But…while it would be fun to get a car-full of new everything just to celebrate your college rite-of-passage, your family probably already has a number of financial things to deal with--the least of which is your upcoming tuition bill. Besides, college is basically just another year for them. Did they buy you an entirely new wardrobe or bedroom interior design every time you started a new grade?

So, before you make a decadent college shopping list, poke around the house and take stock of what you already have. Once your parents give you the go-ahead, do an internal shopping spree and collect anything that might be handy. (You can always put some things back once you sort through everything.) You might be more prepared than you think. If you can get creative and improvise with a few things you find under your own roof, your parents may be more likely to finish off the rest of your list at the store.

A word to the wise: Remember just how you're getting to school. If you're flying, what you can't carry on the plane will have to be shipped--and that gets expensive! Pack as light as you can. (For instance, leave the winter clothing at home until winter break when you can bring home the light stuff and take the warm stuff back with you.) Even if you're driving down to school, keep in mind how much your vehicle will hold and how many passengers you'll need to save room for.

First stops…

Your bedroom: Aside from items you'd never leave behind--computer, CD collection, television--you'll want to pack your alarm clock and that extra-puffy pillow you can't sleep without. Decorative elements, like your posters, family photos, throw rugs, bedspread, etc., can also make your dorm room feel more like home. As for Mr. Cuddles the bear--we'll leave that up to you.

The linen closet: You'll need to bring your own hand towels, washcloths, bath towels (or beach towels), and blankets to college. But for now, forget about sheets (more on that later).

The kitchen: Ask Mom and Dad if you can take a few of those mismatched mugs, dishes, and utensils off their hands.

The laundry room: Snag some detergent and a spare laundry basket (and make a note to convert some cash into quarters).

The garage: Got a bike? Get it ready to roll, and invest in a good, strong lock. If you're bringing a car to college--and keep in mind, many schools don't allow freshmen this privilege--make sure to gas up, change the oil and get it in top road condition before you hit the road. Also, investigate your school's parking situation before you arrive.

Any place you store clothes: Remember to pack warm coats (and gloves, hats and boots) if you're off to a colder climate, bathing suits (and shorts and sandals) if you're headed for warmer shores. In either case, leave off-season outfits at home, and plan to switch up during a break if necessary. Space is scarce in any dorm room closet.

Below you'll find some other goodies for which you can scope the house. When you've exhausted the resources around the house, then you're ready to go shopping. Include whatever you can't find on your list!

• A backpack for schlepping your stuff around campus (some things never change)
• A plastic basket or bucket for carrying toiletries to and from the hall bathroom
• Toiletries (that's everything you use--even occasionally--in the medicine cabinet at home: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc-plus a hair dryer and curling iron if you must.)
• A first-aid kit (pain relievers, Band-Aids, etc.)
• A little sewing kit (even college slobs need to sew on a button once in a while)
• Flip flops for the shower
• Extra-long twin sheets (dorm beds are often extra-long)
• A foam, egg-crate mattress (to use between your sheets and the mattress they provide-you'll appreciate the added comfort)
• Clothes hangers
• An iron and mini-ironing board (but only if you know you're going to use them)
• A drying rack for clothes you can't throw in the dryer (again, only if you'll actually use it)
• A laundry bag (a laundry basket makes a good hamper, but a bag is easier to tote)
• A mini-fridge (check dorm policy first)
• A microwave (check dorm policy first)
• Surge protectors (for plugging in your computer, fridge, microwave, etc.)
• A full-length mirror you can attach to the back of your door
• Removable tacky stuff, so you can hang posters without making holes in walls
• A good can opener
• A fan
• A telephone and/or cell phone
• Phone cards and stationery (writing home is always quaint)
• A dry-erase board for the front of your door--for messages from all the new friends you're about to make!

Oh, one more thing...it's always a good idea to coordinate purchases with your new roommate (or roommates) before shopping so you don't end up with two--or more--irons! And don't forget to pick up some sturdy boxes to pack everything in!