I test bedding for a living — here’s how to recreate TikTok luxury dorm beds without burning a hole in your wallet

1. Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows: standard was $59.99 now $38.38 at Amazon
Plush down-like comfort and support wrapped in a 250 thread count, breathable cotton case — Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows are made with a down-alternative fill and rank as the best affordable pillow in our guide. They're OEKO-TEX Standard Certified and designed for all sleeping positions. In our reviewer's words, it delivers a "hotel-luxury sleep but within a budget" (read the full Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow review to know more). There's currently a 36% discount on two queen/standard size pillows on Amazon, dropping the price from $59.99 to $38.38.

Our review: ★★★★½
User score: ★★★★½ (252K+ reviews)

2. Coop Cotton Percale Sheet set: twin XL was $149 now $119.20 at Coop
The OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN Certified certified Coop Cotton Percale sheet set is made from 100% cotton, which is lightweight, breathable and will soften as it's washed. And it's created using, as Coop describe it, the "luxurious yet durable" percale weave, which means these sheets will upgrade your dorm bed feel, and they'll last. The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases and now has 20% off in Coop's Back to School sale. That means a twin XL size is now $119.20 (was $149), though do note that you only get one pillowcase with twin and twin XL sets. Benefits include a sleep trial of 100 nights, a 1-year warranty and free shipping.

User score: ★★★★½ (20+ reviews)

3. Helix Waterproof Mattress Encasement: twin XL was $86.66 now $63.27 from Helix
A major part of your sleep health depends on how hygienic your bed is. This is why top hotel mattresses are generally cleaned regularly to create the ideal experience for each guest. The best waterproof mattress protectors can give your dorm bed that hotel-style freshness, as they'll safeguard your mattress against dust, dirt and accidental spills and stains. A mattress encasement like the the Helix Waterproof Mattress Encasement goes a step further by providing 360 degree protection, making them great at preventing bed bugs and allergens from getting into your mattress too. You can now get 27% off this Helix encasement in early Labor Day sales using code TOMS27, which drops the price of a twin XL encasement from $86.66 to $63.27. You'll also get a 30-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.

4. Lucid 2-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: twin XL was $52.99 now $47.68 at Amazon
One simple way to create a more luxurious feel for your dorm bed is to add a mattress topper. The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is crafted from pressure relieving, contouring gel-infused memory foam, which is also ventilated for airflow. We reviewed the 4" version of this Lucid mattress topper and, as a result, crowned it our best budget mattress topper. The 2" model is still going to add comfort and cushioning to your dorm bed, but it may be more suited to back and stomach sleepers. It currently has 10% off in a twin XL size on Amazon which drops the price from $52.99 to $47.68.

Our review: ★★★½ (rating given for the 4" model)
User score: ★★★★½ (67K+ combined reviews for 2, 3 and 4" models)

5. Gravity Chunky Knit Blanket: was $149 now from $104 at Gravity
This stylish, chunky knit weighted blanket made from bamboo jersey will add a touch of cozy elegance to your dorm room and provide pressure therapy that can calm you (particularly useful for any moments you find college stressful). It's made by Gravity, a brand featured in our best weighted blankets guide, and comes in a single size (which is 42" x 65”) and 10lb weight. Right now these chunky knit blankets have 30% off, meaning you can grab one in either soft gray or blueberry color for just $104 (was $149) — ideal for a modest student budget.

User score: ★★★★★ (30+ reviews)