Five things you need to know about dorm living

In the sales flyers advertising neon comforters and inflatable furniture. On the welcome signs postedin front of apartment building. In cardboard moving boxes quickly filling up in parents' homes everywhere.

College is about to commence.

For those recent high school graduates heading off for their first independent living experience, the problem of deciding exactly what to pack is compounded by the cramped space of college dormitories.

So here's a list of five must-haves, compiled from the advice of local upperclassmen, to make the freshman year of college more livable: 1.) Food, glorious food: Some newer dorms may have a shared kitchen/commons area, but most do not. For those rare times when you get tired of delivery pizza, consider bringing a small refrigerator and microwave. Believe it or not, there are cookbooks devoted entirely to microwave meals. Coffee pots and crock pots are usually allowed as well, though items with open heating elements, such as hot plates or toasters, are banned at some universities. Plastic containers for storing leftovers and snacks are helpful as well. Bring a can opener. Who doesn't love canned peaches at 2 a.m.? Keep a small set of dishes and silverware in your room, even if you eat most of your meals out.

2.) A squishy-handled laundry basket: While the most tempting solution may be taking dirty clothes home to mom for weekend washing, you'll likely end up doing your own laundry at least a few times during a semester. To make the experience of hauling clothes up and down stairs to the dorm Laundromat less of a hassle, choose a laundry basket with soft handles. Also, pack plenty of detergent, just in case mom goes on strike and laundry becomes more than an occasional chore.

3.) Fans, friendliness and ear plugs: What do those three things have in common? If you happen to be stuck in a less-than-modern dorm, you may find yourself lacking certain amenities. Like air conditioning. Southeast Missouri State University senior Dane Huxel recommends packing plenty of fans and getting friendly with your fellow dormmates on particularly hot nights, when students often camp out in an air-conditioned lobby. In case your slumber party neighbor snores, use the earplugs. Insider's tip: Most universities will allow you to install a window A.C. unit in your room if you have a doctor's excuse.

4.) Yucky rubber ducky: Even if you're a guy, the idea of sharing a shower with 20 people probably isn't appealing. If you're lucky enough to have a suite-style dorm, you may share a bathroom with only two or four roommates. In older facilities, though, you could deal with the old "bathroom's down the hall" situation. Either way, there are a few steps you can take to help ease the unpleasantness of a less-than-private loo. Invest in a pair of shower shoes and a container, like a mesh bag, to carry toiletry items to and from the bathroom. You'll need to bring your own towels and wash cloths as well.

5.) Creative storage: Your personal space in the average dorm is likely to be about 7-by-8 feet. That probably sounds bigger than it actually it is. There's usually a bed, desk and chair provided by the university. That doesn't leave a lot of room for your own gear, so pack wisely and think creatively when it comes to storage. Some universities allow students to bring loft beds that have a sleeping area on top and extra room for a desk or other furniture underneath. Hanging shoe racks and collapsible shelving may come in handy in closets. Plastic boxes can make the space beneath a bed usable for storage. And, unless you don't care about your appearance or cleanliness, don't forget clothes hangers.