College dorm Archives

How to Pick the Right College Dorm Bedding Sets

Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 10:09 pm  
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If you are about to go to college, then there are some important things that you need to take care of before heading out. One of these is your college dorm bedding. While most colleges make use of Twin XL beds, there are still some variations when it comes to this bed size. If this is your first time buying your own bedding, then here are some tips on how you can find the best bedding sets for your college dorm.

1. Find out the Size of Your College Dorm Bed

First and foremost, in order for you to pick the right college dorm bedding, you need to know the size of your dorm bed. While a lot of college kids choose to go with twin size beddings, there are some school dorms that provide twin beds with longer and broader measurements. This is why it is crucial that prior to buying the first bedding you see, you need to know first the size of the dorm bed you will use it for. You should consider going for bedding sets that are in XL or XL twin sizes.

2. Consider the Weather in the Location of the College you are Going To

Another important step for you to be able to get the right college dorm bedding sets is to factor in the weather conditions where your school is located. If your college is in an area that experiences warm weather throughout the year, go for cotton percale sheets as well as pillowcases. This is smooth and comfortable, and it will also help you feel cool during warm nights. Cotton percale is also washed easily without wrinkling too much.

If the place where your school is located experiences cool nights, you can still go for cotton percale sheets, but you will need to buy an extra blanket and a comforter or a warm blanket. The knit cotton variety is also a good choice when it comes to beddings for places with cool weather conditions. However, if you are going to a college located in an area that has really cold weather, you should consider buying flannel sheets. These are very comfortable, so you can feel warm and sleep well even during cold nights.

3. Practice Practicality

While you may have fancy bedding back at home, this does not mean that your college dorm bedding should also be fancy. Keep in mind that you are the one going to do your laundry, and this includes your bedding and linen. Choose bedding sets that are easy to wash and maintain. The materials used in manufacturing the bedding sets should also be durable and good quality, to ensure that your beddings will not fade or wear off easily.

4. Decide on How Much You Need

Deciding on the number of college dorm bedding sets you will get is also important. If you are on a limited budget, you should at least get two sets. This way, you always have a set of bedding changes when the other set needs to be washed. If you decide to buy two sets of dorm bedding, get them in the same color or in a color that will match your other bedding linens and accessories.

5. Consider the Following Factors in Choosing Dorm Bedding Sets

Aside from all these tips that will help you pick the right college dorm bedding sets, there are also some other important factors that you need to consider such as:

  • The color of the bedding sets: Since you will be using your dorm bedding sets every time you go to sleep or rest, it is better to get beddings that are in dark colors rather than those that are in lighter colors. Dirt and stains in white beddings are hard to remove, so if you wash them often, they will appear old and grubby.
  • How fast the fabric dries out: Most college students often wash their clothes, beddings, and linen using the college laundry, but dryers are known for not being able to fully dry them out. With this being said, make sure that when you choose your college dorm bedding sets, look for those that are made from easy to dry fabric and materials. Also keep in mind to get sets that are durable and hard-wearing.
  • If the fabric easily gets wrinkles: There are some fabrics and materials used in dorm bedding sets that wrinkle a lot easily. Most college students do not want or do not have time to iron their clothes, much more their beddings. If you want to avoid this from happening, look for bedding sets that do not wrinkle too much.

Best Selling Bedding Sets for College Students

Whenever you shop, it is always a plus to find something that you need being offered for a more affordable or a discounted price. This also applies to college dorm bedding sets. Quality dorm beddings for college students do not need to be really expensive. The World Wide Web is one of the best places where you will find affordable yet durable beddings. Here are two of the best selling bedding sets for college students:

  • The Dorm Bedding Set: Dorm-Room-In-a-Box

This is one of the best selling college dorm bedding sets that you can find online. There are also variations in the contents included, but most of them come with a comforter, a sheet set, a mattress pad, a pillow, and a towel set. There are also some sets that have a reversible comforter. You can also choose from a wide range of designs, styles, and colors. Prices range from $100 to $185.

  • The Student Bedding Protection Kit in Twin XL Size

This is another college dorm bedding set that you might find interesting. The bundle includes an Allerzip smooth mattress encasement, a basic mattress protector, and a standard Allerzip pillow. For only $108, you can get a dorm bedding set that comes with useful features such as bed bug entry and escape proof, reinforced seams, breathable, waterproof, and protection against allergens, pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites.

Essential College Life Dorm Supplies

Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 10:00 pm  
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For majority of students, the transition to college life can present some challenges, especially when it comes to living quarters, which is why there is a need to look at essential dorm supplies.  Many colleges provide living quarters on an as-is basis and allow the students to customize the space based on their preference, but with adherence to existing guidelines of the college.  The intent is to help college students ease into their new life in campus at a more acceptable rate and ambience.

