Now that we have graduated, it is time to start thinking about the next step in our lives. For many of us, that next step is college.

Since most colleges make freshmen live on campus, graduates will need to start shopping for things to go in their dorms. These items can be from anything as simple and inexpensive as a hanger, to something on the more expensive side, as a mini-fridge.

Here is a list of what you will need to survive at college and where to buy each item.

Comforter Set

We all have a comforter set at home, but in college there are different mattress sets than what most of us are used to.

The majority of college dorms have extra-large twin size mattresses, but just to be sure, check on your college’s website. A regular twin size will not be big enough so, most likely, you will need to buy a new comforter set.

Bed Bath & Beyond offers a wide selection of both styles and sizes. Prices for these comforter sets start at $40.

Walmart also has a good selection of comforter sets, starting at $30.

And finally, Target offers comforter sets for a low $28.

When choosing a comforter set, it is important to prioritize what is important to you. If you want to have a fashionable bed set, then you might have to be willing to spend more money. However, if you want to save money, then you might have to settle for a plainer style.

Laptop

Yes, laptops are expensive, but they are also necessary.

In college, you will need a laptop to write all of your papers for class, to do research, and even to turn in homework.

Most laptops run on the same system (Windows OS) unless you buy an Apple (Mac OS) computer or a Chromebook (Google OS). If you are used to the computers we use in high school, then I would recommend buying a laptop that has Windows.

However, whichever operating system you choose, Best Buy has a vast selection. There are many different brands, but at the end of the day they will all run the same. It is really only the style and look of the laptop that will change.

Walmart also has a nice selection of laptops.

No matter where you buy, I would make sure to buy an extended warranty to make sure that the laptop you buy will make it through all four years of college.

Alarm Clock

I know many of you have been using your phones as alarm clocks, but technology does not always work. When you are in high school and you miss a class because you overslept, it is not a big deal; you can just go in the next day and get the work you missed.

However, in college, you may only have a class once a week, and most classes are two hours. So if you miss a class, it is the equivalent of missing two days of a class in high school, right in a row.

So to avoid the hassle, I would buy an alarm clock just to have a backup in case your phone dies or malfunctions.

Alarm clocks can be found anywhere, and there are various types and styles. So just look for what works for you and is a reasonable price.

Appliances

Living in a dorm, most of the time you will be eating cafeteria food, but most meal plans do not offer a “snack package,” and if you are anything like me, you need snacks.

This means that you will also need a few basic kitchen appliances. Colleges are pretty detailed when it comes to the size and wattage of these appliances, but you will need a small refrigerator and a microwave.

These items can be bought almost anywhere, but there are a few stores that offer really good deals.

Bed Bath & Beyond has microwaves for the low price of $70 and refrigerators for $170.

Walmart boasts even lower prices, with microwaves starting at $46 and refrigerators beginning at $100.

Also, if you are a coffee fanatic, you will most likely want to invest in a coffee maker. It may seem unnecessary, but it will save you money in the long run.

Shower Supplies

This one may not need to be mentioned, but just remember to have at least three towels, 10 washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

Buy the brands that you feel comfortable with and do not worry about the price. Just use what you always do. Trust me, your skin and hair will thank you for it.

In addition, I would recommend buying a shower caddie, especially if you have to use a communal bathroom in your dorm.

All of these items may seem expensive, but they will pay off — trust me.

When buying for your dorm room, remember that you are going to want it to seem like home because you will be living there for at least a year, maybe four, and you do not want to live in a place that you hate.

So if deciding between two different styles, pick the one that you really love, even if it may be a bit more expensive.

Good luck!