When I started as a freshman and settled into my college dorm room, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate. Despite having carefully examined the website’s pictures of the dorms and watching several tours led by past resident assistants over and over again, I remained unprepared for actually residing in such a cramped space that felt like a tiny box.
I soon discovered how to create a cozy sleeping space within my modest college budget. Given that my 80-square-foot singles room turned my bed into both seating for guests and an adjustable spot for studying, besides being obviously my place of rest at night.
Each dorm appears to have the identical thin, six-inch-thick mattress, typically covered in navy blue or black vinyl. While you might not have much choice regarding the bedding provided, ensure that anything else you add enhances your comfort at your new college bed.
right items
To create an incredibly comfortable and versatile space suitable for all its various purposes.
“Combining layers, hues, and materials work together seamlessly, and having all these elements allows for crafting an inviting and cozy atmosphere that serves as both a refuge and your main dwelling area,” he states.
Celena Browning
, an interior designer based in Los Angeles.
I considered these aspects when searching for items aimed at optimizing a dorm bed since college students utilize it so extensively.
The 3 Essentials Your Bed Requires for Ultimate Rest
The primary and clearest reason for using your dorm bed is undoubtedly for sleeping, yet it can be challenging to achieve comfort with the typical vinyl mattress provided. According to Celena, “It’s crucial to put money into specific items for your bed so it becomes comfy.” She emphasizes that getting a quality memory foam mattress topper is absolutely vital.
During my first year of college, I added a Twin XL memory foam pad onto my mattress and placed a quilted mattress protector over it. The memory foam provided comfort, while the mattress protector served as an extra layer to prevent the foam from shifting around.
Twin XL dimensions
(38″ x 80″) dimensions are somewhat bigger compared to those of a regular twin size (38″ x 75″). Therefore, it’s important to select a mattress topper that perfectly matches your bedding.
SINWEEK Mattress Topper Twin XL
Amazon
$40
Buy Now
Utopia Bedding Quilted Mattress Cover for Twin XL
Walmart
$16
Buy Now
In my opinion, the most crucial element of a bed is undoubtedly the comforter. I believe that the fluffier it is, the better, and if it gives me the feeling of being in a luxury hotel, then it’s definitely a winner for me.
Sarah Lambert
, chief interior designer at
Lambert Home
, recommends matching your comforter with a washable duvet cover that reflects your personal style. She advises, “It’s something you’ll spend lots of time on; footwear will likely end up on it too—so choose one that can easily handle being tossed into the washing machine whenever needed.”
Washed Waffle Weave Duvet Cover and Sham Collection, Size Twin/Twin XL
Target
$59
Buy Now
Martha Stewart White Feather and Down Comforter, Size Twin
Bed Bath & Beyond
$55 (was $63)
Buy Now
Regardless of whether you use one pillow or three, choosing the correct pillows can greatly improve your sleeping environment. Just as I adore plush comforters, I have a fondness for large, soft pillows at bedtime. However, irrespective of what you prefer, make sure to purchase a pillow that remains smooth and even throughout an entire academic term.
Beckham Hotel Collection Queen Size Pillow Pair, 2pcs
Amazon
$60 (was $80)
Buy Now
Cheer Collection Down-Alternative Pillow Pair, Set of Two
Bed Bath & Beyond
$40 (was $48)
Buy Now
The 3 Essentials for Your Bed to Help You Study Successfully!
While studying, I find it necessary to alter my posture at least two times during the entire period. In my dormitory, I usually begin working at my desk and stand up to stretch after one hour before moving to study from my bed instead. According to Lambert, using a lap desk can make learning from bed significantly more comfortable; retrospectively, I regret not considering this idea earlier.
LapGear Foam Lap Desktop
Walmart
$18
Buy Now
LAPGEAR Ultra-Sized Bamboo Lap Desk
Amazon
$50
Buy Now
When studying on your bed, proper lumbar support is essential—or you’ll soon experience discomfort. An elegant solution for this is acquiring a headboard. Not only does it enhance the appearance of your dormitory bed, but it also provides a cozy spot to work from. Additionally, as Lambert points out, a headboard helps keep your pillows in place, adding another benefit.
Modway Copper Grove Worishofen Velvet Headboard
Wayfair
$70 (was $187)
Buy Now
Veronique Twin Performance Velvet Headboard
Bed Bath & Beyond
$107
Buy Now
I can relate to this sentiment; personally, studying doesn’t seem complete without an array of additional items—my laptop alone isn’t enough. I require
emotional support water bottle
, my organizer, a quick bite, ultimately my charging cable, along with numerous other essentials that make a bedside caddy indispensable. This handy accessory doesn’t just keep everything tidy for study sessions; it also enhances comfort by minimizing the mess that usually sprawls across your bedding.
Edudif Bedside Caddy
Amazon
$12 (was $15)
Buy Now
Surblue Bedside Caddy
Amazon
$14
Buy Now
The 3 Essentials Your Bed Requires to Transform Into the Perfect Hangout Spot
I love having one or two body pillows on my bed; they transform it into a charming daybed-like arrangement. This makes it comfortable for hanging out with pals as well, turning your bedroom into an impromptu lounge space. Additionally, if you’re not keen on installing a headboard, using a body pillow wedge serves as a fantastic substitute!
Casaluna Lumbar Heavy Weight Linen Blend Throw Pillow
Target
$50
Buy Now
Amninny Triangular Headboard Cushion
Wayfair
$64 (was $67)
Buy Now
Lambert advises keeping just one or two pillows on your bed due to limited space concerns. However, Browning believes in using as many as possible, arguing that adding layers enhances comfort. The choice of how you decorate your dorm room ultimately depends on personal preference and style. Personally, whenever I hosted guests in my dorm, I enjoyed having extra cushions to transform my bed into a cozy couch for them.
“I’m all about mixing things up with the throw pillows,” states Browning. “I enjoy incorporating various hues into them. However, this isn’t enough; an additional element is required. This is when I begin introducing different materials such as furry cushions.”
Room Essentials Decorative Pillow
Target
$15
Buy Now
Soft Silk Heart Frill Throw Pillow
Urban Outfitters
$39
Buy Now
According to both Browning and Lambert, another excellent item to include in your college bedding ensemble is a plush, bulky throw blanket. This type of blanket is undoubtedly beneficial if you and your roommate have differing opinions about the thermostat setting. Additionally, it serves as an ideal accessory during movie nights with friends.
A throw blanket serves as an additional protective barrier over your comforter and makes it easier to clean up when you’re snacking with pals and inevitably dropping crumbs all around, according to Lambert. “You can just roll it up, carry it outdoors, and rattle off the debris.”
Bedsure Fleece Blanket
Amazon
$18
Buy Now
Admitrack Chunky Knitted Throw Blanket
Amazon
$29
Buy Now
No matter what you choose to add to your college bed, ensure it provides maximum comfort in all positions.
you
I genuinely wish for these items
you
Must include,’ states Lambert. ‘Ensure they feel personal.’
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