If you’re an incoming freshman in college, you might have heard horror stories about students sleeping on rock hard twin beds in tiny rooms with no air conditioning. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you think! However, you’ll more than likely still need to consider how to make a dorm bed more comfortable.
Regardless of your assigned room, your bed should be your oasis. Your bed in college should be a comfortable place for you to sleep as well as relax during the day when you want to take time away from schoolwork and other obligations. These simple steps will ensure your dorm bed is nothing short of your favorite spot on campus.
How To Make A College Dorm Bed More Comfortable
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 a simple solution. 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.
Bedgear’s Basic Sheet Set for twin beds is perfect for any dorm room bed. These exceptionally soft sheets are stretchy due to anchor bands attached to all four corners that won’t slip off your mattress (or mattress topper). Available in off white mist, light tan sand, and light grey frost, these stylish sheets are also wrinkle and stain-resistant.
If questioning what size are dorm bed sheets, it’s best to double-check what size your provided mattress is. However, the standard college dorm bed is a twin XL.
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 the position you sleep in, whether it be on your back, stomach, or side. 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.
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.
Mattress Warehouse’s Box Spring Encasement Protector by CleanRest® provides a line of defense against bed bug infestations. This easy slip-on also improves the cleanliness of your overall sleep by keeping it free of dust and other allergens.
Let Us Help You Make Your Dorm Bed More Comfortable
With your mattress protected from unwanted insects and comfortable bedding to make your new space feel homey and conducive to great sleep, you’re ready for move-in!
To purchase items that make your dorm bedroom more comfortable, shop all of our current sales.