Ah, dorm life-- can't say I miss it. Though I am fortunate enough to live in an apartment now, I realized the same "must haves" in your dorm still apply -- aside from the obvious. No matter where your "home away from home" is, there's just some things you've got to have in your room.

DVD Stash: Chances are you've already brought your favorite movies with you. But the biggest thing these days is your season shows on DVD. You've got to have Sex and the City, Family Guy, The OC or at least, Seinfeld. That's right -- the Complete First Season. They're perfect for lazy Saturday afternoons when you actually don't have 10 things to do. Not to mention, they're a great way to recap and remind yourself why you started loving those shows in the first place.

Goodnight, Sleep Tight: There's nothing more satisfying in the world than sleeping, especially for the insomniac college student. Not to mention, this isn't your bed at home that you miss terribly -- this is your exceptionally roomy, extra-long twin bed. Feather beds, egg crates, you name it; they're a necessity. You can buy a goose feather bed at Wal-Mart for less than $40. It's better than feeling every bedspring in your back all night.

Hometown Paraphernalia: I'm from Jersey and there's nothing I like more than being proud of it. I have my Springsteen poster on my wall, the "I heart NY" tees and my high school yearbook on hand. It's good to love being here and enjoy the life you have in State College, but no matter where you're from, it's important to never forget your roots. Plus, knickknacks can be good icebreakers when you and your roommate have nothing to talk about.

Fast Food: Let's be honest. Not everyone has time to dine in the commons or go out for a gourmet meal. That's why you should invest in, what my mom would refer to as "college food." I'm talking Easy Mac, Cup-a-Soup, Hungry Man TV Dinners -- the good stuff. I still recall the stench of freshly prepared Ramen Noodles as I walked down my dorm hall. It's cheap, fills you up, and it makes life easier.

Leave a message: There's something about coming home to find a funny little message/inside joke on the whiteboard of your dorm door. Messages from your friends that brighten your day for a few moments, or blatant drunken scribbles reminding you of your fabulous weekend. After a grueling day of classes; it's just the little things that make you smile.

Video Game craze: Ok, I haven't played a video game since Super Mario World for Nintendo 64, but I would be amiss if I didn't include this form of entertainment for the guys, and some girls too. Besides, this was a way of life back in the day. I've yet to be in a guy's dorm room that doesn't have Xbox, PS2, Nintendo Game Cube, or a paused segment from Madden 2005 on their television screens. Besides, you need something to keep you procrastinating.

Extra seating, please: If you take the time to arrange your room, you may be surprised at the furniture you can fit in it. Have your bed lofted and stick futon or beanbag chairs underneath. Your visitors will greatly appreciate sitting on cushioning rather than a hard floor. From personal experience, I found that my futon led my room to become the "popular" room, where everyone came to watch weekly TV shows or just hang out. Who would've thought seating was the key to making friends?

Plug it in: As silly as it may seem, plug-in air fresheners do make a difference. For a short while, you forget that your room doesn't smell like an old sock. Also, get a humidifier while you're in the cleanliness mode. You'll be grateful you have one when you realize you're sleeping six feet from your germ-infested, coughing roommate.

Holiday Cheer: Deck the halls with boughs of... anything! When a holiday is approaching, by all means, spread the cheer. Buy a little pumpkin for your desk, put up a little Hanukkah bush or menorah, or hang a Christmas bell on your door. Just because you're not home doesn't mean the holiday spirit is on vacation.

PSU Pride: Your room here, or at home for that matter, wouldn't be complete without some traces of Penn State. From pennants, to logo blankets for your bed, to Joe Pa bobble-heads, everyone needs a little PSU in their room. We simply can't let ourselves forget -- we live in the happiest valley on Earth.