FRESNO, Calif. — As college students return to campus and life away from home — some for the first time — department stores lure shoppers with "must-have" decorating items to inject style into bland dorm rooms.

Coordinated bed linens and a throw rug can tie a room together, but what about the basics for that roughly 150 square feet of living space for two? Last week, dorm residential advisers, or RAs, for Fresno State attended training sessions to prepare for move-in day today. Erin Boele, director of housing, asked them their five dorm-room essentials (dorm rooms include small microwave ovens and mini-fridge) and got these answers:

No. 1: Alarm clock.

No. 2: Shower caddy and shower shoes (flip flops).

No. 3: Mattress topper for extra comfort.

No. 4: Personal computer and flash drive.

No. 5: First-aid kit (bandages, aspirin, cold medicine.)

It wouldn't hurt to bring a clothes hamper and room freshener, they added.

Corrie Hilty is a senior at Fresno Pacific University and was an RA last year. Her suggestions include wrinkle release spray.

"People bring ironing boards and irons, but no one ever irons in dorms," she says.

She agrees with the need for padding dorm-room mattresses, but don't bother with twin-size sheets with deep pockets.

"You want a mattress top in extra long that's thick and soft," she says. "Dorm mattresses are very old and uncomfortable."

Hilty also suggests a personal computer, surge protector, digital camera, coffee maker and filter water pitcher.

"You should also bring earplugs or (noise reduction) headphones for when your roommate wants to listen to music late at night or you want to study."

Candice Bluntson has been a resident adviser at the University of California-Merced for three years.

"A microwave oven or mini-fridge is good, especially if you don't have access to a car," she says. The dining room closes at 9 or 10 p.m., but late at night you need stuff to eat. Even if your roommate has one, it's good to have your own."

Remember to bring a few personal items to keep from getting homesick.

"For me, it was a simple picture of my family and a letter from my mom," Bluntson says. "It will keep you motivated and focused."