The Cutest Bedding You'll Need To Spiff Up Your Dorm

Decorating a dorm room isn't the easiest task in the world. With limited space and humdrum furniture that can't be removed, there's not much you can really work with. Of the many things on your back-to-school shopping list, buying twin XL bedding to fit the mattresses in your new temporary home should be your top priority.

The "XL" in question doesn't mean "extra large" but is, rather, a reference to the longer length: A twin XL bed is typically five inches longer than your average twin bed, which measures at 75 inches long. No one knows exactly when this dorm-specific bed size became a thing, but it might have something to do with the burgeoning popularity of college sports. Elongated mattresses are used to accommodate student athletes' tall physiques, and since these institutions tend to buy in bulk, the size became the campus standard in order to fit everyone's needs.

Since there's little else you can do to personalize your sleeping quarters on campus, your bedding is the best way get your tastes and personality across. Click ahead for our pick of sheets, duvet sets, and bedding accessories — all available in twin XL sizes — to update your college crib.