It is important to understand the exact size of dorm beds. This will let you know what kind of bedding to get as well as whether you will fit on your bed or not.
To learn just how big these beds are, here is what you need to know:
What Is the Size of College Dorm Beds?
The most common dimensions for a college bed are 39 inches in width and 85 inches in length – this type of bed is referred to as the Twin XL bed – while this is the kind of bed that you will find in most dorms, certain dorms may have smaller or larger beds.
What is a Twin XL Bed?
This is not a bed – or mattress size – that you will typically find anywhere else. In fact, beds with this dimension are almost exclusively made for colleges.
See, the thing about college dorms is that they are quite small. On top of this, you share the room with someone else which means that there is even less space to go around.
This is why college beds have the minimum width – it is on par with most other twin beds. This is so that they don’t take up an extra room.
So, what makes this bed XL? This has to do with the length of the bed. It is around 5 or more inches longer than the average twin bed.
Twin XL beds are longer because the average student appears to be getting taller. By having longer beds, students can stretch out and not have to sleep with their knees scrunched up.
There is also the fact that when most college students – especially men – arrive at school, they are still growing. Thus, over the next 2 years, they may get even taller.
These beds ensure that college students will remain comfy no matter what.
What is the Dorm Mattress Size?
As you can imagine, it isn’t just the college beds that have special dimensions, the mattresses do as well. A college mattress is 80 inches long and 39 inches wide.
As a result, it is the same width as a twin mattress but is about 5 or so inches longer than this mattress.
Do All Dorm Rooms Have the Same Sized Beds?
Around 80 percent of the dorms in the United States use Twin XL beds. However, the rest of the beds can come in varying sizes.
In some instances, the bed can be smaller – or rather, shorter. In these cases, the bed will have the same length as a regular twin bed.
It is also likely that you get what is known as a full bed. Here, the mattresses will be 75 inches long and 54 inches wide.
You should know that larger beds are pretty rare. They are typically found in private rooms – the kind that you have to pay higher fees for.
They may also be found in upgraded dorms that have undergone recent renovations.
The best way to know the exact dimensions of your college bed and the accompanying mattress is to reach out to the student housing department.
They will be able to provide you with the dimensions of the types of beds that they have.
Can You Request or Bring Different Sized Beds in College?
The idea of sleeping on a cramped bed isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, particularly if you happen to be on the tall side.
So, is it possible for you to request a bed of different size? Or, can you bring your own bed instead?
You will almost always be denied to bring in your own bed unless there are extenuating medical circumstances. In this case, you are likely to have to bring a letter from your doctor or provide the school with medical reports.
As mentioned, dorm rooms have been built quite small. If you bring in a larger bed, you will throw off how the rest of the furniture will be stored in the room. To add to this, your roommate will end up with less space too.
Then, what if you have a larger physique or are very tall?
This is something that you should talk to student housing about. In some instances, they may have longer beds for individuals who are very tall or may not be able to fit on the Twin XL beds.
This is rare, but it could be something that you request.
In reality, though, it is most likely that you will have to make do with the dorm bed and mattress that you get.
Very tall students often have to either pull up their knees when sleeping or let their legs hang over the bed frame.
What Kind of Bedding Should You Get for Your College Bed?
The only issue with college beds being a bit longer than regular twin beds is that you have difficulty finding bedsheets that will fit your bed.
No matter how much you try, you will not be able to get twin sheets to fit onto a Twin XL mattress.
The good news is that there are some stores that have sheets that are specifically tailored to college beds. You may want to look online to find a good variety.
However, some local stores like Target or Bed, Bath, and Beyond may stock what you need as well.
Remember that just because it is categorized as dorm bedding doesn’t mean that it will fit the mattresses in your college dorm.
Always check the dimensions that you have been provided with and compare these against the dimensions provided on the packaging.
If you can’t find the right-sized bedding, there is another option available to you. Shop for larger bedsheets, like the ones meant for queen-sized beds for instance.
Yes, these will be too big for your college mattress but you can tuck the excess material underneath so that it will not hang over.
What are the Dimensions of Dorm Beds?
The most common dimensions for dorm beds are 39 inches in width and 85 inches in length – these are known as Twin XL beds and are longer than most twin beds – the mattresses have dimensions of 39 inches wide and 80 inches long.
