Coffee Pot: Everyone needs their caffeine fix. Campus coffee almost always sucks, you’ll be way better off buying and making your own.
Water Filter: If you are anything like me and drink ridiculous amounts of bottled water, this will save you a great deal of money.
Fridge: Check first to make sure your school doesn’t provide one, as many do these days.
Microwave: Another item your school may possibly provide, if not definitely get one! Three years in a dorm room have taught me that you can cook virtually anything in a microwave. Except foil…
Mini Trash Can: Get one for your desk and if you have a bathroom. You can pick one up for a couple of dollars at Walmart in a variety of colors.
Mirror: Most Dorms do not come with these, and its definitely an integral part of life. Look for an over the door one, they run $15-20, or get a normal one and hang it up with adhesive strips. “Command” brand strips are perfect for the dorm rooms, and the velcro strips work very nicely with mirrors.
Shower Caddy: If you have to walk to a bathroom you will need something waterproof to carry all your toiletries in. If you have a bathroom in your room you’ll want to pick up a shower shelf that goes around the neck so you have somewhere to put all your stuff.
Hamper: Make sure you get one that is easy to carry around so you don’t pull out your back trying to do the wash. From experience I can tell you to fork over a few more bucks to buy a sturdy one. A cheap one will fall to pieces by the end of one semester.
Laundry Supplies: You will need stain remover, detergent, dryer sheets, bleach and most likely quarters for the machines.
Sheets: Check what size fits the beds. Dorms often have extra-long twin sized which means finding special sheets. You probably want to spring for a spare set so you don’t have to wash them all the time.
Pillows: Get nice fluffy one, a body pillow or one of those awesome chair shaped pillows. Pillows will help your bed become extra seating or just be awesome when your trying to read or study in bed.
Towels: Get at least 3 towels and a pack of washclothes, a robe and bath mat aren’t bad ideas either.
Hangers: Just don’t forget these! I do every year…
Hair Dryer/Straightener: Make sure you own your own, so you don’t leave for school and realize you’ve been using your mom’s for your whole life.
Iron: Stuff gets wrinkled…especially when you’re living in a dorm and keep your clothes crumpled in a corner.
Toiletries (Face Wipes): Go into your bathroom and write down everything you use throughout the day. Make sure you get toothbrush, soap, shampoo, q-tips, cottonballs etc. One of the best inventions ever is instant face wipes. When you are way too tired to wash your face you’ll be grateful to have face wipes at hand to wipe off at least a little make up so you don’t break out.
Cleaning Supplies: You need sponges, dish soap, cleaning wipes, febreeze (essential), vacuum cleaner, trashbags etc.
Organizers: Get lots of plastic organizers for storage. The big ones with drawers for all your extra stuff, the little ones for supplies, makeup, random stuff etc. Best of all they are insanely cheap and come in tons of colors.
Extra Seating: Dorm rooms usually have 2 chairs and thats it. You can find futons for around $100, or just get collapsable chairs that fit under your bed. There are also great ottomans that come in colors and have storage inside.
Television: You actually might want to rethink this one. Is it really necessary? I hate mine, I watch it wayyyyy too much. If you do bring one consider what cables,  stands, VCR/DVD players, video game systems, etc. that you need to accompany it.
Laptop: A must have for college, seriously. Don’t bring a desktop computer. You want something you can carry around the room, take to the library and friend’s places. Get a good case and laptop bag for it, and probably a laptop lock since dorms get broken into often.
Speakers: Get a pair of computer speakers with a headphone jack, they help turn your laptop into a stereo system.
Printer: Its actually usually cheaper to do bulk printing at the library rather than pay for ink yourself, but having a printer for last minute papers, random pictures, etc. is way better than walking to the nearest computer lab.
Chargers: Double check you have extra batteries, and chargers for all your electronics before you leave. Also, get some extension cords and power strips.
Headphones: Get an extra set for sure. First, so you don’t bug your room mate if they’re trying to sleep. Second, so if you’re rocking out to Miley Cyrus the whole dorm doesn’t find out.
Deck of Cards: If there is absolutely nothing else to do on a friday night there is alway Kings…or Go Fish.
Snacks: Dining halls are pretty expensive. Hit up Walmart before you go to school and grab bulk ramen, chips, easy mac, etc.
Plateware: Disposable plates and cups are bad for the environment, but before you go green think realistically if you will do your dishes without your mommy there to make you. There is nothing grosser than old moldy dishes. If you can take on the responsibility grab some nice cheap reusable plastic ones (non-breakable!).

Try to think about the random things you use all the time that never come to mind, because obviously this is a basic list and there is plenty more an individual needs when embarking out on their own. Umbrellas, fans, volleyball, silverware, my winter coat; all things I forgot my first time going to school. Remember, FedEx-ing stuff to your dorm is ridiculously expensive, try to be thorough in packing. Let me know any suggestions!