 

Many students and their families can attest that in some instances the living quarters are the last to receive ample attention and therefore cannot be prepared in a way that is conducive to the adjustment to college life.  To facilitate this transition, there are a number of essential dorm supplies that should be considered or prioritized in order to make the living quarters not only more comfortable, but also functional to the needs of college students.  Some of the essentials that should be considered include the following.

 

1.      Storage space

 

Understandably, due to the many college students that take advantage of the living quarters provided by schools, one of the most common limitations in dorm rooms would have to be the availability of storage space.  Eventually, this creates a problem in terms of storage of textbooks and other study supplies including personal effects like photographs and other types of displays for example.

 

Therefore, one of the primary considerations when it comes to dorm supplies would have to be shelving.  Basically shelving comes in various forms and sizes, which means that they can adequately fit into virtually any dimensions of the room.  It is likewise important to note that aside from the dimensions of the room, the personal preference of the occupants should be taken into consideration.  This highlights the need to compare various brands and designs before purchasing.

 

Another way to resolve the shortage of storage space is to make use of what is commonly available.  In most cases this would be under the bed.  One option is to use rack risers that will provide additional space for the storage of clothes, laundry, luggage, books, and virtually anything that would fit under the bed.  Plastic crates are also acceptable solutions as dorm supplies because they can fit comfortably not only under the bed, but also inside the closet or beside the study desk.

 

Aside from being affordable, plastic crates provide flexibility for college students.  In terms of practicality, wire storage systems can also be used as a solution because they allow the assembly of your own crates, its dismantling, or reorganizing depending on your needs.  These can be accompanied by decorative hat boxes for added visual appeal.

 

Storage space for clothes, shoes, skirts, jackets, accessories, and makeup, can be easily addressed by closet organizers.  Cheap plastic hooks can also be part of maximizing storage spaces in dorm rooms because they can be easily installed almost anywhere and can be handy for bathrobes or towels without taking much space.

 

2.      Food keeper

 

Keep in mind that majority of students spend hours either partying or studying depending on the season.  For most, studying keeps them up way into the early morning hours, which means that they have tremendous needs for food.  Aside from the obvious need for a personal refrigerator to keep snacks and beverages, one of the dorm supplies that can be very useful in this aspect would have to be food keepers.

 

These items will allow college students to open up snacks or food and set them aside in case they are not totally consumed.  This goes a long way on generating savings in food expenses.  It is important to realize that vending machines, although widely available in campuses, can be very expensive when it becomes the primary source of meals.  Having a food keeper and similar articles will ensure that food and beverage would be readily available.

 

3.      See the print

 

When you head off to any college campus, you will notice that virtually every college student has their own notebook or desktop computers with them to allow them to do some school work and research.  The purpose is to help conserve time in doing school work as well as avoid having to line up to use the facilities of the computer laboratory.  In terms of dorm supplies, one essential to make the studying of students easier would have to be printers.

 

Despite the presence of many notebook or desktop computers in dorm rooms in many college campuses, the absence of printers is quite noticeable.  As a result, college students would still have to go to the computer laboratory to have their work printed out, or use printing services outside the campus.  In terms of convenience, the absence of printers defeats the purpose of having notebook or desktop computers.  Preferably, opt for printers that have the built-in functionality to scan and copy to maximize the benefits.

 

4.      Decorate your world

 

There is no doubt that college life can be extremely stressful to majority of students, especially when they are nearing graduation or preparing for examinations.  It is important to remember that dorm rooms represent the sanctuary of students to provide them respite from their competitive and stressful classes.  This can be achieved by decorating the walls of the dorm rooms customizing them to the preference of the occupants.

 

There are numerous dorm supplies that can be used to decorate the walls of dorm rooms like posters, washable colored chalk, picture or scenic frames, French memo boards, and decorative magnets among others.  Even the windows can be decorated with sheer fabric draped across them or installation of fashionable and functional lamps that can be used to set the mood of the dorm room to make it more conducive to relaxation.

 

Regardless whether you are dealing with a college freshman or a senior, there will always be a mixed feeling of anxiousness and excitement when going back to the dorm room.  There is no question that using the right types of dorm supplies will make the stay of every student in campus more worthwhile.

Dorm Room Decor In 5 Easy Steps

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at 9:40 pm  
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For majority of college students around the country, one of the most important preparations they do before the start of their classes is dorm room decor planning and implementation.  Some families even spend thousands of dollars for furniture and decorations in the living space of their children as they prepare to attend college.

