WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Months ago, you received a list of items to bring with you to school. It probably included basics, such as a shower caddy, extra-long twin sheets and a computer. But did it mention the need for vibrating alarm clocks or floor cushions? We didn't think so.

Here is our list of the real dorm-room essentials.

Desk lamp, but beware of high-intensity halogen bulbs. Many dorms don't allow them.

Egg-crate mattress pad or feather bed. Dorm mattresses aren't as comfy as the ones at home. Besides, do you know how many people have slept on that thing?

Rug, for chilly tile floors or grungy carpeted ones.

Refrigerator. Rent one or buy your own mini-fridge for $100 to $175.

Surge protector and power strip combination.

Multi-plug adaptors, so you can plug in the hairdryer and the straightening iron.

Clamp that locks laptops to desks.

Lockable box or safe to hold valuables.

Tape. Duct, painting, masking, medical and Scotch, because you never know.

Tool kit. Include the basics, like screwdrivers, a hammer and needlenose pliers.

Bathrobe. Coed dorms. Need we say more?

Underbed storage. Drawers that pull out are most convenient, but any plastic storage bins will come in handy.

Small table or nightstand. You need someplace for a clock, lamp, maybe even a book.

Small shelving unit that sits on the floor. Many dorms won't allow shelves or other objects to be attached to the wall.

Sleep mask, for blotting out the sun, your roommate's lamp, the computer screen and TV.

Headphones, in case your roommate prefers MXPX and you like to blast Shaggy.

Earplugs, in case the headphones don't work.

A severe case of sonic overload? Opt for noise-canceling headphones as a last resort.

Curtain for closet. Many dorms don't have closet doors.

Comforter or quilt, to combat freezing dorm room A/C or freezing northern weather.

Extra seating. Folding chairs, beanbag furniture or floor cushions for dorm-room movie nights.

Appliances. Check university policy first, then consider bringing whatever will make dorm living more convenient: expresso maker, George Foreman grill, microwave, blender, toaster oven or hot plate.

Plastic plates, cups and serving ware.

Cooking gear, if your dorm has a kitchen.

Clothes pins, to use for closing chips bags and hanging laundry.

Roll of quarters for laundry machines (parents can dream, can't they?)

Hangars and hanging shoe rack for closet.

Cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, spray cleaner, dusting spray (even if you use them only before parents weekend).

Prescriptions, to transfer to the university's health center.

Contact lens or glasses prescription.

And finally, if you get stuck with an 8 a.m. class, try a semester's worth of wake-up calls for $18 at wakeupcalls.net, or a vibrating alarm clock you put under your pillow so it wakes you - but not your roommate. The Shake Awake Silent Alarm is $24.99 from alldorm.com.

Too much stuff to haul in the family car? Order gear online and have it delivered to your dorm room. Check out Pottery Barn Teen (pbteen.com), Linens 'n Things (lnt.com), The Container Store (containerstore.com) and Bed Bath & Beyond (bedbathand beyond.com).