Summer has flown by and it's hard to believe that it's that time of year again: back to school! If you're going away to university or college for the first time, congratulations - this is an exciting milestone. With so much to figure out when moving into a dorm for the first time, we thought we would create this helpful and easy guide to help you find the best dorm bedding for you.
It might not seem that important, but getting the right bedding for your dorm is essential in making sure you have the most comfortable, restful sleep during the school year. Also, your bedding will transform your plain, boring room into the cozy and personalized space of your dreams. A place that you're comfortable in = better sleep, always.
In this guide, we'll walk you though the essential bedding pieces you need to make your dorm room feel like home, ensuring you get the best night's sleep each night and enjoy university life to the fullest.
1. Twin XL Sheets: The Dorm Room Essential
When it comes to dorm bedding, the first and most important thing on your list should be Twin XL sheets. Twin XL's are 5" longer than standard Twin beds, and this is the size that most universities and colleges furnish their rooms with.
Buying standard Twin-sized sheets instead of Twin XL can lead to many frustrating hours of trying to fit too-small sheets on a too-large mattress. You might awake at night to the feeling of your fitted sheets popping off of the mattress, causing major disruptions to your sleep.
To avoid these struggles, always make sure you're getting dorm room sheets in a size Twin XL, so they're the perfect fit. You can explore all of our Twin XL bedding here.
As for the type of bedding that's best for dorm rooms, we always recommend looking for 100% natural fibres like cotton, linen, or bamboo. These materials are breathable and will regulate your body's temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Bonus: they're the most sustainable and eco-friendly ones too!
100% cotton jersey sheets are soft and stretchy, like your favourite t-shirt, and come in a Twin XL size.
2. The Mattress Pad: The Unsung Hero of Dorm Bedding
One often overlooked - yet ESSENTIAL - pieces of dorm room bedding is a mattress pad or mattress protector. You're likely not the first person to sleep on the mattress, so hygiene can be a big concern. A mattress protector provides an extra layer between you and the mattress, ensuring a cleaner sleeping surface (and giving you peace of mind).
Beyond cleanliness, a mattress pad adds an extra layer of comfort, and will protect your mattress in case of any spills or stains.
Just like your sheets, make sure that you're getting a mattress pad in a Twin XL size to be the perfect fit for your dorm mattress.
Our Cotton Mattress Protector is soft and cozy, easy to clean, and features stretchy sides that fit most mattresses.
3. Dorm Pillows: Small But Mighty
We know what you're thinking.... it's just a pillow, what difference could it make? The truth is that the right pillow is incredibly important, and one of the keys to getting your best sleep ever.
Getting a pillow that provides proper support for your neck and spine is essential for getting a good night' sleep. While we always love pillows with a pure white goose down fill, a high-quality micro-fibre fill will also give you the support you need.
Our Jasper Pillow is a dorm bed bestseller. Made using the best quality Suprelle micro-fibre technology imported from France, so lightweight it creates a down-like feel.
If you don't know what kind of pillow to get, first thing about how you typically sleep. If you like to sleep on your stomach, you don't need a lot of neck support, so look for a soft, squishy pillow that will be comfy for your head to rest on. If you're typically a back sleeper, you'll need a little more support to align your neck and spine, so look for a Medium pillow. And side sleepers - you need the MOST support possible, so a firm pillow with extra fill inside will help to support your neck and align your spine at night. You can find out more here.
One other tip: no matter what type of pillow you get, getting a pillow protector is an essential, This simple addition guards your pillow against stains, spills, and the natural oil from the face and hair and will extend it's lifespan.
4. Personalizing Your Dorm Room Decor
Your dorm room isn't just a place to sleep and study for the next few years: it should be a reflection of who you are and your personal style. Choosing bedding in the colours, patterns, and styles that reflect your personality is a great way to express your style and make your space more comfortable.
One piece that's great for aesthetic and practical reasons? A beautiful throw pillow (or many of them!). Choosing throw pillows with a firm feather fill will add an extra layer of back support if you're reading or studying in bed, and will cover a rumpled bed nicely. Go wild and show off your personality with fur, monograms, fun patterns, or unique textures.
These pieces make your bed more comfortable and cozy, and help to create a space that feels distinctly like you. Dorm rooms don't have to be bland and lifeless - with the right decor pieces, you can transform it into your own beautiful retreat.
Chunky knit throws and pillows are an easy way to make a statement in your dorm room.
5. The Importance of Layering
Dorm room temperatures can be unpredictable. One minute it's freezing, and the next, it's too warm... and you have absolutely no control over it.
This is where layering your bedding becomes crucial. We recommend layering a quilt or blanket at the foot of your bed - not only for aesthetic reasons (quilts are having a moment), but for adding an extra layer of warmth if you're cold at night. Conversely - if you're too hot, you can take the duvet off of your bed completely and sleep with the quilt solo.
While Twin XL sheets are a must for dorm room beds, don't worry - you don't need a Twin XL quilt. A standard Twin size will fit your bed just fine. Investing in layers gives you the flexiiblity to adjust your bedding to how YOU feel most comfortable.
This sage green quilt is at the top of everyone's wishlist for dorm bedding this year.
This blush pink quilt is soft, cozy, and reversible.
Looking for even more information about dorm room bedding. Check out our previous blog posts: "5 Must-Haves For Your Dorm Room Bed" and "College Bound: 5 Ways To Get Their Dorm Rooms Ready".
