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You probably already packed your entire closet and favorite blanket... but it's the random stuff that ends up saving the day. Before move-in, check out these 10 dorm essentials from a University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ sophomore who knows exactly what life in the residence halls is like.

Comfort Mug

There's no better way to start your morning than with a little reminder of home, and for me, that comes in the form of my comfort mug. Mine is a 16-ounce mug with a giant capybara engraved on the side – a souvenir from the San Diego Zoo that somehow makes every morning a little better. Whether I'm sipping coffee before class or winding down with a little Sleepy Time tea at night, it's one of those small comforts that makes my dorm feel a little more like home.

Handheld Vacuum

You'll never eat more in bed than when you're living in the dorms, and @ is proof. Now we don't recommend taking it that far, but we do recommend packing a handheld vacuum. From popcorn to Pringles, crumbs are a natural part of the dorm snacking experience. As a bonus, you'll probably become the most popular person on your floor – because sooner or later, everyone's going to need to borrow your vacuum.

Smart Plug

After a late-night study session in bed, the last thing you'll want to do at 1am is get up just to turn off the light. With a smart plug, you don't have to. A quick, "Hey Alexa, turn off the lamp," and you're all set. Call it lazy if you want, but I prefer to think of it as conserving energy... your energy.

First-Aid & Medicine Kit

Headaches, bandages, cold medicine – getting sick happens, and when it does, you don't want to be unprepared. With thousands of students sharing classrooms, residence halls and dining spots every day, your immune system is bound to get a workout as it adjusts to campus life. Having a small first-aid and medicine kit on hand can make those rough days a whole lot easier.

Mattress Topper

Dorm beds have a reputation for being... memorable (and not in a good way). Between long study nights, early morning classes, and occasional much-needed afternoon naps, you'll spend more time on your bed than you probably expect. A good mattress topper can completely change the way you sleep and make your room feel a little more like home. Your back (and your future well-rested self) will definitely thank you.

Power Strip with Long Cords

Between your laptop, phone, tablet, fan, lamp and whatever else you bring, you'll run out of outlets faster than you think. A power strip with a long cord gives you the flexibility to set up your room the way you want instead of arranging everything around a single wall plug. It's one of those items you won't appreciate until you realize you can't live without it.

Nighttime Reading Light

Trust me, your roommate will thank you. Whether you're catching up on reading, finishing homework, or scrolling before bed, a small reading light lets you keep the room bright enough to see without turning on the overhead light and waking everyone up. Toss one in your move-in bin now so you're not scrambling for one your first night.

Small Fan

Whether you're trying to cool off after walking across campus in the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ heat or you just can't sleep without a little white noise, a small fan is one of those dorm essentials you'll use every day. Even with air conditioning, some rooms can feel stuffy, especially during move-in season and the first few weeks of the semester. A fan helps keep the air moving, makes your room more comfortable and can even help you sleep better. It's a small item that ends up making a surprisingly big difference all year long.

Reusable Water Bottles

This one is basically non-negotiable. When you’re walking around campus, staying hydrated is a must. A reusable water bottle makes it easy to keep water with you all day. Plus, it saves you from buying a ton of plastic water bottles. Owala, Hydro Flask, Stanley, Yeti... whichever brand your emotional support water bottle is, toss it in your backpack, slap a sticker on it (or 34), and make it your own.

Umbrella

Yes, it rains here. It might not happen every day, but when ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ decides to rain, it doesn't mess around. There's nothing worse than getting caught walking across campus in a downpour on your way to class with no umbrella in sight. Toss a compact one in your backpack at the beginning of the semester – you'll probably forget it's there until the day you're incredibly grateful you packed it.

College is all about figuring things out as you go, but packing these essentials means you'll have one less thing to worry about. Future you will definitely approve.