FAQs about College Dorm Bedding
by Staff Writer
Published April 29, 2010 | Updated August 7, 2015
A college dorm is your home away from home when you live on campus, and comfortable bedding is one of the college essentials. Your bed is your refuge after a tiring day of classes and socializing, so when you start back-to-school shopping, make finding the right bedding a priority. This article provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about college dorm room bedding.
Questions about Dorm Bedding:
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- What bedding is needed in a college dorm?
Your bedding should include fitted sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters. Buy at least two sets of sheets and pillowcases; you might not have the time to wash them as often as needed once school has started. Bedding sets are a great option for dorm rooms because they include all the essentials in coordinating colors, making back-to-school shopping that much easier.
- Is there a standard size for college dorm bedding?
College dorms often have extra-long twin beds to accommodate taller students. A standard twin-size sheet will not fit. The measurements of an extra-long twin bed mattress are 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. This is 5 inches longer than standard twin beds.
- What size of sheets do I need?
Before you shop for bedding, check to see if you will need to get twin or twin XL sheets for your dorm bed. You should receive information from your college's dorm a few months before school starts about what you need to bring and what to expect from your dorm room. College dorm bedding is often made for twin XL mattresses, but you'll need to find out from your dorm if that's what you need or if they have regular twin-size beds. If you haven't gotten any mail about it yet, you'll want to call your dorm supervisor before you shop.
- When is the best time to buy college dorm bedding?
The best time to shop for dorm room bedding is in the summer. Even though school might be the last thing on your mind during summer, you'll be able to find the best selection of college bedding sets if you shop early. It's also smart to buy your bedding before you buy other dorm decor because a colorful bedding set can set the decor theme for the rest of the room.
- What can I do to make my dorm bed more comfortable?
Dormitory beds are notoriously uncomfortable, so you'll want to buy a mattress pad to make your bed easier to sleep on. Memory foam mattress pads are the easiest way to turn your standard-issue bed into a luxurious retreat. Top it off with a high thread count duvet for maximum comfort.