Most college dorms have twin XL mattresses. They're a few inches longer than twins and often relatively thin, calling for twin XL bedding and possibly a mattress topper for extra support and plushness.
A dorm is the first place many first-year college students will live away from their childhood home. It's undoubtedly an exciting time, and there are lots of fun decor choices to make. That said, dorm rooms are famously small, and due to this lack of square footage, the beds are typically compact.
Ahead, get details about dorm mattress sizes, including dimensions and thickness, plus tips for making your college sleeping quarters as comfy as possible.
What Size Is a Dorm Mattress?
A dorm mattress is most often a twin XL (that's the extra-long version of a twin). But this isn't the case across the board at every college or in every country. It can even vary among different dorm buildings at one university.
Twin XL: The Standard
Twin XL mattresses are 80 inches long and 38 inches wide—5 inches longer than a regular twin but the same width. Learn more about twin vs twin xl mattresses in our blog.
Of course, twin beds are most commonly used by kids, and college students and dorm dwellers are usually young adults. Dorm rooms are designed to make the most of a space, including scaled-down sleeping arrangements.1 To save space while accommodating the height of taller undergrads, the twin XL became the norm in the 20th century and remains the standard to this day.2
Other Possible Sizes
Some dorm rooms, like those in older buildings or budget college housing, might have twin mattresses or even twin bunk beds. Newer dormitories with upgraded accommodations may have full-size beds.
Keep in mind, full mattresses are wider than twins (54 inches) but shorter than a twin XL (at just 75 inches), so they might be too short for taller college students. Learn more about twin vs full mattresses in our detailed article.
Dorm Mattress Thickness and Construction
The mattresses colleges buy for their dorm rooms are typically on the thinner side—around 6 to 8 inches thick. It varies, but they're generally firm to support the weight of an adult body and might feature innersprings or dense foam.
How to Make a Dorm Mattress More Comfortable
Dorm mattresses aren't known for being very comfy. But there are things you can do to take the comfort up a notch and ensure you get much-needed rest as a student.
Add a Mattress Topper
To make a thin mattress thicker, plusher, responsive, or more supportive, consider adding a mattress topper. Memory foam and egg-crate toppers are often 1 to 3 inches thick.3
Use a Mattress Protector
Dorm beds double as couches, offering not just a place to sleep but also to lounge around, study, and hang out with friends. To protect your mattress from inevitable spills and stave off grime and bed bugs, think about getting a waterproof mattress protector.
Choose the Right Sheets
Make sure you get a sheet set in the right size for your dorm room mattress—a twin-size fitted sheet won't cover a twin XL mattress. If you're using a mattress topper, you'll want a deep-pocketed fitted sheet that covers all corners and doesn't ride up on the sides. Learn all about bed sheet sizes in our detailed guide, complete with a size chart.
Get Comfy Pillows and Blankets
Your bed pillow, comforter, and other bed covers matter too. Think about your usual sleeping position and get a pillow with proper support—for instance, a foam pillow if you're a side sleeper or low-profile down pillow if you doze on your stomach.
You might also want to get a couple of decorative pillows and a throw blanket or two for extra coziness and back support when sitting on your bed.
Bring Your Own Mattress
If the mattress is notably thin or low-quality, some college students opt to bring their own mattress to the dorms. Casper's The One premium foam mattress is 11 inches thick and much more supportive than what you'd find in most dorm rooms.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dorm Mattress
You might not have easy access to laundry while living in the dorms, but you'll still want to keep things clean.
Wash your bedding regularly—once a week is ideal. Spot-clean any spills on your mattress, and vacuum it regularly to minimize dust, pollen, and other allergens. You might also want to get a mattress cover, which adds a protective barrier.
Once in a while—like before you leave for Thanksgiving or spring break—you might also want to air out your mattress. Take all the bedding off, sprinkle a little baking soda across the surface to soak up odors, then open your window to let it air out. After a few hours, vacuum up the remaining baking soda.
For more on how to clean a mattress, explore our blog.
What to Buy Before You Move In: Dorm Bedding Checklist
Most colleges provide incoming students with a list of what to bring when moving into the dorms. But here's a rundown of what you might want to buy:
- Twin XL sheet set (or the size for the mattress you'll have)
- Mattress topper or bed bug encasement
- Mattress protector
- Comforter and duvet cover
- Pillows (sleep + decorative)
- Throw blanket
Sleep Smarter at College with Casper
We know how crucial restful sleep is during your college years—not to mention having a cozy place to call your own. It's worth finding bedding and other items to make your dorm room as comfortable as possible.
Whether you're outfitting a new dorm or looking to upgrade your current comfort with a topper or better bedding, Casper products are engineered to help students get better rest in even the smallest spaces. Browse mattresses, bed bundles, and sleep accessories to see what's available.
Sources:
- Sleep Foundation. Dorm Bed Size. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/dorm-bed-size
- The Atlantic. How Twin XL Beds Took Over College Campuses. https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/08/why-twin-xl-beds-dominate-college-dorms/597091/
- Tom's Guide. How to make a dorm mattress more comfortable and hygienic. https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/how-to-make-a-dorm-mattress-more-comfortable-and-hygienic
- CNET. Dorm Mattresses Are Notoriously Uncomfy, but These 6 Hacks Can Help. https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/dorm-mattresses-are-notoriously-uncomfy-but-these-6-hacks-can-help/
