BEAUMONT, Texas - You picked a major, your course schedule is set and now it's time to pack for your new home.

If you think that living in a college dorm room, with its limited space and decorating potential means packing should be easy, think again. There's a lot to consider.

Will you be able to do your laundry on a regular basis? If not, then you'll need to stock up on lots of underwear, socks and towels. And, you'll need plentiful closet and storage space for your expanded wardrobe and linens supply.

Will you be able to come back home often and get the things you need as you need them? If not, then you'll need to plan for extra space to store out-of-season

Retailers have caught on to the dilemmas facing college students living in the dorms and have made it their business to come up with solutions."A lot of what we have has come from them," Lisa Hoffman, of Bed, Bath & Beyond, said by phone from the company's New York headquarters. Students want creative ways to store their belongings that don't look like storage containers, Hoffman said.Popular items include under-bed storage containers, bed elevators that create storage space under the bed and stackable shelves where compact discs and books can be stored, employees at retail chains Target and Wal-Mart said.Other top-selling items include packaged sets for kitchenware, shower essentials and bedding.Besides packing and decorating your dorm room, there are roommates and your living situation to consider.Check out the accompanying checklists and tips to come up with your own college prep course before heading off to school.College students and graduates who experienced life in a dorm room offer advice to incoming freshmen on how to make the most of it.Meet or call your roommate before the dorms open, if possible. It will be an easier transition to your new home if you already have a friend there.Have a get-to-know-you talk with your roommate right after move-in. This is the time to discuss pet peeves, sleep schedule, social life, study practices and cleaning habits. This can be done in a light-hearted way. But, do it early to avoid problems later and do it even if you already know your roommate. Just because you've been friends with someone for years, living with them will be a new experience.Talk with your roommate about rules for using and sharing each other's things, including clothes, appliances, books and food. Respect your roommate's privacy.Discuss any problems you're having with your roommate with your roommate first. If that doesn't work, go to your dorm's resident adviser for help.Be open to new experiences. Dorm life means lots of personalities living under one roof. You have to be tolerant of such differences. Think of it as part of your college education.The top college dorm room essentials are:Machine-washable comforterLounge pillow with arm restsMicrowave-safe dishwareMicrowaveable foodAn alarm clock with a snooze buttonExtension cords and multi-plug adaptorShower caddy or organizerDry erase message boardFile cabinet or trunk that locksMicrowaveMini-refrigeratorDo you want to add some style to those bare dorm room walls, but housing rules and differing tastes with your roommate limit your options?Are you wondering how you're supposed to fit a semester's worth of clothes, supplies and other stuff in a confined space? Here are some suggestions from decorating and organization experts:Buy towels and bath accessories in bright colors to add some pizzazz to your room. If your dorm has a community bath, then the bright colors will help you identify your items.Stick to a simple pattern for your bed comforter and buy coordinating items that complement it. Don't overdo it on prints and colors because that will make your living space look smaller.Keep your compact discs, books, supplies and even your clothes in stackable shelves and storage units.Use under-bed storage boxes for the items you'll need less often, including out-of-season clothes.Buy furniture that doubles as a storage place. For example, an ottoman with a removable seat can store books or dishware.Check with your school's housing office to find out what items are not allowed so that you don't waste your money buying something that you can't use.