Dorm Bed Size

Dorm rooms are designed for utility rather than comfort, which is often evident when lying on a dorm bed. This is a real concern for college students who need good sleep but often get precious little of it. If you’re heading off to college, you may be wondering what your bed will be like and how to make it as comfortable as possible. Bringing your own mattress may not be an option, so making the most of what’s there becomes the priority.

To help ease the transition, we explore the most common dorm bed sizes and their dimensions, the differences between those sizes, and what type of sleeper is best suited for each one. We cover how to make your dorm bed more conducive to sleep using methods that fit a variety of budgets. Choosing the right size bedding and incorporating one or more of these tips may be the keys to turning your dorm room into a restorative sleep environment.

What Size Is a Dorm Bed?

The majority of dorm beds are a twin XL size, which can accommodate taller people without taking up too much space. Dorm rooms typically have limited square footage, and the furniture is arranged for roommates to have adequate and equal living areas. 

That said, depending on the building and room dimensions, some dorm beds may be a twin or full size. Full mattresses are typically found in private or upgraded dorm rooms. If you’re wondering what size bed your dorm has, you can reach out to the college housing department for more details. They may also know the thickness of the mattresses, but this information is not always readily available before you arrive. 

Twin vs. Twin XL 

Twin and twin XL mattresses have the same width, but the twin XL is 5 inches longer than a standard twin. This additional length is designed for people over 6 feet tall who can feel cramped and uncomfortable on a twin. 

Twin beds are a popular choice for children or adults under 6 feet tall who sleep alone. A twin may also be big enough for taller people who sleep with their legs curled up. In contrast, a twin XL is normally better for teens who are still growing, taller people who need more legroom, and anyone who wants a bit of extra space to stretch out on their mattress. 

Twin XL vs. Full 

When comparing a twin XL to a full size mattress, you’ll find that a full size bed is significantly wider. A full mattress offers much more space to move around for people who like to spread out or who frequently change their sleeping position during the night. A full size mattress is also much better suited than a twin XL to sharing a bed with another person. 

A twin XL is longer, which can make this size appealing for taller people. Its reduced width also decreases its footprint in a dorm room, providing added floor space for walking around or putting other furniture. 

How to Make a Dorm Bed More Comfortable

Many colleges focus on durability and cost effectiveness when supplying beds for their dorms, so they buy affordable mattresses in bulk. This often results in beds that are less than ideal in terms of comfort. However, there are some ways to alter the feel of dorm beds to make them more inviting. 

Mattress Pad or Topper

Mattress toppers are thicker and more plush than mattress pads, which have only a thin layer of cushioning. When choosing the best topper for your dorm, consider factors like firmness, thickness, material, and pressure relief. People who want to change the overall feel of their bed usually prefer mattress toppers over pads. 

Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors are an effective way to keep your mattress free of stains, allergens, and bed bugs. A mattress encasement is the best bed bug mattress cover because it surrounds the entire mattress, forming a seal that keeps bed bugs out. However, mattress protectors and encasements offer only a limited amount of padding to enhance comfort.

Quality Sheets

Using sheets made of high-quality material can add a luxuriously soft feel to your sleep surface. Although thread count isn’t the only indicator of quality, a higher one can mean sheets have a smoother, more durable fabric that can stand up to the rigors of college life. 

Blankets and Pillows

Blankets and pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to customize them to your needs. Body pillows and wedge pillows can provide support for healthy spinal alignment. A Euro pillow can stand in for a headboard. When trying to add comfort, blankets can be layered above or beneath you to achieve the optimal temperature and feel. 

What Bedding Size Is Best For a Dorm Bed?

Since twin XL is the most common mattress size in dorms, this is a good place to start when looking at bed sheet sizes. Be sure to consider any accessories you plan to use on the bed, such as a mattress topper. This increases its overall height, and taller beds may require fitted sheets with deep pockets that securely fit around the mattress corners. 

The dimensions of twin XL flat sheets vary somewhat, offering more options based on how much extra material you want on your dorm bed. A larger flat sheet provides more coverage, which can suit taller mattresses without touching the floor. 

If your dorm bed is a twin or a full size, it will be even easier to find appropriate bedding, as these sizes are more easily found than the twin XL size. 

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