Dorm Room Essentials: Bedding

As a college kid, you’re going to be spending a fair amount of time in your dorm room and, more than likely, on your dorm standard, extra long twin bed. So shouldn’t that be the most comfortable place in the room? I’d like to think so. Today I want to tackle the thought that’s on most college kids’ minds when moving in: What to bring for the bed?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already been through countless lists but all your thinking is “Do I really need ALL of that?!” My answer is simply no, you don’t. See, most “list” are there to included anything and everything under the sun that you may want, not necessarily need. Some of the craftier kids out there know that all you have to do is pick out the things you think you’ll need. But for those who still don’t know, I’ve complied my own list which is based off my own personal experience and from those around me.

1: Two sets of sheets.

This is a definite. I know what you’re thinking. There’s only one bed, why have two sets? I’ve always grown up with the thought that for every bed in the house, you should have two sets of sheets.

One bed: Two sheets. Five beds: Ten sheets.

That way, if something happens to the first set (say, you get sick, spill juice on them, or they’re just plain nasty), there will always be that second set so you don’t have to sleep on just the mattress.

Two sets for a dorm student is especially needed. With the hectic life of classes, homework, work, and having a social life while living away from home, the last thing you want to do is spend a whole day washing one set of sheets, especially if you don’t have time to. So buy two sets, either in the same color or not, that way you’ll always have something fresh and waiting for you.
Also keep in mind that most college’s have extended beds so make sure you have the extra long sheets to outfit your bed in. The other wont work because they’re too short. And please try to change your sheets every two to four weeks. It’s just hygienic.

2: Pillows

This one’s a little tricky but a good rule of thumb is to take the SAME AMOUNT of pillows that you use at home, meaning that you actually sleep with, to your dorm. Most sites say two but that may not be what you’re used to or even need.

I personally am bringing two standard pillows and a body pillow, just because that’s what I have on my twin at home. I find it easier to “lounge” in my bed and use my laptop if I have that many. But do as you prefer.

I also recommend buying new standard pillows if that’s all you’re taking. What a lot of people don’t think about is that if you take everything off your bed from home, then when you come back on the weekends, you’ll have to cart around your bedding. You can get some nice standard pillows from Bed, Bath, and Beyond for as low as seven dollars and Walmart has something just as good for about three.

3: Covers, quilts, comforters, blankets, and/or duvets.

Just as the pillows, this is one of those things that is really a personal preference. Look at your bed at home. Do you like real blankets or the ones that I like to call “fashion covers,” meaning that they feel scratchy but look good? How about a down or down alternative blanket? It’s really up to you but you’ll need something instead of just sheets.

Remember, though, some dorms get insanely cold while others feel like a sauna. Prepare for both. I suggest just bringing one large comforter or blanket for your bed, plus a thermal-like blanket to put underneath that for added warmth (they tend to be pretty cheap), and maybe one or two extra smaller blankets for those colder months.

It’s always good to get a more plain fabric for the blanket that covers your bed. That way as the months go by, you may not get tired of it as quickly as you will with a more “fashionable” blanket.

4: Mattress pad of some sort.

This one was a big one for me. Having slept on twins all my life, I know they’re not exactly built for long lasting quality. Now add the fact that that it’s a cheap mattress, and you have instant back problems. Luckily, I have a solution.

Buy a mattress pad. I have one for my bed at home and they’re great. I do suggest buying the actually pad over the egg crates just because they’re the same price at most stores and the pad doesn’t bunch up or loose it’s padding as quickly. If you can get access to them both, the better. More padding.

Also, for about ten dollars, you can get a fitted sheet with a small pad on it that’ll help keep the other pad in place better.

As with the sheets, make sure you get the right size or you’ll have about five inches of unpadded space. Not fun.

5: Mostly random but important.

You’ll need an alarm clock. Don’t go with out one and don’t always rely on your cell phone. Buy one that is battery operated so you don’t have the dreaded “the power went off and it knocked my clock off so now I’m two hours late for my first class” morning.

If you’re going to loft you bed, and I recommend that you do so as to maximize space, you might want to invest in a bedside caddy or table. They’re easily attachable to the top bunk and don’t leave marks (or at least aren’t supposed to). This comes in handy to hold your alarm clock, books (assuming you read in bed), glasses, retainers (I know I’m not the only one), and an assortment of other things.

6: Final Word.

So that’s my list of bedding. I want to leave this list by saying that a lot of people hype up the dorm room needs and then panic because they don’t know what to bring. Just think about your bed at home and what you like to have there, what you may need to have, and then modify it to a smaller space.

You want your stuffed animal from Kindergarten to go with you? Then add it.

Like hard mattresses? Then omit the padding.

Need lots of covers in order to sleep? Then bring them (but please, for your roommate’s sake, keep them on your bed and not in the floor).

It’s all about you and your needs now. This is going to be about the one space in the entire room that is totally and completely yours so make it your own.

Any ideas or suggestions, leave some feedback. It’s always more than welcomed.

Thank you for your time and happy sleeping in your new room!

Sincerely,
Ran