Dress up your dorm with these tips

It's back to school time for some that means sack lunches and soccer practice, but for others it's time to pack up the kids and send them off to college. 

While so many things have changed in academia, others remain the same like the dorm rooms the size of closets.  

Lifestyle expert and founder of Shop With Style , Amy Sewell, shares tips from Bed Bath and Beyond on how to decorate a dorm room that is functional and stylish.

Check It Out - Before shopping, check your school's web site for a list of appliances and other items prohibited in student housing.  It's also smart to check with your roommate to avoid buying duplicate items.
 
Make It Up - While getting a good night's sleep is probably the last thing on your mind, you'll need some shut-eye between classes and parties!  When making your bed, an Allergy Luxe Bed Bug Mattress Protector ($49.99) is the perfect first layer for dorm beds that have been used for years.  Top it off with a stylish bed-in-a-bag, the most economical way to make a fashion statement with your room.
 
Raise It Up - Create storage space underneath the bed with Bed Lifts ($8.99) that raise the bed off the floor and allow you to store extra linens, sports equipment and other gear out of sight.  Space Bags ($14.99) help you maximize the use of that additional space.
 
Gear Up - When buying gadgets and gear, look for small items or products that serve more than one function.  Make sure you get up for class with an iHome Alarm Clock for iPhone and iPod, ($49.99-$129.99), which charges gadgets while you sleep so they are ready to grab on your way out the door.  Get great sound from a Bluetooth-enabled device with the tiny HMDX Audio Jam Wireless Speaker ($39.99), which comes in six fabulous colors.  To keep you looking and feeling fabulous, the Conair Wave Ultra ($39.99) is a fast-heating hot iron that creates long-lasting, soft waves, while the Philips Norelco Styleshaver ($99.99) will keep guys well-groomed.  A Mesh Shower Tote ($12.99) will keep your beauty tools organized and separate from your roommates' gear.
 
Pick Up - www.bedbathandbeyond.com has a free service that lets you Shop Here, Pick Up There!  Since you shop locally but pick up your purchases at the store closest to college, you save the time and hassle of packing and transporting the items.