 

It is important to note that some of the decorations that are in demand in the market at this time are from budding interior designers and other customized items that are available online, rather than from furniture stores. Dorm room decor for college students can be anywhere from oversize floor pillows, stylish lampshades, curtains, cool bedding, message boards, organizers, and comforters among others.

 

All of these have been explicitly designed to fit comfortably into the cramped living space of college dorm rooms.  In majority of the pieces, the pieces are colorful, eye catching, and simple to assemble.  In order to systematically decorate the dorm rooms of college students, the following steps can be followed:

 

  1. 1.      The initial step in decorating dorm rooms involves asking the school representative pertinent questions about the living quarters. 

 

The questions should normally touch on the size of the room, availability of storage, as well as recommended items that should be placed in the dorm rooms.  Normally, some colleges would have the information readily available from their website.  However, if there is none, it may be necessary to call the college representative responsible for the living quarter arrangements of students.

 

Usually, the administration office of the college has a list of the requirements as well as suggested items for dorm room decor that is readily handed out to enrolling students.  This step is important to identify the items that are specifically not provided by the college.  It is vital to note that some dorm rooms can be offered by colleges as semi- or fully-furnished.  Common items that may be provided are lamps, kitchen equipment, and linens among others.

 

In the same context, it is important to inquire about specific items that are prohibited by the college like candles, flammable wall hangings, or halogen lamps among others.  Finding out at the onset what specific items are prohibited will eliminate unnecessary spending on these types of items allowing families and students to use their finances more wisely.

 

  1. 2.      Once allowed and prohibited items have been identified, the next step in dorm room decor is to create a checklist to serve as a guide. 

 

It is important to prepare the checklist in the form of headings with specific sub-items.  This will ensure that all necessities would be covered before actually purchasing the items.  The checklist can include the following:

 

  • Sleeping
    • o Blankets
    • o Pillows
    • o Sheet set
    • o Quilt cover
    • o Foam mattress pad
    • o Bedding protectors

 

  • Studying
    • o Desk chair
    • o Study lamp
    • o Desktop organizer
    • o Alarm clock
    • o Bulletin board
    • o Cord organizer
    • o Backpack
    • o Book light
    • o Trash can
    • o USB drives
    • o Notebook computer

 

  • Lounge
    • o Lounge chair
    • o Side table
    • o Beanbags
    • o Refrigerator
    • o Mini-speakers
    • o Headphones
    • o Telephone and mobile communication

 

  • Decorative
    • o Wall murals
    • o Wall decals
    • o String lights
    • o Headboard decal
    • o Door mirror
    • o Decorative knobs
    • o Decorative pillows
    • o Area rugs

 

  • Organizer
    • o Storage bins
    • o Underbed storage
    • o Dorm trunk
    • o Storage cube
    • o Jewelry organizer
    • o Food storage containers
    • o Laundry bag
    • o Hanging closet organizers
    • o Storage cart

 

  • Shower and utilities
    • o Bath towels
    • o Bath mat
    • o Bath robe
    • o Hair and makeup organizers
    • o Slippers
    • o Laundry bag
    • o Foot bath

 

  1. 3.      The next step is to try and get hold of your future roommate. 

 

Usually this information is likewise available from the administration office, which is normally responsible for assigning living quarters to students.  This step is necessary because students have to realize that the process of dorm room decor should be shared by all living in the quarters.  This means that if there are more than two occupants, all of them should be notified before any implementations are undertaken.

 

Some important things to discuss would be the decoration plans itself, the checklist, financial arrangements, how the room will be divided, and the preference of each student.  It is extremely important that the sharing of ideas and opinions be the focus of discussion to ensure that the decorations would be acceptable to all.

 

It is entirely possible that the roommate may not care very much for such preparations; this does not however mean his opinion should be taken for granted altogether.

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  1. 4.      Once a consensus has been arrived at by all occupants of the living quarters, the next step is to go online and browse the different options provided by dorm room decor websites. 

 

It is important to understand that one website may not be able to provide all the supplies that you need to complete the decoration.  This however emphasizes the advantage of using online stores as a source of decoration supplies, because they allow students and families to save time on looking for appropriate items.

 

When going from one online store to another, it is important to note not only the actual price of the items, but also the shipping charges that may be applied.  In the same context, the number of days that it will take to ship the items should also be taken into consideration.  For all intents, students should aim to finish dorm room decor implementation preferably before classes begin.

 

  1. 5.      After researching your choices, you need to go back to your checklist and finalize all items that need to be purchased. 

