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For those of you about to embark on your first home-away-from-home adventure, your new favorite stores will be those with "Off-to-College" and "Back-to-School" sales. But sometimes, as you wander the aisles of electronics, home goods, and department stores, you'll have a hard time determining what you need in your  

dorm room

 , what you want in your dorm room, and more importantly, what you can fit in your dorm room.

There are so many items to be bought, especially when you won't have most of the comforts of home. And it's very easy to overbuy. That's why we've devised a handy-dandy "To Buy or Not to Buy" cheat sheet. Take note of the top five things every incoming freshman should purchase to prepare for life away from home.

1. Laptop
If it won't break your budget (or that of your 'rents), a laptop computer should be your first purchase. It will come in handy for taking notes in class, sending messages to classmates, typing papers wherever you may be (late-night work sessions at the library), and of course for e-mail and IM, so you can tell your parents how great you're doing in school. There are various models and types to choose from, so ask friends and a trustworthy sales associate for advice before buying one.

2. TV/DVD combo
Most dorm rooms come equipped with basic cable service, so if you don't want to miss your favorite shows while you're studying or hangin' with your friends, a TV/DVD combo is a good purchase. It's compact -- perfect for your tiny dorm room. And, think of it as social life money-saving, too ... renting movies is an inexpensive date or a fun way to entertain friends.

3. Hot pot
This is a must for those late-night study sessions and cravings you'll get just as the school cafeteria is closing. Turn on your hot pot and instantly concoct raviolis, soup, noodles, rice, stew, or whatever else your stomach can dream up. You can find hot pots in the housewares section of any major department store and they all do the same thing -- just look for a non-stick surface. (Check with your school first to be sure electronic appliances are permitted.)

4. Cell phone
It's no surprise that your phone is your lifeline. Almost all dorm rooms will have a phone jack, but you'll probably want to invest in a cell phone instead, if you don't have one already. Like a laptop, a cell phone is portable, so you can make calls from the steps of the library, in between class, or while you're waiting for your laundry to dry. And with cell phone competition being what it is today, you can probably find a student-friendly plan where you get a large number of minutes, unlimited weekend minutes, and maybe even a free phone. Just remember to keep the phone on vibrate in class.

5. Bathroom caddy and shower shoes
Having to walk down the hall to the shower and sink might not be new, but having a bathroom with 10 showers is. When you go to the bathroom to suds up, brush your teeth, etc., you will need to bring all of your stuff with you -- it won't already be in the bathroom like at home. A bathroom caddy with a handle and basket will allow you to carry your soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and razor, and can be purchased in a pharmacy or home goods store. And unless you want to catch a funky foot fungus in the shower, a pair of shower shoes is another wise investment. You can find a cheap pair in any department store.

Getting comfortable living in your new dorm room cell is tough enough. So why not help your living arrangements along by doing it up the right way? Before you know it, your dorm room will be economically equipped and you'll feel cozy in your home away from home.

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