If you're heading to college soon, you've probably heard the rumors — uncomfortable twin beds, cramped dorm rooms, and not a lot of sleep. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With just a few easy upgrades, you can turn your dorm bed into a cozy, go-to spot for rest, relaxation, and recharging between classes.
No matter what kind of room you’re assigned, your bed should feel like your own personal retreat. These four simple steps will help you transform it into the most comfortable place on campus.
How To Make A College Dorm Bed More Comfortable
Dorm beds aren’t exactly known for comfort, but with a few smart upgrades, you can change that fast. Here’s how to make your college bed cozier and more supportive.
Step 1: Use A Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers are lifesavers for college students. While dorm mattresses are provided to every student staying in a dorm room, they’re not always the most comfortable. This is because they are uniform among the entire freshman population (and occasionally sophomores and upperclassmen) and can be slightly worn down as they aren’t replaced every year.
A mattress topper is the solution you need.. It sits atop your mattress and provides a soft, luxurious buffer between you and the mattress. While the mattress supports the bulk of your weight, you will primarily feel the comfort and extra padding from the topper.
Depending on your college or university, most dorm mattresses are twin XLs. That means a twin XL mattress topper is your best bet but check for more information on your university’s student housing website for specifics on your dorm mattress.
Step 2: Invest In High-Quality Sheets
Sheets are arguably the most important sleep accessory to invest in since your skin makes direct contact with them throughout the night. You don’t want to struggle to sleep because of scratchy or hot sheets. It’s essential to purchase dorm bedding bundles that are not only made of comfortable material but are versatile and suit you in different temperatures and conditions.
Step 3: Layer Comfortable Blankets
As with any bed, it’s the accessories that make it extra cozy. Find blankets and/or comforters that appeal to your preferences. Cotton, fleece, and polyester blankets are great materials for how to make a dorm bed more comfortable.
Depending on the location of your school, you may experience drastic fluctuations in weather. If this is the case, invest in different weighted blankets — some softer and lighter, and some thicker and heavier. Heated blankets are a great addition in the winter.
If you’re wondering what size should a dorm bed comforter be, the rule of thumb is to buy a comforter that correlates to your mattress’ size. This can be tricky, as not all comforter manufacturers work by the same bed measurements. However, discrepancies occur more frequently with full or queen-sized beds. For a twin or twin XL, it’s safe to purchase a matching sized comforter.
Step 4: Stock Up On Pillows
While decorative pillows are great for show, you’ll want functional pillows when it comes time for bed. Since it’s unlikely the bed your dorm provides you with will be spacious, make the most of the room you have with just a few necessary pillows.
Pillows aren’t one size fits all, so find a couple that are not only comfortable but align with your body’s needs and preferences. For example, consider investing in a pillow specifically designed for your sleep position. Without much room to toss and turn, this pillow will be your go-to and will help ensure you’re well-rested the next morning.
BONUS: Protect Your Bed From Bugs
Nothing disturbs restful sleep more than the thought — or if you’re unlucky, sight — of bed bugs. These critters love to hide in the cracks, crevices, and folds of mattresses and box springs. Since you don’t know the history of the mattress you’ll be sleeping on, consider investing in protective gear.
Let Us Help You Make Your Dorm Bed More Comfortable
Getting good sleep in college makes all the difference — and it starts with a mattress that actually supports you. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life or just want your bed to feel more like home, comfort is key to staying focused, rested, and ready for anything campus throws your way.
At Mattress Warehouse, we make it easy to find the right fit with our bedMATCH® system. Using real sleep data, bedMATCH recommends a mattress based on your body and sleep preferences—so you can stop guessing and start sleeping better. Try bedMATCH in-store or take the quiz online to get matched before move-in day.