Dorm room beds do not even appear comfortable, and no one pretends otherwise. They’re just part of the experience you expect from college dorming. I didn’t give the bed a lot of thought as I (by that, I mean my mom, who works with down etc) gathered IKEA bags full of gear throughout the summer before I left for school. That changed once I arrived on campus.
One of the first things I noticed when we walked into my assigned dorm room was the depressing sight of the generic blue dorm mattress in its naked state. As I stood frozen, my mom covered it as quickly as possible. I hadn’t paid much attention to the bedding as it had been packed, but I appreciated each piece she pulled out of the black canvas duffel bag and placed on top of the mattress. The entire room was cozier once the bed was fully made. I think that’s when I started breathing again.
I fully realized how good I had it once I made friends, and we began hanging out in each other’s rooms. The compliments my bed received for comfort and coziness were endless. Who knew the difference a feather bed could make? My bed certainly couldn’t be blamed for any loss of sleep my freshman year.
When it came time for my sophomore year, I was on my own as far as setting up my bed. I took the opportunity to take some photos so I could share the fastest way to get the bed made with anyone else lucky enough to be gifted the greatest dorm room bedding kit!
The Dorm Room Mattress Before
1. The Feather Bed
Place the feather bed over the mattress, making sure the corners are aligned.
2. The Mattress Pad
Lay the lily pads® waterproof mattress pad on top of the feather bed, ensuring it will be protected. The mattress pad is held tight to the mattress using the attached elastic anchor bands.
3. The Fitted Sheet
Place the classic fresh twin XL fitted sheet on top of the mattress pad tucking in each corner around the mattress and pulling tight. The fitted sheet, pillowcase, and comforter cover are not included with the dorm room bedding kit, but I found out they can be purchased at the same time.
4. The Pillow Protector and Pillowcase
Cover the included standard sized rhapsody wrap white goose down and white goose feather pillow preassembled in a zippered pillow protector with a standard-sized classic fresh pillowcase.
5. The Comforter Cover
Cover the down comforter with the classic fresh twin duvet cover, buttoning it closed at the bottom.
Your bed is now ready to enjoy. Go to sleep; you’ve earned it.
The Cozy Bed After
I used the black canvas duffel everything came in as a laundry bag all year.
-Gabe, Rising College Junior
