- One of my kids didn't use foam pad after first year. Totally useless expensive purchase and all that wasted foam going into the environment. Also it's bulky to store.
- One child uses big IKEA bags to pack stuff in -- moving by car. Or the equivalent in giant, strong shopping bags. They pack easier in the dorm room than rubbermaid containers.
- A fan -- dorms often have no AC and for a few weeks in September it can get hot especially if you grow up with AC at home. A small clip-on fan clipped to the bed, damp t-shirt or wet hair to sleep works wonders. Also sleeping on the floor is relatively cool during that time.
- This sounds silly but it's small and works well: a string of lights -- like Xmas lights--they provide more subtle lighting rather than ON AND BRIGHT then off and dark. It's a small, cheap decoration
- Those sticky hooks referred to above are called command hooks.