For the next several weeks, stores are sure to be packed with members of the high school class of '08 and their families picking out just the right linens, lamps and other dorm room accessories for their first year away at college.

But it's hard to think of everything. Towels and sheets, sure, but surge protectors and extension cords? Trash cans and laundry baskets?

We know, of course, that everyone heading off to school is taking a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to learn. But here are a few "must have," "fun to have" and "good to have" items for when you're out of the classroom.

MUST HAVE

Shower totes

One of the most essential elements of college success is good hygiene. These shower totes are great for carrying all your stuff. Pack its pockets with your flip-flops, towels, washcloths, toothbrush and paste, razor, shampoo, body wash . . . you name it. They are water-repellent and mildew-resistant.

The totes come in three colors, plus basic, gender-neutral blue, and retail for $9.99. A available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Laptop lock

Theft isn't a topic anyone likes to think about, but laptops are a hot commodity, and you can't keep yours with you 24/7.

Kensington's ComboSaver Combination Portable Notebook Lock fits 99 percent of notebook computers —- PCs and Macs. It has a combination lock —- so no more lost keys —- and a steel cable that can extend 3 inches to 6 feet. It comes in steel gray and red (sorry, Tech fans).

The product retails for $24.99 at www.kensington.com and is also available at Office Depot stores and www.amazon.com.

Cool water bottle

One of the surest ways to telegraph your frosh status is to carry around a generic water bottle. The bottle brand of choice on college campuses is Nalgene. These durable bottles are free of bisphenol A, a toxic chemical found in many plastics, and they are dishwasher and microwave safe. This Nalgene holds hot and cold beverages, and its wide mouth easily accommodates ice cubes.

The Nalgene Everyday Widemouth bottle retails for $9 to $12 and is available at REI, Dick's Sporting Goods and online at www.nalgenechoice.com.

Bulletin board

This multiuse bulletin board includes a cork and a dry erase board, which is also magnetic.

This is a tried-and-true way to post reminder notes and important notices, and to express yourself through a display of photos and mementos.

This board is $14.99.Available from www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

GOOD TO HAVE

Weight scale

Worried about the notorious freshman 15? The Homedics Digital Scale reads accurate within two-tenths of a pound . . . that'll keep you honest!

This attractive, slimline scale has a 1.6-inch LCD screen and is easy to store and easy to read. And, unlike some scales, it doesn't retain your previous weigh-in, so you can relax a little and enjoy your new life.

This item is $49.99 and can be found in Bed Bath & Beyond stores, at www.bedbathandbeyond.com or 1-800-462-3966.

Hot pot

It's tempting to buy a coffee machine or an electric tea kettle, but it's smarter to have a more versatile appliance. Rival's 32-ounce Electric Hot Pot boils water 60 percent faster than a microwave —- great for tea or cocoa —- and is also good for soups, veggies and even pasta. Its stainless- steel cooking surface is easy to clean, and its settings go from warm to boiling (and all points in between).

The hot pot retails for $11.99. Available at www.amazon.com and www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Bed risers, bins

Storage is always an issue in dorm rooms. These handy bed risers make it easy for you to create an additional 6 inches of space beneath your bed and can be concealed by a dust ruffle. Then buy underbed storage boxes in clear plastic —- so you can see what's inside easily; many have dual openings and wheels for convenience.

A set of four risers is $9.99 to $19.99 and storage bins go for about $20. Look for them at Target, Wal-Mart, the Container Store and other big box or discount stores.

Hand vacuum

In college, there are always better things to do than clean. But parents and potential dates do visit, and that's why it's good to have Black & Decker's cyclonic Dustbuster, which increases the suction power of the traditional Dustbuster by 80 percent.

This 9.6-volt model is a cordless hand-held vacuum that's easy to store (and charge). It makes cleanup a breeze when Mom calls to say she's just around the corner.

This product is $29.99. Available at Target stores and www.target.com.

Preparing for college goes beyond books

FUN TO HAVE

Board games

Believe it or not, college campuses aren't all digital and electronic. Smart board games —- Pictionary, Balderdash, etc. —- are going to college and are turning out to be excellent ice-breakers. Gather a group of people, pull out your Balderdash board, roll the dice and let the bluffing —- and laughter —- begin.

Balderdash retails for $26.99 and Pictionary for $25.99. Available at Toys "R" Us, www.toysrus.com.

Digital photo frame

Design your own slide show with this 7-inch wide-screen LCD digital photo frame. It even has a remote control. You can use the 128 MB of internal memory, or you can just connect your memory card.

Your parents can preload it with family photos, and you can add shots of your new friends. (But keep the family pix. . . . It'll make your folks feel better when they visit.)

The Insignia Digital Photo Frame is $99.99. Available at Atlanta Best Buy stores and www.bestbuy.com.

Art for the dorm room walls

A great way to express your personality in a new environment is through the art you choose. You can find neat clocks, mirrors and posters just about anywhere, but why not go for something a little different?

The Savannah College of Art and Design features the artwork and designs of students, faculty, staff and alumni in its online store and at its Atlanta campus. Clifton Henri's "Hanging Around" (above) is just one cool piece we found in the "Somewhere Over the Sofa" category, but you can also find decorative pillows, mugs, funky plates and other items that are works of art.

Clifton Henri's "Hanging Around" is $125; other pieces range from $40 to $4,800.

SCAD's shop in Atlanta is at 1600 Peachtree St. or www.shopscadonline.com.

High school films

Sometimes your freshman year can be overwhelming, and you might long for those good old high school days. But was it really that great? Remind yourself how lucky you are to be in college with these classic high school comedies. Now, do you really want to go back?

"Mean Girls" is $9.99; "Superbad," 19.99; "Clueless," $8.99; and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," $8.99 at www.amazon.com and video stores.

Light lamp

This item might be stretching the "fun to have" category just a bit, but it combats the "no fun" issue of seasonal affective disorder.

If you're heading north to college, the shorter, darker days of winter can be quite an adjustment. The lightweight Verilux HappyLite Mini Ultra Full Spectrum Light Therapy System delivers sunlight to your dorm room year-round, with no harmful UV rays.

The HappyLite Mini retails for $89.95. Available at www.verilux.com.