Must-haves for the perfect dorm room

As a college student, your dorm room is your home away from home – where you study, relax, and sleep. That’s why we wanted to help you invest in the right dorm room essentials with our Dorm Living collection, designed to make shopping for your college experience simple and easy.

Before moving into your dorm room, plan to make your new room feel like home. Bedding should be at the top of your priority list to add personality to your space, and the right bedding will also help ensure you get proper rest while away at college.

So, what are the dorm room bedding essentials? Let’s break down your must-haves. 

Start with a comforter: First and foremost, you need a comfortable comforter. Your bedding is a great opportunity to show off your personality and add colour to your space. Consider mixing and matching patterns and textures to create a look that’s uniquely you. Investing in the right dorm room bedding may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your college life. A good night’s sleep is essential to your mental and physical health, and the right bedding can help you achieve that. Plus, having a cosy and comfortable space to come home to can make all the difference during those long and stressful semesters.

Opt for lightweight quilts in hot months: When you move-in in August, it is usually hot on campus, and you may not need a heavy top layer. Since the temperature in your dorm room can vary widely depending on where you go to school, be sure to plan and have a quilt. Quilts do double duty – they are an ideal layer to keep you comfortable during the warmer months but can be an added layer during the colder months.

Be unique with your bedding: Try a quilt with a puffy, light-as-a-cloud texture for a twist on a traditional quilt. Bring on the colour! Make your room stand out with colourful bedding in soft hues that promise sweet dreams.  

Try a duvet and quilt combination for chillier months: We love a layered bed since it shows off your individuality, but it is also functional. Try a duvet and quilt combo as the temperatures dip in the fall. You will ensure you are toasty enough on cold nights, and the quilt can also be a light layer to throw over your lap when studying.

Next up, sheets: You’ll want to buy two sets of sheets for a backup when one set is in the wash. Look for sheets that are soft and breathable. We love a percale weave since it is lightweight yet durable with a breathable, crisp and comfortable feel that gets softer with each wash.  And speaking of sleep, getting a good night’s rest is essential to your academic success.

Don’t forget a bed skirt: Complete your bedding ensemble with a bed skirt. It will give your room a polished look and a place to hide items that you need to store under the bed. You need to use every square inch of space in your dorm room, so be sure to use the area under the bed to store things you don’t need to use every day.

Add bath towels to your list: Having bath towels that don’t look like everyone else’s towels will make sure they don’t get lost in the dorm washer. Look for colours or a print that coordinates with your room since your bath towel will most likely hang on a hook but also make sure they are quick-dry and highly absorbent. We also suggest looking for a set with washcloths and hand towels.

Use fabric to customize your bulletin board:  Many dorm rooms have a built-in bulletin board.  Use the bulletin board as a chance to personalize your space by covering it with fabric or wallpaper that coordinates with your room. If you want to take it a step further, be creative and combine prints to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Tap wallpaper to add a pop of personality: Since dorm rooms are a blank canvas when you move in, use the opportunity to express your personality through your dorm room decor. Add pops of colour and pattern to warm up the space and make it feel more like you. Wallpaper is a great way to add more elements of design, but since you can’t damage dorm walls in any way, try lining bookshelves, drawers, or even the back of your closet with wallpaper as a fun way to layer in your personality and give the room more joy. 

Coordinate with your roommate: When planning for college, reach out to your new roommate to see if she wants to blend looks. It is fun to have matching bedding or coordinate colours for a cohesive style.

Set yourself up for success and make sure you have a room that makes you happy, comfortable and safe. And remember, a well-rested student is a successful student.

Please let us know where you are going to college by commenting below, tagging us at @lauraseyusa, or using the hashtag #lauraashleyusa.