Let's start with study essentials -- you will be there to learn, right?

• You'll need a lamp - A desk lamp costs between $10 and $40. If you can't pull yourself away from your books when it's way past bedtime, a clip-on book light costs between $9 and $16 and won't disturb your roommate. If you want a floor lamp, the price is right, $17 - $35. But if you buy a halogen lamp, you might be blowing your money. Many dorms don't allow them, so check before buying.
  
• A small desktop file holder - The bills are coming to you now, so you better keep them straight and one will run you about $15, without the files.
  
• A coffee pot - Coffee may keep you coherent, but Starbuck's can sock it to your wallet. Invest in a four-cup coffee pot for about $20-$30.
  
• A hot pot - All that hard work will make you hungry. The cafeteria isn't open all night, and let's face it, Emeril isn't making the lasagna. A hot pot can make soup, fondue, and scrambled eggs for only $10. Or, you can go a little more upscale with an 3-in-1 appliance (mini toaster oven, griddle and 4-cup coffeemaker) for as little as $29.
  
• A microwave - a microwave (around $99) and cooking utensils and plastic containers for about $19 comes in handy.
  
• A mini-fridge - Talk to your roomate, you may want to split the cost of $70 - $140. Some dorms rent small refrigerators, so check with your school before buying.
  
• A phone - You can get a phone for $15.
  
• Sheets - Before you buy anything for your bed, contact your dorm. Many dorm beds are extra long and you'll want to be sure you by the correct size. A set of sheets and a comforter starts at about $50. A pillow will run you about $10.
  
• A clock - If you sleep through class you will fail. So go ahead and spend the $10 to $17 on a clock radio.
  
• Shower necessities - A $10 shower caddy, $4 flip-flops, a couple of towels around $20, and a robe ($15-$70) for the community shower.
  
• Laundry necessities - A package of 24 plastic hangers costs about $4; a mesh laundry bag costs between $5 and $9; plastic, stackable crates for your clothes are $3 to $7 each; and a trunk costs between $15 and $50. If you want to be wrinkle free as well as clean, an iron costs about $25 and a small ironing board will run between $8 and $25.

A word to the soon-to-be-much-wiser: Don't do all your shopping in one place. A store with a $30 coffee maker may also have a $6 book light. Their competitor may have a $30 book light but a $14 coffee pot. So scope out the stores first and then make your buys.