College Bedroom Checklist

How It Works

The college bedroom shopping checklist is designed to help students and parents save time and money. Our team of current and former students went shopping for you and compiled a list of quality bedroom products at affordable prices. Every item covered in our guide also features a need vs. want rating score and in-depth commentary, which help students and parents decide what bedroom related items to bring with them to college.

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Mattress, Mattress Topper/Pad

Colleges usually have Twin (39” x 75”) and Twin XL (38” x 80”) sized beds in the dorm rooms. Mattresses are normally provided for on-campus students but mattress toppers and pads are not included.

A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found a direct correlation between students quality of sleep and their grades. If you’re worried about not getting great sleep on the college provided mattress, then you should consider investing in a memory foam mattress topper and/or mattress pad. Placing a 2-4 inch topper on your mattress is a cost effective solution to getting better sleep.

Bedsheets, Comforter, Blankets, Pillows

Bedsheets

Comforter

Blankets

Pillows

You’ll need to provide your own bed sheets and comforter for college, so don’t forget to find out what size mattress you have before making a purchase. Student can also opt to use a large cotton-fleece blanket over a traditional comforter.

Please, please, please remember that Bed Sheets and Comforters are two of the dirtiest items in a college dorm room because they are not regularly washed. Sickness spreads rapidly throughout college dorms making good self cleanliness extremely important! As a precaution you should consider bringing an additional set of bedsheets.

You’ll also need to bring your own blankets and pillows to college. Twin and Twin XL beds normally use a blanket (66” x 90”) and standard (20” x 26”) or queen (20” x 30”) pillows.

We’ve noticed most students use two pillows, but an overlooked alternative is using a single king pillow (20” x 36”). Students with futons in their rooms or in colder climate areas might also consider bringing an extra blanket or throw pillows.

Small Fan, Trashcan, Long Phone Charger

Small Fan

Trash Can

Long Phone Charger

Some colleges provide students with a small wastebasket, but in most cases that means sharing it with your roommate. Trash can accumulate quickly in dorm rooms, so having a personal trash can is an easy way to keep your living area clean.

The quality of air conditioning is dependent on the university and how recently specific dorm halls were built, so students should read reviews and consult with their school to determine if its worth bringing. In dormitories with poor air conditioning, students should consider splitting the cost of a medium-to large size box fan with their roommate. If you’re looking for a smaller size option, we’ve noticed many students prefer to use a desk or clip-on fan.

A common problem students experience is power outlets not being within arms reach of their bed or near desks at student locations on campus.The best way to deal with outlet problems is to invest in a 6ft or 10ft extended phone charger. Whether you’re in the library, somewhere on campus, or in your dorm, we guarantee their will come a time when an outlet is out of reach for a standard charger.

Bedcaddy, Nightstand, Lamp

Bed Caddy

Night Stand

Lamp

You’ll need to check with your university to see if a nightstand and lamp are provided and if so, whether or not each roommate receives their own. If a single nightstand or lamp is provided, contact your roommate and discuss how you plan to share the area. Students who want their own can suggest splitting the cost with the roommate in order to accommodate both parties.

Nightstands might not seem that useful, but they’re a nice place to store personal belongings like wallets, phones, and watches. If one is not provided and space or money is an issue, you can always opt for a small bed caddy instead. Some students end up bringing both, as extra storage space for personal items often helps students stay more organized.

A great alternative to a traditional lamp is a small clip on lamp, which are perfect for those times you need to study or read a book when your roommate is sleeping. If you have room in your budget we recommend bringing one, but don’t stress if you can’t. Most colleges have study rooms in their dorms and 24 hour areas on campus if you find yourself needing to pull a late night study session for a paper or exam.

College Bedroom Checklist

How It Works

Mattress, Mattress Topper/Pad

Bedsheets, Comforter, Blankets, Pillows

Small Fan, Trashcan, Long Phone Charger

Bedcaddy, Nightstand, Lamp

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