So, you’ve just moved into your first student apartment? Congratulations! This is an important and exciting time for all students because this is when you really get a taste of what it’s like to be on your own. Whether you stayed at home or lived on campus during your first few semesters, everyone can learn important lessons from apartment living.

While you likely practiced a new level of independence if you lived in a dorm, moving into your first student apartment is a different ballgame. There are some items that you will bring with you from your dorm to your student apartment, like your bedding, storage items, and bathroom supplies. But, what else are you missing? Here are 4 student apartment must-haves that you probably forgot.

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1. Microwaveable Dishes

One of the perks of living on campus is being close to all of the school-provided amenities. Most schools have mess halls, or cafeterias, for students to fill up on using their meal plans. While you will probably still have access to these services while you are enrolled, living in your student apartment might mean being farther away. Without ready-made meals at your fingertips, you’re going to want to invest in some microwave-friendly dishes so you can feed yourself.

Let’s be honest; college is expensive. As a student, it's likely that you won’t always have the extra cash available to eat out every night. Your microwave will become one of the most beloved items in your student apartment. Get a few microwave-safe dishes, like plates, bowls, and cups, so that you can quickly whip up your favorite meals without causing any damage.

2. Mattress Topper

The truth is that a lot of pre-furnished student apartments do not come equipped with comfortable mattresses. Even if you are moving with your own bed, a mattress topper is a must-have for students who need a good night's sleep. Nothing is worse than waking up to a day's worth of classes with a stiff neck and sore back. Investing in a comfortable mattress topper is a great way to beat those problems before they start.

A lot of college involves late nights studying for exams. Make sure that you reward yourself for your hard work with a comfortable bed that you can quickly fall asleep in. There are many options, including thick, memory foam toppers that make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Don’t stop just stop at the topper, either; in your student apartment, you’ll need a waterproof mattress cover, fitted sheets, and plenty of pillows to make your bed your perfect oasis of relaxation.

3. Rain Boots

As we said earlier, moving into a student apartment means living farther away from everything on campus. If you don’t have a car to take you to and from your student apartment complex, you will likely need to walk or use public transportation. Even if you do have a car to park on campus, good parking can sometimes be hard to come by. The moral of the story is, you will probably be walking more than you are used to.

You will want to be prepared for all kinds of walking conditions, including rainy days. Getting caught in a storm while walking to class is already hard enough; if you don’t have a good pair of rain boots to withstand the downpour, that walk will only get harder. The good news is that there are all kinds of styles of rain boots available in the market. No matter what your aesthetic, there is a boot that is ready to take you anywhere you need to go, regardless of the weather.

4. Cleaning Supplies

This one might seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people forget about basic cleaning supplies for their student apartment. This is especially true if you are moving from a dorm that has a cleaning service, or from home where cleaning duties are split up. You will need more than what kept your dorm clean in your student apartment.

For example, some things you will need include:

• Vacuum cleaner (especially if your student apartment has carpet)

• Disinfecting spray (for surfaces like countertops)

• Dish soap/sponges

• Full-size trash can/bags

• Mop/broom

Part of living in a student apartment is taking on responsibility. Making your bed and straightening out your desk are not the only things you have to do to keep your new crib neat and tidy. Try creating a cleaning schedule to stay on top of your chores to ensure that your student apartment is always in tip-top shape.

Moving into your first student apartment is an exciting moment in every college student's life. This new level of independence also comes with a new level of responsibility. Make sure that you are prepared by stocking up on some must-have items for your new place.

College is an incredible time to learn about yourself and grow as a human being. Make this time a little easier and study up on all things needed to make your student apartment a little more comfortable.