Are you moving into a college dorm for the first time? These are the dorm bedding essentials you need to have on your packing list!
Living in a dorm is a big adjustment for many students. There are so many things you need to bring when you move into a dorm room for the first time, and that includes bedding!
Most dorm rooms will come with a bed frame and a mattress, but it’s on you to bring everything else. Dorm beds can be notoriously uncomfortable, which means it’s even more important to have the right bedding essentials.
So what should you have on your college dorm packing list when it comes to bedding?
Here’s what you will need for your dorm bed.
Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is one of the most important things you can get for your dorm bed, and yet I often see it left off college packing lists!
This is a must-have because dorm bed mattresses are often hard as a rock. You’ve heard the old story The Princess and the Pea about a princess who can’t sleep no matter how many mattresses she has? That’s how most dorm bed mattresses are!
A mattress topper can make your mattress a lot more comfortable to sleep on, so this is well worth having. (I didn’t have one of these until later on, and I wished I’d had one sooner!)
Mattress Pad
The mattress topper goes directly on top of your mattress, and a mattress pad goes over that. This just gives another layer of protection to your mattress and makes it more comfortable.
Like the mattress topper, your mattress pad should most likely be twin XL size to fit your bed. And speaking of twin XL beds…
Twin XL Sheets
You’ll also most likely need twin XL sheets for your dorm bed. Double-check what kind of bed you’ll have in your dorm room, but this is the most common type.
Regular twin sheets will not fit this kind of bed, so make sure you’re getting twin XL sheets, which is a slightly different size! You’ll want to have at least two sets of sheets so you have an extra set to put on when you are washing the other set.
Twin XL Comforter
Similarly, you will want to bring a twin XL comforter to college with you. I recommend getting a lightweight down comforter for your bed.
These stay cool in the summer, but they are also warm enough for the winter.
Spare Blankets
In addition to a comforter for your bed, you might want to have a spare blanket or two as well. I had a fleece blanket like this at the foot of my bed.
This was perfect for when I was hanging out sitting at the foot of my bed (which I often did since there was not much space in my dorm room!) It’s also good for if you have guests over.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are another great item to have in your dorm bed. I like these better than regular pillows because they are super comfortable and can help you sleep better at night.
Depending on how many pillows you normally sleep with, you may want to get one or two of these to put on your dorm bed.
Pillowcases
Obviously, you also need pillowcases in addition to pillows for your dorm bed. I personally like plain cotton pillowcases, but you can get any kind that you like.
The important thing is that you have at least two sets of pillowcases so that you have an extra set to put on while you are washing the other ones.
Decorative Throw Pillows
If you want to add a little more pizzazz to your dorm bed, you should definitely get some decorative throw pillows like these. This is an easy way to add an elevated touch to your dorm bed and make it look less boring.
Since dorm beds are pretty small, I recommend going with just two or three small decorative throw pillows so you don’t overwhelm the space.
Bedrest Pillow
One other type of pillow you should have for your dorm bed? A bedrest pillow! These pillows are super convenient for when you are sitting in bed watching TV on your laptop, browsing the Internet, studying, doing homework, reading, and so on.
Rather than have to lean up against the hard wall next to your bed, you can relax against a bedrest pillow instead. Super comfortable and a must-have in your dorm room.
Bedside Shelf
Okay, this last item isn’t bedding per se, but it’s a bed-related item so I am including it on this list anyway! And that item is a bedside tray table.
Most dorm beds are lofted, which means you won’t be able to use a nightstand since you’ll be too high up to reach one! In this case, a bedside tray table is super useful. These clip on to the side of your bed frame and can be used as a nightstand.
It’s the perfect place to put your phone, water bottle, medications, glasses, or anything else you might want right next to your bed and within easy reach at night.
Dorm Bedding Essentials
This post showed you the dorm bedding essentials that every college student should have. Bedding is just one of the many things you’ll need to bring with you when moving into a dorm for the first time, and you don’t want to forget any of the items on this list!
Although dorm beds are not known for being the most comfortable or luxurious beds in the world, these essentials will help you make your dorm bed feel cozier and make you more at home in your new space.
Be sure to check that you have these dorm bedding essentials before you move to college!
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