There's nothing like the anticipation of moving into your college dorm. From finding the perfect roommate to figuring out how you'll fit everything you need into such a compact space, it is exciting and overwhelming all at the same.

No matter where school is for you this fall (away or virtual learning from home), make sure you have some new sleep essentials to keep you well rested. While often forgotten, sleep plays an integral role in your well-being and your academic success.

To make the transition to college life a little easier for you, we've shared some of our favorite dorm essentials so you can be sure you're starting your college sleep schedule off on the right foot.

Dorm Essentials for Your College Checklist​

Pillows

You may not be able to bring your own mattress to the dorms, but that doesn't mean you should neglect your pillow. Your pillow supports 25% of your body during the night and plays an integral role in our sleep quality. Be sure to add a new pillow to your dorm room checklist. If you're looking to upgrade to the most comfy pillow experience, here are some of our dorm room favorites:

• Great to keep you cool: Sleepy’s Cool Pillow

• Snuggle buddy: Body Pillow

• Perfect for stomach and back sleepers: Sheex Breathe Max Down Alternative Pillow

• Best of both worlds: Reversible Hybrid Pillow

• Fluffy feathers: Serta Perfect Sleeper Down Fiber Pillow

Bed Sheets

Another essential sleep item that should not be overlooked on your college move in check list is your bed sheets. There's no better way to make your dorm room a sleep haven than with cozy sheets. If you're in need of some new bedding basics, here are some sheets that we just can't sleep without:

• Stay dry and cool: Bedgear Dri-Tec Sheet Set

• Best sheets that won’t pop of the bed: DreamFit Degree 1 Microfiber Sheet Set

• Anything but basic: Sleepy’s Basic Soft Sheet Set

• Ultra-soft and cooling: PureCare Elements Premium Tencel Sheet Set

Mattress Protectors

Oftentimes, dorm room mattresses have been around for years and have had their fair share of sleepy owners. Between hosting various owners and late-night study sessions in bed, you are bound to spill something in your dorm. Do yourself a favor and invest in a mattress protector. Trust us, you'll sleep well knowing there's a barrier between you and your mattress' past. For the best mattress protectors around, check out these great options for your college dorm list:

• Keep it dry: Malouf Sleep Tite Pr1me Terry Mattress Protector

• Encase your entire mattress: PureCare Total Encasement Waterproof Mattress Protector

• Best to protect your pillow: PureCare FRíO® 360° Waterproof Pillow Protector

Mattress Topper

Let’s be real—most dorm room mattresses aren’t the most comfortable or supportive. A mattress topper is the perfect addition to any dorm room bed. Mattress toppers add an additional 2-6 inches of comfort and often feature gel memory foam to help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

• Comfort and lavender aromatherapy: Lucid 2” Lavender Memory Foam Topper

• Cooling Tempur material: Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper

• Fluffy feathers: Pacific Coast Feather Luxe Loft Feather Bed

Dorm Room Bed Frames

While most dorm rooms come equipped with a sturdy bed frame, you may still need to supply your own. Here are our top bed frames for the dorm room:

• Great for under bed storage: Malouf Modern Platform Frame

• Simple set up (no tools required): InstaLock Bed Frame

• Maximum Support: Max Bed Frame

Other Great Dorm Room Accessories

Outfit your dorm room and make it extra comfy with these added accessories.

• Sit in comfort: Purple Royal Seat Cushion

• Comfy loungewear and PJs: Sheex Collection

• Stressed out? This will help you relax: Cordless Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

Now that you're set with the best dorm room accessories for your sleep sanctuary, it's time to check off all the other essentials on your college move in check list. To ensure you don't forget a thing, use this college packing checklist while packing:

If you're looking to stock up on a few extra dorm room essentials or want to upgrade your sleep space all together, head to your nearest Mattress Firm or shop online at MattressFirm.com.

Happy move in!