How To Choose Bedding For University Halls
A practical step-by-step guide to how to choose bedding for university halls, including preparation, instructions, common issues, tips, and next steps.
How To Choose Bedding For University Halls
Choosing bedding for university halls can feel overwhelming, but with a few practical tips you can create a comfortable and functional sleep space that suits your new lifestyle. From understanding hall bed sizes to picking the right duvet tog and washable layers, this guide walks you through every decision, helping you save money, stay cozy, and keep your bedding fresh even in a shared laundry room. You'll learn what to prioritize, what to skip, and how to make your bed a restful retreat during your studies.
Fast Answer
- Measure your hall bed before you buy anything—most UK halls use single (90x190 cm) or small double (120x190 cm) mattresses, so check your accommodation's specifications.
- Stick to a 4.5 or 7.5 tog duvet for year-round comfort, and add a low tog summer duvet or just a sheet during warmer months.
Before You Start
- Measure your bed frame and mattress: use a tape measure to note the length, width, and depth of the mattress, so you can pick fitted sheets that actually stay on.
- Find out whether your hall provides any bedding, mattress protector, or pillow; check your accommodation offer or emails so you avoid buying duplicates.
- Think about laundry and drying: note if there's a tumble dryer, drying racks, or a washing machine in your hall, and plan for how often you'll wash bedding.
- Consider any allergies or sensitivities—choose hypoallergenic pillows and duvets if you have asthma or eczema, and look for washable materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Your Hall Bed Exactly
Start by measuring the mattress, not the bed frame. Use a tape measure to get the length and width in centimeters or inches, then measure the depth (thickness) as well. University halls commonly have single (90x190 cm) or small double (120x190 cm) mattresses, but some use larger or odd sizes. Write these numbers down and keep them with you. Once you know the exact dimensions, you can confidently buy fitted sheets and a mattress protector that fit snugly. Check the depth too: a mattress that is 20 cm deep needs deep-pocket sheets, whereas a 10 cm mattress might be better with standard ones. If you skip this step, you risk buying sheets that are too small, too big, or that come off in the night—a frustrating way to lose sleep during your first weeks at university.
Choose the Right Duvet Tog
Pick a duvet with a tog rating that matches your room temperature and personal preference. A 10.5 tog is a popular all-season choice, but if your halls are well-heated, a 4.5 or 7.5 tog might be enough. For winter, you can add a throw blanket or use a higher tog. Remember that duvets with a lower tog are cooler, and higher togs are warmer. Since you are not in control of the heating, you need to be able to adapt. If you tend to feel hot at night, a 4.5 tog is a safe bet; if you get cold easily, choose 7.5 or 10.5. Many students find that a 10.5 tog is too hot for the mild autumn and spring months, so consider layering a thin blanket over a lower tog duvet instead of buying a single high-tog duvet. That way you can adjust without buying multiple duvets.
Select Bedding Material and Thread Count
Look for 100% cotton or cotton-rich blends with a thread count between 200 and 400 for a good balance of softness and durability. Higher thread counts feel softer but can be pricier, and they may retain heat. Percale cotton is crisp and breathable, while sateen is smoother and slightly more luxurious. For students, brushed cotton or flannel is great for winter because it feels warm, but avoid it in summer. Polyester blends are cheaper but can make you sweat and pill after washing. Choose pure cotton if you can, or a mix with a low polyester percentage. Feel the fabric if possible: it should feel comfortable against your skin, not rough or plasticky. If you have sensitive skin, choose unbleached or organic cotton to reduce irritation. Your bedding will be washed often, so the material must hold up to repeated washing without losing softness.
Pick the Perfect Pillow and Case
Decide on a pillow that supports your sleeping position—side sleepers need a firmer, higher pillow, while back sleepers do well with a medium thickness. Stomach sleepers should use a soft, thin pillow or none at all to avoid neck strain. Synthetic fiber pillows are hypoallergenic and easy to wash, while memory foam molds to your head but can heat up. Feather pillows are luxurious but can trigger allergies and require dry cleaning. Buy a pillow case that matches your sheets, but also consider purchasing a second set to rotate. Wash your pillow every few months or use a pillow protector underneath the case. The pillowcase should be made of the same material as your sheets for comfort. You will spend hours with your head on the pillow, so don't cut corners on quality.