 

In finalizing the items for dorm room decor, take into consideration the actual budget you have to work with.  For items that need to be installed professionally, any installation charges should be dealt with accordingly.  Remember never to rush into buying any of the items.  Carefully compare everything available online, and should you have limited budget available, learn to prioritize the supplies.

 

Following these steps in decorating dorm rooms will ensure not only positive ambience in living quarters, but also make the entire dorm room decor process easier and simpler for students and their families.

Dorm Room Bedding

Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm  
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It might not be the first thing that comes into the mind of a freshly-accepted college student, but a good set of dorm room bedding may make all the difference. A drab and dreary college dorm can become a comfortable place to do all your school work and more in; after all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time in college. A comfortable dorm room with the right bedding will help you kick back after a long and hard day on campus.

 

A good set of dorm room bedding aren’t just determined by their colors; the level of comfort, warmth, and ease of washing can also come into mind. It may not matter as much as a chosen career path or an upcoming midterm, but little details may come into play when you have time to rest. This makes the right dorm room bedding essential for your college dorm supply kit; nobody wants to sleep on some damp and smelly bedsheets for four years!

 

Basics On Bedding

 

When a student decides it’s time to replace the shoddy old bedding on his or her dorm room bed, it might be a good idea to determine which part in particular needs replacing. It can be the sheets, the pillowcases, the blankets, or all of the above. Sometimes, the pillows, as well as the mattress itself can be of poor enough quality to merit complete replacement.

 

Students who are starting up at a college are advised to bring along a complete set of bedding with them anyway. The following are the most common necessities when packing up for college:

 

  • Spending a lot of time in college means you will see all the seasons of the year come and go. Bring an ample amount of warmers and blankets to keep you warm and comfortable throughout.
  • Bring an amount of pillows that will make you the most comfortable in a college dorm room, along with some extras just in case.
  • Two sets of bedsheets, including pillow cases, should be brought along just in case you need to change a dorm room’s bedding in an emergency.

 

Sometimes, simply changing the bedding won’t be enough to remedy a downright uncomfortable dorm room bed. Think of a few other extras before determining that the mattress may be the culprit:

 

  • Put in a comfortable mattress pad over a hard, unworkable mattress.
  • Memory foam may also do wonders to an otherwise uncomfortable mattress.
  • A large, soft reading pillow may be good if you only use the bed on occasion.

 

Decorating Your Dorm Room Bedding

 

You may have to come into an agreement with your other roommates to redecorate, but a nice set of dorm room bedding will make any potential proposal fairly agreeable. When you get your roommates‘ permission to redecorate the bedding, then it’s time to get started.

 

Here are some aspects to look into before purchasing a set of dorm room bedding:

 

  • Make sure they fit your bed. Some dorm rooms can have bunk beds, while others may have double-deckers. Some might even have twin or king-size beds for a student. Get the measurements of the bedsheets you plan to buy before pulling the trigger.
  • Determine whether your college is located in a place with warmer or cooler climate. If your dorm room gets drafty from time to time, then thicker blankets and sheets may come in handy.
  • If you are prone to allergies, consider dorm room bedding made of hypoallergenic materials.
  •  A busy college lifestyle may mean that you won’t be allowed much time to make your bed in the morning. If this is the case, look for bedding that is easy to fold up and put away when organizing or cleaning.
  • If your roommates also have their own bedding, then try to coordinate your color choices with them. It may add to the cohesive ambiance of the dorm room, and may even be a nice surprise for future dorm residents to come.
  • That said, if you are planning to leave your bedding behind for the next residents to use, then get ones that are of good quality. These future residents may appreciate the fact that the previous ones took time and care with their beds.

 

Best-Selling Dorm Room Bedding

 

Amazon.com lists many great dorm room bedding sets in their listings:

 

  • Twin XL 10-Piece Dorm Room In a Box Set – This large bedding set includes everything a college student needs to kick back for a night. A reversible comforter, a towel set, a mattress pad and even a pillow are standard here. The sheet set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted one and two pillow cases for maximum comfort. This set also comes in many different colors.
  • Sleep Innovations 2-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Sometimes, the bedding will already be good enough, but the mattress will lack in comfort. This memory foam mattress topper will allow you to get a good night’s sleep, without having to replace an entire mattress. It comes with a natural hypoallergenic and microbial finish, and molds to your natural body curves in an instant.

 

These best sellers are sure to give you a great night’s sleep after a long day on campus. Part of any college dorm room bedding set should be the most important factors of all: your personal comfort, and ability to get adequate rest.