Here’s Everything You Need for the Dorm Bed of Your Dreams
There are two universal truths about sleep in college: The first is that if you want to be able to juggle academics, extracurriculars, and a social life, getting good sleep is absolutely paramount. The second, which stands in direct opposition to the first, is that sleep isn’t always the easiest to come by in a college dorm.
I mean, those twin XL beds aren’t exactly ideal — the mattresses are usually thin and stiff, storage space is sparse, and there’s very little personality to make a student feel at home. But after spending the past three years working to perfect my tiny, multifunctional sleeping situation (aka my dorm bed), I’ve learned it’s possible to not only make your dorm bed comfortable; but to also do so in style. Selecting your ideal bedding, optimizing storage, and picking out accessories that speak to you will help make your bed feel like your dorm room’s most sacred space. And I’m here to show you how to do it.
Below, check out all the must-have (and nice-to-have) items every dorm bed should have, along with some product recommendations for each category. The bed of your dreams awaits!
1. A Mattress Protector
A mattress protector will not only protect you from any possible germs left behind from previous owners, but it will also protect your mattress from any spills and stains you may leave behind. (And don’t worry — schools clean their dorm furniture in between residents; you can check with your building’s staff for more information about their cleaning policies.)
2. Twin XL Sheets
Sheets are the baseline element of your college bedding, so be sure to pick out a set you love. You can choose between a variety of fabrics, including cotton, linen, flannel, synthetic, and more.
3. A Comforter
Whether you’re into thick, fluffy comforters or thinner, quilt-like options, you’ll want something that’s cozy enough to keep you comfortable, yet durable enough to make it through multiple dorms.
4. Pillows
Give yourself the comfort and support you deserve to get the sleep you need!
5. Throw Pillows
One often-overlooked aspect of bedding is the decorative pillow. Yes, regular pillows are important for comfort during sleep, but throw pillows are all about style, so you can pick out the colors, sizes, textures, and shapes that showcase your personal taste.
6. Throw Blankets
Just like throw pillows, decorative throw blankets are important for your room’s overall aesthetic. But it’s not just about looks; throws are practical to have if you get cold but aren’t completely ready to get into bed yet.
7. A Mattress Topper
Dorm beds aren’t exactly known for their comfort, so you may need an extra layer of cushion in order to get a good night’s sleep.
8. Under-Bed Storage
In order to maximize your storage space while staying organized, you can (and should) utilize the area below your bed — which will also help keep clutter out of sight.
9. A Real Alarm Clock
Unless you want to be like me, the student who accidentally slept through her Spanish final, I highly recommend you invest in a real alarm clock. Sure, you could use your phone, but what if you forget to charge it overnight? Also, while you probably sleep with your phone in bed right next to you, you can keep your alarm clock on your desk or dresser, meaning you’ll have to get out of bed to turn it off, which will ensure you actually wake up.
10. Bed Risers
These simple yet effective products are low-key one of the most important things to buy for your dorm room. With a variety of options to match your aesthetic and desired bed height, bed risers are a cost-effective way to maximize your under-bed space.
11. Bedside Storage
Who has the space for a nightstand? Not me! Thankfully, there are plenty of smaller, space-saving options to store items like your phone or jewelry before falling asleep.
12. A Headboard
Although headboards aren’t a necessity, they do have a ton of benefits beyond just looking cute. They can help maximize the stability of your bed by providing a backboard for you to set up your pillows (or Squishmallow collection). Plus, these offer great sound barriers between your head and whatever’s going on in the room next door.
