myself constantly. You'd think I would learn. I still need to get one myself, but this thing is important. You can keep it in your room or throw it in your backpack so you don't walk around with toothpaste on your shirt all day (guilty). They are literally $3 at Walmart, so I really don't have an excuse as to why I don't have one yet.

8. Bluetooth speaker

I used this way more than I thought I would. I actually received mine as a gift from my dad. I brought it everywhere. I used it to listen to music in the shower, in my dorm and in my Sorority house. And even when I am home, I use it everywhere. I absolutely love it. I have the Bose Soundlink in white, and my dad got it from Target for $130. I know it seems expensive, but it is so worth it and it'll last you a long time.

9. An extra phone charger

It took me a while to realize that I actually do need more than one phone charger. I went home a lot because I only lived about 45 minutes from campus, and I was constantly leaving my charger everywhere. It took me until December to finally realize that I needed to buy a charger to keep at my dorm and one to travel with. Because phone charger prices vary, I cannot tell you how much your charger will cost.

10. Planner

I cannot do anything unless I have a planner. I carry my planner to class every single day. My whole life goes into the planner. You can honestly get whatever planner works for you. I bought the Lilly Pulitzer planner in the large size for the upcoming school year, which cost me about $30, but what kind of planner you get is up to you.

11. Stapler

Having a stapler in your room or in your backpack will make you a superhero. I will never forget the day when some guy came and knocked on my door in search of a stapler. Me being the prepared person I am, had one and saved his life. Well that's a little dramatic, but it saved him a trip to the library. I bought a really nice one for my future classroom from Walmart for $12, but any stapler will do.

12. Three hole punch

I like to put all my papers in a binder, so this was a necessity for me. A lot of my classes gave us tons of hand out and notes, and I put them all in my binder. Instead of waiting in line at the library to punch holes in my papers, I bought my own three hole punch for my room. I got mine from Target for about $10.

13. Wall flowers (air fresheners)

I absolutely loved using these in my room. I plugged them in all over my room, and it made the nasty dorm smell fresh as a daisy. I got mine from Bath and Body Works, and they were a tad expensive. I kind of wish I would have just bought the cheap ones from Walmart for $8 or so.

14. Under the bed shoe organizer

I personally have too many shoes for this to work, but I have seen it work for many people. Putting the shoes in the organizer and under your bed will save you a lot of space. Walmart has some for about $10.

15. Bedside caddy

Having a bedside caddy is so helpful. I usually keep a book, my Kindle, my remotes and my phone in it when I go to sleep. It is super helpful and looks so cute on the side of your bed. I got mine from Walmart for about $6.

I know that these items helped me get through school, but I had to figure it out on my own. I wish I had an article like this telling me that I would need these things. But now I know, and so do you.

P.S. the Freshman 15 is so real. Avoid it as much as you can.