Prerequisites for college life

The come-ons start early. Even before high school diplomas have been printed, retailers begin their annual sales push, telling college kids what they need for life in the dorm. Judging by the recommendations from many stores, entering freshmen need to buy, buy, buy. Every mini fridge, lava lamp, shower caddy and beanbag chair is touted as a survival requirement. Forget what your mom says. Heed the wisdom of four summer Washington Post interns who somehow graduated without matching sheets and comforter or a cordless blender.

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Sheet sets -- Check first, but most dorms use extra-long twin sheets.

Mattress pad -- This can help soften what will undoubtedly be a cheap and uncomfortable mattress. Even with a plastic cover on a mattress, an eggshell pad really helped.

Complete bed ensemble -- Skip the package deal. You definitely don't need the extra throw pillows, and the cutesy matching patterns will sicken your roommate.

Down comforter -- It's more expensive than a plain comforter, but worth the investment for the extra comfort factor.

Blanket -- Probably overkill for your bed if you have a down comforter, but I kept one around for guests.

Bed pillows -- I got cheap ones and had to replace them within a year. The extra money to buy decent ones will be well spent.

Pillow protectors -- Completely unnecessary.

Backrest -- Some people found these helpful for reading, but I always thought they were stiff and uncomfortable.

Alarm clock/clock radio -- This is obvious. Spending extra money to get one that played CDs made me much cheerier in the morning than the mechanical beep would have.

Accent/area rugs -- They'll be cheap and readily available around campus, so wait until you know whether your room is carpeted or has cold tile like mine did.

Toss pillows -- The more extras like this you have in your room, the more cluttered it will feel.

Bed elevators -- These can be fantastic if you need extra storage space, but not all dorm beds will work with them.

Fan -- If your dorm isn't air-conditioned, this is a must.

Shower tote -- You'll definitely need one of these. Open baskets work better than the ones with all the different compartments.

Electric toothbrush -- Nine out of 10 dentists like them, but you can't leave them sitting in a communal bathroom.

First-aid kit -- Great idea to help avoid knocking on doors looking for a Band-Aid.

Flip-flops -- Don't ever step in a shower at college without them. Seriously.

Hamper -- Don't get fancy; the cheap ones that stand up but fold flat are best.

Iron -- Take one, but skip the ironing board. It'll take up way too much room.

Drying rack -- The back of a desk chair can work wonders.

Electric razor -- For guys, you can keep it in your backpack and shave while walking to class.

Can opener -- Buy one that has a bottle opener attached.

Computer chair -- The smartest decision you can make.

Lap desk -- It will only tempt you to study in bed; always a bad idea.

Backpack/messenger bag -- Consider investing in a smaller one than you used in high school, since you'll no longer have to carry all your books at once.

Desk lamp -- Test several before you buy one to make sure the light isn't too harsh.

Floor lamp -- Garish fluorescent lighting is standard in dorm rooms, so definitely buy one of these. But keep in mind that most dorms outlaw halogen because it's a fire hazard.

Surge protector -- You'll definitely need one by the time you plug in your computer, printer, speakers, alarm clock, lamps, etc.

Lounging chair -- Try a "butterfly chair" for $10 or so. They fold up when not in use.

Foot locker -- They're heavy and hard to store. Opt for a rolling suitcase instead.

CD/DVD storage -- Don't try to display your CD collection on a shelf or rack. Keep them all stored in a binder instead or just burn your music onto your computer.

Computer/TV shelf -- If you have a TV, it's easiest to put it on top of the refrigerator or bookshelf.

Flashlight -- Another item that mothers think you need, but don't. It's college, not camp.