How to Choose a Bed for Student Accommodation
When it comes to furnishing student accommodation, choosing the right bed is one of the most important decisions you can make. Whether you’re a student preparing for your first term at university, a parent helping your child settle in, or a landlord fitting out a student property, the student bed you choose can make all the difference to comfort, practicality, and long-term value.
Student bedrooms are often compact, so the bed needs to offer more than just a good night’s sleep. It must be space-saving, durable, budget-friendly, and ideally offer some kind of built-in storage. With so many options available, it can be tricky to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a bed for student accommodation, helping you make an informed and worthwhile choice.
Consider the Size of the Room
Student bedrooms are often compact, especially in shared houses or university halls. Before you even start browsing for beds, it's important to understand how much space you have to work with.
Measure the Available Space
Start by measuring the floor area where the bed will go. Be sure to leave enough clearance for drawers, wardrobes, and walking space. If the room has awkward corners, radiators, or sloping ceilings, factor these in. Knowing the exact dimensions will prevent the frustration of buying a bed that’s too big or makes the room feel cramped.
Best Bed Sizes for Student Accommodation
For most student rooms, a standard single bed (90cm wide) is the go-to choice. It offers enough sleeping space without taking over the entire room. In tighter spaces, a small single bed (75cm wide) can be a smart solution. These are especially useful in older properties where bedroom sizes can be more limited.
In some modern student flats or private rentals, a small double (120cm wide) may be an option. It offers more comfort for larger students or those who want extra room to stretch out, but it will take up considerably more floor space.
Prioritise Storage Options
In student accommodation, every bit of space counts. With limited room for bulky furniture, the bed can play a vital role in helping students stay organised.
Beds with Built-in Storage
Divan beds with built-in drawers are a popular choice for student rooms. They provide valuable hidden storage for bedding, clothes, books, or anything that doesn’t fit in a wardrobe. Ottoman beds are another excellent option, offering full underbed storage that’s easily accessible by lifting the mattress base. These types of beds reduce the need for additional furniture, keeping the room tidy and clutter-free.
Underbed Storage for Small Rooms
If you're working with a tight budget or already have a standard bed base, look for raised bed frames that allow for storage boxes underneath. This setup can be just as effective as integrated drawers, especially when paired with vacuum-sealed bags or stackable containers.
Whether you're buying for one student or furnishing a whole block of rooms, choosing a bed with built-in or underbed storage can make a huge difference to how functional the space feels.
Focus on Comfort and Support
Students spend a lot of time in their rooms, not just sleeping, but also studying, relaxing, and sometimes even eating. A comfortable bed that offers proper support is essential for both wellbeing and academic performance.
Choosing the Right Mattress
A good quality mattress can make all the difference to a student’s sleep. For most, a medium-firm mattress strikes the right balance between comfort and support. Pocket sprung mattresses are a great choice as they adapt to the body’s contours and minimise movement. This is ideal if the student tends to toss and turn.
Open coil mattresses are a more affordable option and still provide decent support, especially for shorter-term use. Memory foam mattresses are also worth considering for those who want a more cushioned feel, although they may retain more heat. Our memory foam mattresses also come in a waterproof option, for an extra layer of protection against damage and spills.
Crib 5 Compliance for Safety
For landlords or anyone furnishing multiple student rooms, fire safety is a top priority. Crib 5 compliant mattresses meet UK regulations for use in commercial and contract environments, including student accommodation. They are designed to be flame retardant and are often required by law in rental properties. Always check for Crib 5 certification when buying beds and mattresses for tenanted accommodation.
Be safe in the knowledge that all our mattresses and bed frames meet the strict Crib 5 standards.
Durability and Build Quality
Student beds need to stand up to years of use, often by multiple people over time. Whether you're buying a bed for your own university room or furnishing an entire student property, durability should be high on your list of priorities.
Why Durability Matters for Students
Beds in student accommodation tend to go through more wear and tear than those in typical domestic settings. They're often moved between rooms or reused by new tenants year after year. Choosing a bed made from high-quality materials ensures it can handle regular use without becoming unstable or uncomfortable. Look for sturdy frames, solid fixings, and mattresses that hold their shape over time.
