The transition to college is hard. And the transition to living in a college dorm room… also hard. However, mastering the college dorm lifestyle is not nearly as challenging as it may seem. A few small actions will go a very long way — especially when it comes to optimizing your comfort and tranquility in your bed. 

Why is building a comfy college dorm bed so important? Many reasons:

1. Your bed serves as the foundation of your sleep, and quality sleep is essential for your overall well-being and academic success. A comfortable bed ensures you can enjoy uninterrupted rest, allowing your body and mind to recharge, helping you stay focused and energized throughout the day.

2. College life can be demanding and stressful, and having a cozy and inviting bed provides a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and escape from the pressures of your daily routine. A comfortable bed can become your personal retreat, a place to study, read, or simply recharge.

3. Your dorm room is not just a place to sleep but also a social hub where you can connect with friends and create lasting memories. A comfortable bed acts as a gathering spot, making your room an inviting space for movie nights, study sessions, or late-night conversations. 

Investing in a comfy college dorm bed is an investment in your overall well-being, providing the comfort and support you need for a successful and enjoyable college experience. Here are my top five recommendations for building the comfiest college dorm bed yet.

1. Mattress Topper

Purchasing a mattress topper is one of the best things you can do to upgrade your sleep and comfort when transitioning to college. College dorm beds often come with a thin mattress that does little to support your beauty sleep. Adding a mattress topper is the solution you've been searching for. Picture this: a plush layer of cloud-like comfort enveloping your mattress, transforming it into a luxurious oasis. With a mattress topper, you'll enjoy the benefits of added cushioning, pressure relief, and enhanced support, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your busy college schedule. Plus, mattress toppers are not super expensive, yet their benefits go a long way. You can find a high-quality mattress topper for less than $50! Opt for memory foam, latex, or down alternatives for the best results.‍

2. Soft & Breathable Sheets

Sheets are another simple purchase that goes a very long way. With the depths of the internet today, finding the best sheets to suit your preferences and needs is very easy! Do you know how many times I went to a random store to buy sheets, unzipped the bag a little bit so I could feel the sheets for a few seconds, and then brought them to the cash register and checked out? Maybe the first few sleeps would be good, but most of the time, I failed to find good quality sheets that suited me. One day, I was fed up with my uncomfortable bedding and decided to shop online instead. I searched for the best sheets for me, which needed cooling, extra soft, and breathable. The internet helped me narrow my search to meet these needs, and then I read tons of reviews before checking out. Since then, I have never purchased another type of sheet!

While shopping online may not be everyone's preferred style, it is crucial to find a way to find sheets that really suit you. There are thousands of options out there, so figuring out what is most comfortable for you and narrowing your search will prove to be extremely helpful. You probably won't realize how much of a game changer excellent sheets are until you have them.

3. Lots of Pillows

My Twin XL college dorm bed had five pillows on it. I know. It seems absurd. Over the top. Unnecessary. But having all of these pillows was a fantastic decision for me. I had two sleeping pillows, two throw pillows for leaning on or serving as a lap desk for my computer, and one massive pillow that was very comfortable for relaxing. Having so many pillows on my bed made it much more cozy and cloud-like. Like most, my bed was pushed against the wall, and my wall was made up of concrete blocks. Having a layer of pillows on my bed made me barely notice the concrete block wall and instead feel comfort all the time.

4. Throw Blanket

Whether you need an extra layer of warmth during chilly nights or desire additional comfort while reading or watching your favorite shows, a throw blanket provides that special touch of coziness. It is a versatile accessory that adds a personal touch to your dorm room, infusing it with warmth and style. Plus, a throw blanket is easily portable, so you can bring it with you to a friend's room or the common room in your dorm for any occasion.

5. Good Lighting

This one may seem confusing at first, but trust me, it is helpful! Lighting has a huge impact on the ambiance and vibe of your room. If you have a blinding fluorescent light above your head while relaxing in your bed, it will never feel totally comfortable. Instead, having a soothing night light, lamp, or fairy lights will transform the room with a dim and relaxing atmosphere.

That's it! With these five simple purchases, you can upgrade your college bed to one of your favorite places on campus. If you’re worried about buying too many items for your bed, don’t fret. All of these things can be stored over the summer so you don’t have to schlep them home and back to school in the fall. Storage Scholars provides summer storage for college students that includes nearly any item you would like to store, and many students opt for putting their bedding in storage with us. 

Remember, comfort is subjective, so feel free to customize each step according to your personal preferences. With these tips, you'll transform your college dorm bed into a haven of comfort, making it the perfect retreat for rest, relaxation, and studying. Following these steps was so helpful for me – my college bed became more comfortable than my home bed…