We have discussed options to raise a bed and options to keep your items bedside, but one specific area that needs to be addressed is how subtle product differences can make for a big change in quality or usefulness of a product. There are two specific items or types of items in which you must be aware of when preparing for college dorm life.

1.) Bed Risers > Round Vs Square (Pay attention to the top part of the Bed Riser)

The vast majority of college bedposts are square and as the old saying goes, ‘you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole’ the same holds true for Bed Risers. When looking to add some height to your bed stay clear of Bed Risers that are circular. In many home beds circular risers work fine, but for college beds your odds of circular Bed Risers working are much lower. To avoid having to make a return or worse blow $10 and not return the item you should seek Bed Risers that are square. The Square risers were designed or college beds and will save you from having to make a return.

2.) Bunk Bed / Lofted Bed Shelves > Rail vs Post

Both these items serve the same purpose, which is to keep your items bedside, however the way they work is quite different. There are two major disadvantages to the rail version. The first is that unlike the image shown most students will have to place this shelf along their main rail because they won’t have a secondary rail across. The problem with this is that once on your main rail your bedding (comforter) will be sure to knock everything off the shelf. Whether its your cell phone, iPod, alarm clock or drink the last thing you’ll want is your comforter covering them or worse knocking your items to the floor. The second issue is that when you get into the top bunk or loft bed you’ll often have to pull yourself up (usually never gracefully) and when you pull on the rail for leverage you’ll once again be sure to stir up your items on the shelf. Rail shelf shown - Loft Tray

The Bedpost shelf on the other hand, clamps to any bedpost (wooden or metal and circular or square) and it stays up and out of the way of your comforter and getting in and out of bed. Other smaller advantages are: Circular groove for drinks(prevents them from sliding off), pen groove(prevents pen from rolling off), and you can see your clock, while laying in bed (you can clamp this shelf to any part of your bed post). Bedpost shelf shown - Mini-Mantle

Overall its easy to see that manufacturers are trying to create products that better assist college students, however the difference often lies in the details, the little stuff. Its the attention to detail and design that’s the most important.