By Joy Kraft
Enquirer staff writer

Cramming takes on a whole new meaning when the door swings open on a typical college dorm room to reveal two small desks and a set of bland bunks.

The first test for the incoming freshman is getting the so-called "requirements" - mini-fridge, stereo, carpet, TV, computer, printer - into that cramped space, along with a semester's worth of clothes - and still have room to move.

Bright colors and easy care are important in a girl's room.

The second test is to make it look good.

The secret to squeezing every inch of space is to buy for multiple functions and to think vertically - wheeled storage cubes that double as bedside or coffee tables, under-the-bed storage, stackable cubes, shelves that fit over the beds, canvas caddies that hang from bed frames, lamps that clip onto bedposts.

As for looking cool, kitsch is the key. Colors are bright, loud and efficiently mixable. Think easy-care as in anything washable, including rugs, and leave the pale off-whites and sandy taupes at home.

Bed, Bath & Beyond folks have put together a room for women, another for men, showing what's available and how much it'll set you back.

Dorm-room musts for boys

• A foam egg-shell carton mattress pad - extra-long - is at the top of the list once you've seen the condition of dorm mattresses, especially in loft beds. Under $10.

• The zippered mattress cover, extra-long, for the sake of moms everywhere. Under $10.

• Extra-long sheets required at most college dorms. Look for the value-priced bed sets.

Utility and comfort are important in a boy's room.

• Hangers. Extension cords. Power strips. Under $10.

• Canvas caddy hanging from the bed frame is great (for top bunks especially) for storing glasses, pens, markers, phones without hopping off the bunk. Under $10.

• Clip-on lamps put light where many kids study - in bed. Under $10.

• A dry erase board, either on the room's outside door or inside, helps roomies keep track of each other. Under $10.

• Backrest study pillow. Under $10.

• Free-standing over-the-bed metal shelving, store-bought (about $40) or homemade (schools provide room and bed dimensions).

• Free-standing desk shelving makes creating a computer/study corner simple. (On move-in day, look for entrepreneurial handyman types hawking them.)

• Pop-up hamper or laundry bag. Under $10.

• Area rugs are cheaper - and easier to keep clean - than wall-to-wall carpet. Under $10.