It may be on your mind right about now -- just what to take and what to leave behind as you pack for college. You may have already gotten a lot of advice from your friends, your parents, your school, and your relatives.

But ultimately it's up to you how you'll live in your new "home away from home" and how you'll try to decorate it. Comfort in this small space will be one way to make a tiny dorm room feel homey and inviting.

Here's our TOP 10 LIST of items that will make any room more comfortable.

1. A big rug will soften the look and feel of hard institutional flooring and make it more inviting to lounge or exercise on the floor.

2. A featherbed mattress topper or mattress pad can really improve the comfort of a dorm bed. They're fluffy and comfy, and available in either feathers or fiberfill.

3. Good lighting is essential. Have focused task lighting at the desk, by a chair, and near the bed, so you can read and work anywhere.

4. A comfortable place to sit is a must. It can be a side chair, loveseat, or even pile of pillows, but will be great for studying, lounging, or talking on the phone.

5. Closet accessories are made to solve storage problems. Evaluate your space, then choose from peg racks, over-the-door shoe racks, belt and tie holders, and hanging shelves to organize your clothes and accessories.

6. Large body pillows are great for sleeping. But you can also use them to turn your bed into a "sofa" or for extra floor lounging.

7. Handled laundry and shower totes are made to organize and carry just about everything. Keep a big one on the floor of your closet to collect laundry, and use another to hold bathroom supplies. Then grab and go!

8. A large bulletin board or white board is essential for notes, photos, schedules, and assignments. It can help you get organized, show off mementos, and serve as a message center.

9. Filing space -- another must-have . Whether you use a file crate or full-size cabinet, it will go a long way in organizing your completed schoolwork, letters from home, insurance papers, pay stubs, tax info, scholarship applications, and more.

10. Wall Decor can be another touch of home. Use artwork to reinforce your room theme or highlight special interests... make a collage out of favorite photos (using color photocopies)... hang favorite posters -- whatever feels like "home" to you. A full length mirror is another wonderful convenience. Use it to check your outfit and decorate the edges with photos, tickets, and memorabilia.

Make a dorm room your "own" and you'll love living there! You might not even miss Mom's cooking so much!

Often there have been questions raised on the need for refrigerator and micro-waves. Both of these are certainly not mandatory but they make life easier. There is always the danger of food being stolen from the common kitchen fridge. Micro-waves are a boon as they are your best friends in times of mid-night snacks. The dining center closes at 8PM and if you are up late you are bound to feel hungry. Also, for Indians, it is the best way to cook your staple diet in the dorms, "Maggi".