College dorm shopping is a nightmare. The only thing that’s even more of a nightmare is actually sleeping in a college dorm. From noisy neighbors, unreliable air conditioners, and stiff dorm beds, everything seems to be working against you in your efforts to get a good night’s rest. Luckily, Mattress Clarity is here to help.
From pillows, to sheets, to an alarm clock, I have assembled a roundup of seven sleep products that will transform your dorm experience. Let’s get into it.
7 College Sleep Essentials
- Topper- Lucid 2″ Mattress Topper
- Sheets- Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
- Comforter- Layla Comforter
- Pillow- Marlow Pillow
- Alarm Clock- iHome Alarm Clock
- Humidifier- Levoit Smart Humidifier
- Mattress- Nectar Mattress
7 College Sleep Essentials: Video Roundup
![The 7 College Sleep Essentials](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7DOmncgSRHw/maxresdefault.jpg)
How We Chose Our Products
The Mattress Clarity Team has tested over 600 mattresses and hundreds of sleep accessories. We created this roundup using hands-on testing data and proprietary analysis, helping you make informed shopping decisions.
Shopping for college can get expensive, so I chose products for this list that I believe are offered at a value price. While a few of them may be on the pricier side, their quality materials and durable construction mean they should last all four years of college, ensuring you get your money’s worth.
They say college is the best four years of your life, and we want to make sure you’re able to get the best sleep of your life, so let’s get into the list.
Mattress Topper- Lucid 2″ Mattress Topper
Lucid 2″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
![Lucid 2](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lucid-mattress-topper-featured-image.jpg)
In the end, the Lucid Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a great value. It provides a memory foam feel and some extra pressure relief at an affordable price. However, stomach sleepers and hot sleepers might want to look elsewhere. The Lucid comes with a 3-year warranty, but we do question its long-term durability.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full ReviewSheets- Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
LUXOME Luxury Sheet Set
![LUXOME Luxury Sheet Set](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Screen-Shot-2023-02-21-at-10.16.51-AM.png)
The LUXOME Luxury Sheet Set offers 400 thread count bamboo for sleepers who want soft, cool bedding.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Comforter- Layla
Layla Comforter
![Layla Comforter](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/layla-featured-image.jpg)
Layla Sleep is known for memory foam beds with its signature hexagon patterns. You’ll find this shape in all of its bedding products, and its comforter is no different. If you’re looking for a soft cotton comforter that also features a down alternative fill, then this is the comforter for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Read Full ReviewPillow- Marlow Pillow
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
![Brooklinen Marlow Pillow](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/marlow-mesh.jpg)
The Marlow pillow is a new take on the adjustable pillow. It has zippers along the sides of the pillow to change the loft and firmness. You don’t have to worry about messy shredded foam fills to find the sweet spot that works for you with this memory foam pillow.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewAlarm- iHome
iHome Zenergy Sound Machine with Sunrise Alarm Clock
![iHome Zenergy Sound Machine with Sunrise Alarm Clock](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iHome-airtable.jpg)
The iHome Zenergy clock is a multipurpose clock that features a sunrise feature, bluetooth connectivity, and sound options. It’s a good affordable option for those who want a clock that does it all.
Humidifier- Levoit Smart Humidifier
Levoit Smart Humidifier
![Levoit Smart Humidifier](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/levoit-smart.jpg)
The Levoit Smart Humidifier is a humidifier you can set and forget. Select the auto setting and it will turn on and off when your room needs humidity, or has met the optimal humidity level.
Mattress- Nectar Mattress
Nectar Mattress
![nectar original mattress updated e1619111594390](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nectar-original-mattress-updated-e1619111594390-768x647.jpeg)
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
![nectar original mattress updated e1619111594390](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nectar-original-mattress-updated-e1619111594390-768x647.jpeg)
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
![nectar original mattress updated e1619111594390](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nectar-original-mattress-updated-e1619111594390-768x647.jpeg)
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
How to Shop for Dorm Room Essentials?
Consider the Space
Dorm rooms are known to be incredibly small, especially if you’re sharing with another person, which is usually the case. Knowing the layout and dimensions of your room can help you make informed purchasing decisions. Especially when it comes to an alarm clock, you want to make sure that you have a space to put it, such as on a windowsill or desk. If your room isn’t the most generous when it comes to space, an attachable bedside table will give you a convenient spot to put these sleep devices.
Consider Roommates
Roommates can have a huge impact on what you end up purchasing for school. Some items, such as a humidifier, are things that only one person probably needs to bring. Coordinating with your roommate can help you save money because you’ll know not to order an item that they already plan to bring. It’s much more affordable to simply split the cost.
Sometimes, however, roommates will insist on bringing all their own things and are less open to sharing. In times like these, it’s good to be considerate of your space and how much you are brining so that you can both live in the same room while respecting each other’s privacy.
Storage
When you’re living in a shoebox-sized dorm, every inch of space is important. One thing that can be hard to budget for, however, is storage space. It can often be tempting to fill your room with as much as you can, but without taking storage into consideration, things can get cluttered very quickly. I recommend that you buy containers or bags to use as storage in your room. Not only will you be able to keep your floor and desk clean, but these storage resources can make moving in and out of your dorm that much easier.
Dorm Rules
As we previously mentioned, many colleges provide mattresses and advise students not to bring their own. Beyond the bed, there usually aren’t many restrictions on what you can bring, but every school is different, so it’s a good idea to check with your school’s policies before you make large purchases. Be conservative before you confirm these policies; nothing is worse than spending a lot of money on a dorm essential and then finding out you aren’t even allowed to bring it.
Takeaway
Every item on this list was considered with cost and durability in mind, but at the end of the day, sleep isn’t one size fits all. Mattress Clarity features hundreds of mattresses and accessories, so make sure to explore our other roundups and reviews for more expert opinions such as these. And who knows, you may find an item for your college dorm that wasn’t even mentioned on this list.
The importance of a good night’s rest in college cannot be overstated, and the right accessories will only improve your ability to refuel after each long day. No matter what you end up choosing, your sleep is in your control with the help of Mattress Clarity—here to help you make the right sleeping decisions in college and beyond.
FAQs
Is it hard to sleep in a dorm?
It depends on what your dorm situation is. If you are paired with considerate roommates in a nice dorm, it might not be too difficult to get a good night’s rest. However, noisy roommates and neighbors, old dorm buildings, and sicknesses can sometimes make it hard. Purchasing the right sleep accessories can help mitigate these annoyances.
What size are college dorm beds?
College dorm beds are usually either twin or twin xl sized. A twin and twin xl are the same width, but a twin xl will be approximately five inches longer.
How many sets of sheets do I need to bring to college?
You will certainly have no trouble only bringing one set of sheets to college. However, bringing two sets isn’t a bad idea. If one set is damaged or becomes dirty, you can easily swap it out without the spare set. The same applies to towels and wash clothes.