Contact your future resident advisor. Find out from the resident advisor what furniture is already in your room and the room's dimensions. This will give you a better idea of what, if any, kind of additional furniture you can bring.
Discuss with your roommate ahead of time your individual day-to-day lifestyles and what kind of atmosphere you want: social or private. If you do not have a roommate, these decisions are left to you.
Make an inventory list of what you (and your roommate) are bringing (such as a TV and kitchen supplies). Include in this list everything you want in your dorm. Then, based on the actual size of the room and and your relationship with your roommate, distill that down to what you actually need and can bring.
Use Design Your Dorm to figure out the best way to arrange furniture and organize your clothes, toiletries, school supplies, food, books, DVDs and other supplies. Remember to think about your needs and those of your roommate. A more private room will require separate spacing, while a social room will need to be more open and allow space for guests.
Purchase anything you need for your dorm. If possible, shop with your roommate for any additional furniture, kitchen supplies or other needed items.