Contract-Grade vs Domestic Beds
Contract-grade beds are specifically built for commercial environments like hotels, B&Bs, and student housing. They’re often tested to higher standards for strength, fire safety, and longevity. If you’re a landlord or student housing provider, investing in contract-quality beds can save money in the long term, as they’ll need replacing less frequently and are designed to meet legal safety standards.
Budget-Friendly Options
Affordability is a key consideration for students and landlords alike. The good news is that it’s entirely possible to find a bed that’s both cost-effective and built to last.
Getting Value for Money
Metal beds are often the most budget-friendly choice, offering excellent durability at a lower price point compared to wooden or upholstered alternatives. Their simple construction makes them easy to assemble, and they’re robust enough to handle the demands of student life. Many of our metal beds also provide ample underbed clearance, making them ideal for additional storage.
For those who want built-in storage, divan beds remain a strong contender. However, when it comes to sheer value for money, metal bed frames are hard to beat.
Easy Delivery and Installation
Moving into student accommodation often comes with tight schedules and limited help, so ease of delivery and setup is an important consideration when choosing a bed.
Fast and Reliable Delivery
Look for retailers that offer fast and free UK delivery, especially if you’re buying close to term time. A reliable delivery service can help reduce stress and ensure the bed arrives exactly when it’s needed. At HotelContractBeds, we offer a free nationwide delivery with weekly schedules, helping students and landlords get set up quickly and efficiently.
Simple Assembly for Tight Spaces
Student rooms are not always the easiest spaces to manoeuvre furniture into. Flat-packed metal bed frames are ideal in this regard — they’re easy to carry through narrow hallways and stairwells and can be assembled quickly without specialist tools. Divan bases are another practical choice, as they usually come in two parts and require minimal setup.
For those furnishing multiple rooms, ease of assembly can save hours of work and help streamline the move-in process.
Style and Practicality
While function should always come first in student accommodation, that doesn’t mean style has to be ignored. A well-chosen bed can help create a comfortable, inviting space that feels like home.
Neutral Colours and Simple Designs
When selecting beds for student rooms, it’s best to stick with neutral colours and minimalist designs. White, black, or grey bed frames tend to work well with any décor, giving students the freedom to personalise their space with bedding and accessories. Clean lines and unfussy finishes are not only modern but also practical, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
Headboards: Optional, But Considered
Not all student beds need headboards, but they can add an extra level of comfort and style. A simple fabric or wooden headboard can help define the sleeping area and make the room feel less bare. However, for the sake of budget and space, landlords may prefer headless bed frames that still deliver on function.
Easy-to-Clean Materials
For landlords especially, it’s worth choosing beds made from materials that are easy to wipe down or dust. Metal and laminate surfaces require less upkeep and are better suited to high-turnover environments where cleaning between tenants is essential.
Best Types of Beds for Student Rooms
With space, budget, and durability in mind, some bed types stand out as particularly well-suited for student accommodation. Here’s a quick summary of the most practical options:
Metal Beds
Affordable, durable, and easy to assemble. Ideal for both students and landlords looking for long-lasting value.
Divan Beds with Storage
A smart choice when space is limited. Integrated drawers offer discreet storage without the need for extra furniture.
Ottoman Beds
Great for maximising storage in small rooms. The entire base lifts to reveal spacious storage underneath.
Zip and Link Beds
Ideal for landlords who want flexibility. Easily converted from a twin setup to a double, offering versatility for changing tenant needs.
Each of these options brings its own benefits, depending on the space available and who the bed is intended for. For guidance on what type of student bed is best for your situation, feel free to chat to our friendly sales team on 01234 834693.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bed for student accommodation is about more than just picking the cheapest option. It’s about finding a balance between comfort, durability, space-saving features, and value for money. Whether you’re a student furnishing a new room or a landlord preparing for the next academic year, investing in a well-suited bed can make all the difference.
From budget-friendly metal frames to storage-savvy divans and Crib 5 compliant contract beds, there’s a wide range of options available to suit every need. By considering room size, mattress quality, ease of delivery, and long-term durability, you can make an informed choice that pays off in the long run.
Browse our full range of Student Beds to find the perfect fit — all UK-made and delivered quickly, with options to suit any budget or space.