Purchase a Mattress Protector and Extra Set
Spend a bit extra on a mattress protector—it seems like a small extra, but it will keep your mattress clean and extend its life. Choose a waterproof, breathable protector that is quiet when you move. If you have a foam mattress, a quilted protector adds cushioning. Also, buy at least two sets of bed linen (sheets, pillowcases, and optionally a duvet cover). Having a second set lets you swap the bed while one is in the wash, and it makes laundry day easier because you don't have to rush to dry. Rotate the sets so they wear evenly. When you buy your sheets, make sure the duvet cover has buttons or ties to keep the duvet inside; ties are better as they prevent the duvet from shifting. With a protector and an extra set, you won't be caught without clean bedding.
Set Up Your Bed and Follow Care Instructions
When you arrive, first air your mattress and wipe it down with a damp cloth, then put on the mattress protector, then the fitted sheet. Fluff your pillow and put it in the case, then insert the duvet into the cover, tying the inner corners if present. Make your bed neatly—a well-made bed can make your room feel more put together. For ongoing care, wash your sheets weekly in warm water with a gentle detergent. Follow the care labels: most cotton can be machine washed at 40°C, but check if they need a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry, and iron if desired. Replace your pillow every one to two years, and your duvet every five to ten, depending on wear. Keeping your bedding clean reduces allergens and helps you sleep better.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Action | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| You arrive and find the mattress is thicker or thinner than expected, making the fitted sheets slip off. | Use adjustable straps or a mattress pad to secure sheets, and contact the hall office for a possible mattress topper; if the depth is very far off, order deep-pocket sheets online and use safety pins temporarily. | Adjustable straps hold the sheet tightly under the mattress, while a topper adds depth; safety pins are a quick temporary fix but can tear sheets, so use them only until the correct size arrives. |
| You are a hot sleeper and get sweaty at night even with a low tog duvet. | Choose a breathable natural fiber duvet like cotton or bamboo, or use a summer duvet with no filling; also, use a thin cotton blanket instead of a duvet, and keep your feet out if needed. | Natural fibers allow air circulation and wick moisture, helping regulate your body temperature; a thin blanket lets you control warmth without adding bulk. |
| You have shared laundry facilities and need to wash bedding in a machine with limited settings. | Pick a quick wash cycle with a cold or warm water setting, and then hang the bedding to dry or use a dedicated dryer. Check the bedding care label to ensure it can be washed at 40°C. | A shorter cycle is gentler on the fabric and uses less energy, and air drying avoids shrinkage; always follow the label to prevent damage. |
Common Issues
- Fitted sheets that rip or stretch after a few washes.: Wash in cold water and avoid overloading the dryer; alternatively, use a lower heat setting and remove the sheets while slightly damp to line dry. Also, buy a higher quality sheet with reinforced elastic corners.
- Dust mite allergies causing sneezing or stuffy nose.: Wash all bedding weekly at 60°C (if fabric allows) and use allergen-proof mattress and pillow protectors. Also, vacuum your mattress regularly and keep your room well-ventilated.
- Duvet bunches up inside the cover, leaving patches without filling.: Use duvet clips or tie the duvet's corner loops to the cover's internal strings. When inserting, shake the duvet to distribute filling, and check that the duvet and cover sizes match exactly.
Advanced Tips
- Choose a duvet cover with a hidden button closure instead of a zipper to avoid the zipper pressing into your face during sleep.
- If you crave a luxury feel, try a bamboo or Tencel sheet set—these are eco-friendly, moisture-wicking, and feel like silk, but they are more expensive.
- After washing, hang your duvet cover and sheets out to dry on a rack; the fresh air naturally deodorizes fabric and reduces static cling.
Final Checklist
- Measure your mattress dimensions and depth before buying any bedding; write them down.
- Purchase a mattress protector, at least two sets of bedding, and a pillow that suits your sleeping position.
- Choose a duvet tog based on your room temperature and personal warmth; consider layers instead of a single high tog.
- Set up your bed properly with the protector, and wash all new bedding before first use to remove any factory odors.
FAQ
What is the most common bed size in UK university halls?
The most common are single (90cm x 190cm) and small double (120cm x 190cm). Check your hall's specific sizes, as some newer halls use European or custom sizes. Always measure before buying.
Should I bring my own duvet or can I wash the one from halls?
If your hall provides a duvet, it's often synthetic and washable, but you may prefer to bring your own for comfort. If you bring your own, ensure it's packed properly. If you use the hall's, wash it on a hot cycle before first use.
How often should I wash my bedding at university?
Aim to wash your sheets every two weeks, and pillowcases weekly if you have acne or allergies. Duvets and pillows should be washed every few months or per label instructions. With a second set, this is easy to manage.
