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Table of Contents
- Bedding Essentials for University Life
- What Type of Bedding Materials to Choose for University Students
- Remember to Read the University Guidelines
- FAQs
Your child is about to head off to university, and you want to give them everything they need for a smooth start. Bedding may not seem like the biggest priority, but it plays a huge role in their comfort, sleep quality, hygiene, and even overall mood.
Between late-night study sessions and movie marathons with friends, the bed quickly becomes the most-used piece of furniture in any dorm room. So, here's everything you need to know about choosing the right bedding for university life to make your child’s new space feel comfortable, practical, and a little more like home.
Bedding Essentials for University Life
Let's start with a practical list of everything your child will need to sleep comfortably:
Pillowcases
Quality pillowcases protect against dust and sweat, which is especially important in a shared living environment. Have at least two or three sets so they can swap them around without having to rush to the laundry room every couple of days.
Hypoallergenic options are a fantastic choice for students who struggle with allergies, while satin offers a little extra softness and is gentler on the hair and skin. Go for fun, vibrant colours to brighten up the dorm room, or stick with neutrals for a calm and relaxed aesthetic.
Duvet covers
A duvet cover keeps the duvet clean and it's the quickest way to transform the look of their room without spending a fortune.
Choose a duvet cover that’s machine washable, because spills are almost guaranteed to happen at some stage. Neutral shades like grey, beige, or white go with everything, but bold colours and prints might better match your child's personality. We recommend getting two covers so there's always a spare while one’s in the wash.
Check out the bed's size when purchasing duvet covers for your child's dorm room. In most cases, they will be provided with a twin-sized bed, but every university dorm is different.
Extra blankets
Student accommodation can be unpredictable when it comes to heating, and nobody wants their child to be cold at night. An extra blanket or two will prove useful more often than you might think.
A lightweight throw is perfect for lounging during the day or adding a cosy layer while your child spends the afternoon studying. A thicker blanket or fleece option will help them get through cold nights when the heating isn’t quite cutting it. Extra blankets also double as guest bedding if a friend crashes for the night.
Bed sheets
Bed sheets might seem like the most obvious item on the list, but it’s surprising how often students forget to pack enough. At a minimum, prepare your child with two fitted sheets and two flat sheets so they can rotate them easily between washes.
Bedspreads
A bedspread isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s a great way to add style and structure to a dull dorm room. Think of it as the final layer that pulls everything together. It covers the duvet, makes the room look finished, and can provide extra warmth when needed.
Students who like a minimalist look might prefer a simple quilt-style bedspread, while those who want more flair can go for patterned or textured fabrics. There are so many options to choose from, and there's something for every preference.
Since most student beds double up as seating during the day, a bedspread also helps protect the sheets from food crumbs, drinks, and general daily wear.
Mattress toppers
If there’s one bedding item worth splurging on, it’s a mattress topper. Unfortunately, dorm mattresses are notoriously thin, hard, and uncomfortable. A mattress topper adds an instant layer of comfort and can make a huge difference to your child's sleep quality.
Memory foam is a popular choice, offering great support and cushioning, while mattress pads filled with down alternative are lighter and easier to move around. Choose something that rolls up easily, as your child will probably need to move it between different rooms during their time at university.
Mattress protectors
University life can be messy, and accidents happen more often than you might expect. A mattress protector creates a barrier against spills, sweat, and general mess, keeping the mattress in better condition for longer.
Waterproof options work particularly well in student accommodation because they're simple to clean. However, breathable cotton protectors help with comfort if your child tends to get warm at night.
Think of the mattress topper as your child's first line of defence for keeping bedding clean and comfortable all semester.
Other accessories
A few finishing touches can really elevate your child's bedding setup and make their dorm room feel cosy and stylish.
Decorative pillows are an easy way to add personality, especially if you mix and match different sizes, textures, and colours. The same can be said about a bed runner, which also helps protect the end of the bed from wear and tear if your child tends to sit there while studying or hanging out.
Finally, consider investing in a cooling pillow. Dorm rooms can get stuffy, and a pillow designed with cooling gel or breathable fabrics can make a noticeable difference in your child's sleep quality.
What Type of Bedding Materials to Choose for University Students
You'll find bedding made from all kinds of materials, from luxurious silk to practical bamboo. But which materials work best for student life? Natural fibres generally last longer, but synthetic materials can be cheaper and easier to look after.
These are some of the best bedding materials for university students:
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Cotton Percale: Fresh and breathable, cotton percale keeps its shape well and works brilliantly for students who get warm at night. There are different cotton weaves available, but percale is often considered the most reliable choice.
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Jersey Cotton: This material feels soft and comfortable against the skin, though it can develop little bobbles over time. Students in colder climates often find jersey knit particularly cosy.
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Bamboo: The perfect choice for the eco-conscious, bamboo is fast-becoming one of the most popular fabric choices for university students. It's breathable, absorbs moisture well, and has a lovely silky feel.
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Polycotton: This blend of natural and synthetic fibres is easy to care for and generally comfortable to sleep on. It offers a good balance between quality and practicality.
Always check the washing instructions, as machine-washable fabrics will be most convenient for university life. The last thing any new student wants is to wash their bedding by hand on laundry day.
Remember to Read the University Guidelines
Every university has different requirements when it comes to what students need to bring. Most institutions send out detailed lists several months before students arrive, giving you plenty of time to get everything sorted. If you have any questions, you can always get in touch with the head of accommodation to clarify.
FAQs
What is the best duvet for university?
A 10.5 tog duvet is a great option for university students as it's cosy enough for winter and cool enough for summer. Duvets made from natural materials are considered better as they offer improved breathability and comfort.
Does university accommodation supply bed linen?
While some universities provide bedding essentials for international students, most tertiary institutions require students to purchase their own bedding. You can usually choose between bringing your own bed linen or buying a bedding pack from the university. Be sure to review the guidelines ahead of time.
How many bed sheets will my child need for university?
Students typically need at least two complete bedding sets for their rooms. This means they can have one set on the bed while the other is being washed. A third set can be useful, particularly if your child is likely to have accidents or spills.
Is it worth spending more on high-quality sheets for university?
Absolutely. Better quality sheets last longer and feel more comfortable to sleep on. Just make sure your child understands how to care for them properly and follows the washing instructions. Look for bedding with higher thread counts made from natural materials if your budget allows.
If money is tight, polycotton blends offer a good compromise between quality, comfort, and affordability.
Besides bedding, what other household items will my child need for university?
In addition to bedding, your child will need a wash bag, coat hangers, hand towels, crockery, cutlery, and basic appliances. Every university has different rules about what's provided and what students need to bring, so check the specific requirements for your child's accommodation.
