Those sheets on your child's bed probably won't cut it as dorm room bedding. Never mind the Pokemon pattern, the real problem is that it may not fit. Dorm beds aren't quite the same as home beds. They're often thinner, narrower and longer, so you'll need fitted sheets made specifically for dorm use.
Beyond that practical concern, you'll want to get something that's comfortable and durable enough to survive in an overstuffed suitcase or an overloaded washing machine. As you're gathering supplies for your child's departure to dorm life, follow these simple rules to get bedding that will last throughout the undergraduate years.
Rule #1: Extra Long Sheets
College beds are made to be as slim as a twin bed, but longer to accommodate adult heights. In order to fit, your sheets must be extra long. There's no way to get a twin fitted sheet on a dorm bed, and a queen fitted sheet will be much too wide. Check the residence life handbook to get the dimensions of the bed, then match them to a fitted sheet size. Most stores stock them around back-to-school time. If you can't find fitted sheets where you live, check bedding stores near campus. For the top sheet, you can use the queen size if your student doesn't mind it hanging down to the floor.
Rule #2: Extra Sets
College students don't just sleep on their beds, they eat, study and watch TV on them. Students are also notorious for putting off laundry. Providing an extra set (or two) of sheets will give your student freedom from late-night laundering when the inevitable spills occur.
Rule #3: Covers
Depending on the climate, you'll need a comforter, quilt or blanket to cover the bed. Choose one based on durability, washability and style preference. If your child is packing up a nice duvet or quilt, get a cover for it to protect it from spills.
Rule #4: Pillows
Dorm desks and chairs aren't known for their comfort, so having a few pillows to create a cozy study space in bed is a big help. Your child should have at least two pillows, one of them firm. "Husbands," or pillows with arms that turn a bed into a seat, are very popular with students.
Rule #5: Mattress Cover
Dorm beds are notorious for their firmness, right down to their weatherproof vinyl covers. If your student prefers a softer place to sleep, consider getting a mattress pad. Durable foam or egg crate is best; avoid feather bed mattress pads that can tear easily.
Rule #6: Materials
Cotton is the best material you can get for durable, washable bedding. Be sure everything can be washed and dried in a washer and dryer. There's no place to hang things to dry at a college. There's no irons on campus, either, so it's best to look for permanent press or wrinkle-free fabrics.
Rule #7: Style
If you've ever been in a dorm room, you know that the bed is the first thing to draw the eye, so sheets and covers should reflect your student's style. Simple patterns and neutral colors tend to be best for first-year students. Returning students who know their roommates may want to coordinate styles to create a harmonious look in the dorm room. If all else fails, the school's colors are always a safe choice.
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