Bedding dorm

Where Can I Buy Dorm Bedding?
Articles By Stefan Hunter

Most students at four year universities have students live in the dorms the first year. This 'first time away from home' can be fun, exciting and challenging. Leading up to the dorm move in day you will want to know when and where to find great deals on dorm essentials. For the most part your typical Bed, Bath Beyond or target will have casual items you can use in a dorm year round - ranging from storage cubes to bulletin boards and more. However one type of item not stocked year round is the specially sized bedding designed for Twin XL beds (Most dorm mattresses measure 39 x 80, which is 5 inches longer than a typical twin bed).

The items that you need to specially buy for these extra long twin beds include:

* Twin XL Sheet sets
* Twin XL Mattress Pads
* Twin XL Feather Beds
* Twin XL Comforters

As a side note the wording on the packaging will range from:

* Twin XL
* XL Twin
* Extra Long Twin
* Twin Extra Long

They all reference the extra long bedding designed for the extra long dorm beds.

Twin XL Sheets

These extra long sheets are different then a normal twin size sheet set in that the fitted sheet is 5 inches longer and also likely is not a deep pocket (most dorm mattresses are on the thin side - hence a fitted sheet drop length can range from 7 to 12 inches). The size of the flat sheet can be longer but does not have to be.

Twin XL Mattress Pads

These extra long bed covers do a couple things - the most important is to cover up those pre-used, plastic covered mattresses that look like they belong in a prison. Now ever dorm will inspect, and fix or replace bad beds - however it is advised to cover them for improved comfort. Mattress Pads traditionally have a 'skirt' that covers the sides of the bed and can be tucked under - just like a fitted sheet. Not only do you want to cover what you can't see, but you want to prevent any late night soda spills from ruining the bed and causing a big fee from the dorm.

Twin XL Feather Beds

Unlike a mattress pad which is designed to protect a bed, a feather bed adds comfort to a bed. These thicker pieces of bedding usually do not feature a skirt nor anchor bands (some hotel style ones might). A feather bed or fiber bed will add considerable comfort to a noisy, stiff or limp dorm mattress. Please note that adding a feather bed means also adding height to the bed and the fitted sheet set will need to accommodate that added height.

Twin XL Comforters

Dorm rooms are notorious for being really hot or really cold - so we advise layering for maximum flexibility. Generally speaking most twin comforters sold for back to school season run skimpy on the width and length. For the most part a 68 x 88 size twin comforter is good enough - and of course a 68 x 92 extra long twin is the perfect maximum length. The choice of down versus down alternative is a personal decision that will be impacted by price and durability. Some college students like to have matching comforters and room decor - others like a classic crisp white comforter like at home. Regardless it is advised that the comforter can be machine washed (for eventual cleaning - usually at home). Down dorm comforters are a nice choice that allow for a breathable and hypoallergenic bedding solution that will be sure to make roommates jealous.