Moving into a new place can be intimidating, even if you have all the basic essentials. It’s important to customize your space so you feel as comfortable as possible while being away from home for the semester.

Whether you are a freshman moving into the dorms for the first time or a seasoned upperclassmen moving into your own apartment, here are some essential items for your shopping list that will make for a smooth transition from home to school.

Posters:

Posters are the perfect way to brighten a dull room with your own personal touch. There are endless possibilities for posters whether you are into music, art, movies or anything else.

You can hang multiple posters up of different sizes and add printed pictures for a colorful mural on your wall with all your memories from home. Whether it’s from your favorite movie or artist, display them over your desk and your bed to give your room a personal touch.

Bed Accessories:

Your bed is your best friend when you are at school. There is no doubt that you will be sneaking in those power naps between classes, so it is important to make it as comfortable as possible.

A mattress pad will give you a little extra cushion and a mattress cover will protect your sheets from bed bugs. Add decorative pillows and fluffy blankets for the perfect school work get-away.

Command Strips:

Tape is out and Command Strips are in. Command Strips and hooks are great for easy, damage free hanging that are approved for the dorm rooms.

They will help avoid those pesky fines at the end of the year for wall damage where your décor once was.

Message Boards:

These boards come in dry erase, chalk or cork and will keep you on top of your responsibilities and help you to stay organized.

You can put your schedule, daily reminders and even positive messages to help get you through your day.

Lights:

You might find your place feeling a little dim, try adding a desk lamp or floor lamp to give yourself some extra light.

Target allows for you to buy the lamp and lamp shade separately, allowing yourself to mix and match your style.

Rugs:

For those who have not been given the luxury of a carpeted room, rugs are essential to prevent you from stepping on a cold, dirty floor every morning. Rugs can be placed anywhere you like; your bed, bathroom, or even outside your door as a welcome mat.

Extra furnishing:

Any extra furniture you can fit makes a great addition to your space. It gives you room to have guests over and another seating option than just your bed and desk chair. Bean bag and folding chairs are perfect and available in various styles and colors of your choice. If you want extra storage as well, try an ottoman.

Back to school shopping can be a hassle if you do not know what you need for your space. Websites like Dormify, Urban Outfitters and Modcloth will help to make the process much easier.

Following these easy tips will help transform your place into a home away from home.