Right about now, incoming first-year college students are finding out who their roommates are and deciding how to split up who's bringing the toaster oven, the rug, the popcorn maker....

Here's a useful tool on Homeslyce (via Lifehacker and DIY Life) to organize and plan the college-packing ritual. It's a three-step web application that allows college kids (and parents) to build "the perfect dorm room" by listing what you think you need, then connect with roommates to decide who is bringing what so there are no duplicates. Who needs two microwaves?

A third step allows students to split the cost of shared items. The site even allows kids to purchase some items from Amazon and have them shipped directly to the dorm.

Since kids are bringing so many expensive items to school with them these days, it makes sense to coordinate as much as possible on the day-to-day living items to keep costs down wherever possible. It's also a great way to get to know future roommates.

Of course, it looks as if there are lots of things that are not really necessary on the site. So it may be a good idea to make your list before you scour a site like this. If you use the Homeslyce tool, or others like it, let us know.

LINK: Build the perfect dorm room with Homeslyce [Lifehacker]