Are you heading off to college in the fall?

If so, it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the move, especially if you're putting down roots in a new city or state. However, there are a few easy and low-cost ways to recreate all of your favorite comforts of home, right in your dorm room!

Today, we're sharing the ultimate college dorm room checklist, filled with all of the essentials to make your new pad feel as much like home as possible. Your days might look a little different now, but that doesn't mean everything has to change! Before you begin back-to-school shopping, read on!

Comfortable, Luxury Bedding

When it comes to dorm room furniture, the best place to start is to work with what your college or university provides, such as a built-in desk or dresser. From there, you can choose to add other functional pieces, such as a futon or rug.

The one place to focus a majority of your efforts, however? Your bed.

College beds are notoriously uncomfortable and most are ultra-stiff, so it pays to upgrade them as much as you can. 

You might not be able to take your beloved childhood bed to college with you, but you can make your new sleep spot feel equally as plushy and cozy. Start with a great pillow, such as our Easy Breather Bedding Pillow. Our top-rated pillow, it features a soft and breathable cover and is filled with a supportive and flexible foam fill.

Then, top your bed with linens that are so comfortable, you'll second-guess that 8:00 a.m. class across campus. From organic cotton luxury sheet sets to bamboo duvet covers, we've got everything you need. Keep our Washable Wool Comforter nearby for those chilly autumn nights!

Photos of Loved Ones

One of the easiest and most effective ways to cure a bout of homesickness? Surround yourself with images of those you love!

Proudly display that framed picture of your family at Disney World. Or, use a smartphone-enabled printer to create copies of images you've snapped of your high school best friend, significant other or furry companion. 

While you don't necessarily need to keep all of these portraits around all of the time, they make an excellent makeshift wallpaper! Dorm walls tend to be a little bland and boring, so decorate away! 

To inspire you to study hard and do your best, consider adorning your space with other favorite wall accessories, as well. These might include inspirational quotes, framed letters, or even a shadow box from when you were younger!

Storage and Organization

You're finally out on your own! That means you can be as messy as you want to be, right?

Not quite. While it might feel liberating to stash your clothes, toiletries and school materials all over the place, it won't be long until you begin to miss the structure and routine that home provided.

That's why it pays to invest in storage containers and furniture that can keep your dorm as clean and waste-free as possible. Naturally, real estate will be at a premium and you won't have much room to move around. That said, eschew the bulky bookcases and opt for accessories with a smaller footprint, instead.

A few examples include:

• Wicker baskets
• Portable, rolling bins
• Under-the-bed storage containers

Not only do these containers help keep your dorm room clean and get everything off the floor, but they also make it easy to grab what you need when you're on the go.

Cozy Area Rugs

Whether you're spreading out all your papers and cramming for a test or settling in for a movie night, you don't exactly want to spend a ton of time on your dorm room floor. Chances are, it's either super hard or covered in paper-thin carpet that decades of students have trampled underfoot.

To make your room feel as cozy as your home bedroom, try adding a fluffy, comfortable area rug! This simple addition can add a ton of style and warmth to any room, and can also provide dimension by covering up that center area of open floor space.

To keep it looking as clean and neat as possible, stick to darker colors that won't show dirt as easily. Light grays, beiges and navy tones are ideal and can last for years.

Soft Lighting

It's no secret that the overhead fluorescent lighting that comes standard in most dorms doesn't exactly make your space feel calm. Rather, these can often be quite harsh and can even lead to eye strain.

Thankfully, you can minimize your reliance on these lights by setting up a few lamps, instead. Put a smaller, tabletop lamp on your desk and a floor lamp by your bed. This way, you can use soft task lighting most of the time, without the need to turn on the glaring overheads.

Want to add a touch that's even more special? Put up a strand of twinkly lights! Whether draped above your bed or wrapped whimsically around a window, they're a fun and safe alternative to candles, which are banned by most institutions. 

Complete This College Dorm Room Checklist

Whether you're entering as a new freshman or heading back to complete your senior year, the transition from living at home to living in a dorm can be quite jarring.

With this simple college dorm room checklist, you can add all of the accessories you need to turn your corner of college into a peaceful, cozy oasis you'll enjoy spending time in.

Looking for more ways to upgrade your bedding and make your space as comfortable as possible? We have all of the luxury linens, sheet sets, and even sleepwear you need. Take a look at our online shop and feel free to contact us with any questions!