Back-to-college comfort: mattress options for dorms and small apartments
Finding the right mattress can make a big difference for college students adjusting to dorm life or small apartments. Learn how to choose a supportive, budget-conscious mattress, and how Snap Finance can help.
Key takeaways
Mattress size matters in small spaces. Twin XL and full mattresses are ideal for dorms and first apartments, giving students comfort without crowding the room.
Topper upgrades can transform basic dorm beds. A memory foam topper is an affordable way to improve sleep without replacing the entire mattress.
Mattress-in-a-box options make delivery easy. These compact, online-ordered mattresses expand at home and are perfect for students moving into tight spaces.
Snap Finance helps students and parents pay over time. Lease-to-own financing offers a way to get the sleep setup you need now.
Heading off to college is an exciting new chapter for students and their parents. It’s a time for new friends, new experiences, and a lot of learning. But it can also be a time of sleepless nights due to standard-issue dorm mattresses and basic apartment-grade options.
A good night's sleep is crucial for academic success and overall well-being. Sacrificing sleep can lead to poor concentration, lower grades, and a weaker immune system. That's why investing in a comfortable mattress is one of the smartest moves you can make for your college career – or your child’s.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right mattress for a dorm room or small apartment. We’ll cover the best sizes, how to find comfort on a budget, and how to get the bed you need even if your credit isn't perfect. Let's find you a mattress that helps you rest easy.
Ideal mattress sizes for students
When you're dealing with a small space like a dorm room or a first apartment, every inch counts. Choosing the right mattress size is the first step to creating a comfortable and functional living area.
Twin and twin XL
The most common mattress size you'll find in college dorms is the twin XL. A standard twin mattress is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, which is great for single sleepers and fits well in small rooms. However, the twin XL is 5 inches longer, at 80 inches. That extra length makes a huge difference for taller students and is why most universities use this size for their dorm beds.
Before you buy, always check with the university's housing department for the exact bed dimensions – and whether your school allows you to swap out the standard-issue mattress. You don't want to show up on move-in day with a mattress that doesn't fit the frame or one that you can’t use. A twin XL ensures you won't have your feet dangling off the end of the bed.
Full
If you're moving into an off-campus apartment, you might have a bit more room to work with. A full mattress, which measures 54 inches by 75 inches, offers significantly more width than a twin. This is a great option for students who like to have more space to spread out while they sleep. It provides a more luxurious feel without taking up a massive amount of floor space.
Queen
For those with a larger bedroom, a queen mattress (60 inches by 80 inches) is the gold standard for single sleepers. It offers plenty of room for comfortable sleep and can easily transition with you to a larger apartment after graduation. While it takes up more space, the added comfort can be a worthwhile trade-off for students who prioritize their sleep.
Space-saving comfort on a budget
Getting a great mattress doesn't have to drain your bank account. There are many budget-friendly options that deliver excellent comfort and support, perfect for the college student lifestyle.
Mattress in a box
One of the most popular and convenient choices today is the "mattress in a box." These mattresses, typically made of memory foam, gel foam, or a hybrid of foam and coils, are compressed, vacuum-sealed, and shipped directly to your door in a manageable box.
This is a game changer for students. You can order it online and have it delivered to your dorm or apartment, avoiding the hassle of trying to transport a bulky mattress. Simply unbox it, place it on your bed frame, and watch it expand to its full size within a few hours. Many of these brands offer high-quality comfort at a fraction of the price of traditional retail mattresses.
Memory foam toppers
What if buying a whole new mattress isn't in the budget or allowed by your dorm? A mattress topper is your secret weapon. A high-quality memory foam topper, typically 2 to 4 inches thick, can completely transform that thin, uncomfortable dorm mattress.
A topper adds a plush layer of comfort that conforms to your body, relieving pressure points and providing better support. It’s an affordable way to dramatically improve your sleep quality. Plus, it's easy to roll up and transport at the end of the school year. Look for toppers with cooling gel infusions if you tend to sleep hot.
Convenient ways to pay for parents and students
The cost of college adds up quickly, from tuition and books to housing and food. A new mattress can feel like another big expense you can't afford. Fortunately, convenient payment options make it possible to get the sleep you need now and pay for it over time, without stressing about credit scores.
Many retailers now offer lease-to-own financing. These programs are specifically designed for people who may not have a strong credit history or prefer not to use credit cards.
Snap Finance is a leading provider of lease-to-own financing. How does it work? In a lease-to-own agreement, Snap purchases the merchandise from the retailer and then leases the merchandise to you, the customer.
As part of your agreement, you make payments over time to Snap. Once you make all your payments and have completed the terms of your lease agreement, you obtain ownership of the merchandise and it's yours.
Here’s how it generally works:
Apply online or in-store: The application process is simple and fast. All credit types are welcome to apply.1
Choose your mattress: Once approved, you can shop for the mattress that fits your needs and budget. Find a participating Snap Partner using the Snap Finance Store Locator.
Pay later: Make payments over time. When you complete your payments and your lease agreement, the items are yours
Pay early and save. Snap’s Maximum-Term Plan is 12-18 months or you can choose an early ownership option to save on overall lease costs.2
Local retailers and online options for quick delivery
When it's time to shop for your mattress, you can browse a mattress store near you or order online. Both have their advantages, especially when you need a mattress quickly for move-in day.
The benefits of shopping local retailers
Shopping at a local mattress store allows you to test out different mattresses in person. You can lie down on various models to see what level of firmness and material feels best to you. Is a firm mattress better for your back, or do you prefer the cradling feel of soft memory foam? Trying them out is the only way to know for sure.
Local retailers often have mattresses in stock, which means you can potentially take one home the same day. Many also offer local delivery services that can bring the mattress right to your new place. When you're at the store, don't forget to ask if lease-to-own financing is available at that location. If so, you can apply in the store on the spot.
The convenience of online shopping
Online mattress retailers offer a huge selection and competitive pricing. You can easily compare different brands, read customer reviews, and find the perfect mattress from the comfort of your home. Many online brands ship their mattresses in a compact box, making delivery and setup incredibly simple.
Most online mattress companies also offer generous trial periods, often 100 nights or more. This allows you to sleep on the mattress in your own room to be certain it's the right fit. If you don't love it, you may be able to return it for a full refund. This approach provides peace of mind, helping to ensure you're happy with your purchase.
Rest easy, study hard
The connection between sleep and academic performance is undeniable. A comfortable and supportive mattress is not a luxury; it's an essential tool for success. By choosing the right size for your space, exploring budget-friendly options like mattress toppers, and taking advantage of Snap’s no-credit-needed lease-to-own financing,1 you can get the quality sleep you need to thrive in college.
Don't let a bad mattress get in the way of your education. Invest in your rest, and you'll be better prepared to tackle every exam, project, and early-morning class that comes your way.
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
Some restrictions may apply on leasable auto parts, electronics, or sporting goods. Please check with merchants for details.
1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2 The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.