<p>As the parent of an incoming freshman, I been getting advertisements to purchase from some University endorsed service bed sheets, mattress pads, blankets, etc. Somebody warned my kid that the stuff sold by this service was junk. Is this true? I would prefer to get decent stuff at Target or Bed Bath or wherever. However, the University sponsored ads warn that sheets from home won't fit the University beds. </p>
<p>Will any of the extra long sheets from from Target, Bed Bath, etc. fit the dorm beds? Are the University mattresses so crappy that an egg crate pad is necessary to get a good night sleep?</p>
<p>I’d advise you to get your linens from Bed, Bath & Beyond or some place like that. The things you’ve been getting in the mail are likely from Penn Student Agencies, which is an entirely student-run group of stores, and of which I was a part for a couple years. While the quality of the sheets has improved, you are paying primarily for convenience - if you’re coming from a long way away, it might make sense to buy the sheets so you can just pick them up upon arrival at Penn.</p>
<p>The dorm beds are sized Twin XL (they are 6" longer than standard twin sized beds).
That is why they are telling you that sheets from home will not fit.
Any Twin XL sheet set will fit.
Btw, there is no such thing as Twin XL blankets - just use Twin size ones.</p>
<p>Yes, the beds are pretty crappy and you should either get a cushion on top and/or a piece of plywood to support from below.</p>
<p>Definitely get some more padding for the beds! In doing so you may want to order extra deep pocket twin XL’s so they fit well. Anything you can do to make sleep better is great for your freshman. There are lots of websites who specialize in these types of linens, you might just google “twin XL sheets” and see what comes up.</p>
<p>The beds are pretty bad and really loud (especially when you are rolling around). Definitely get a mattress pad. As for the university endorsed services, they are alright. For about $100, they give you everything you need to sleep (except for mattress pad). These are not rental, you basically buy the stuff for $100. If the student is travelling to UPenn via plane with only one or two luggage, it would probably be better to spend the $100. Elsewise, don’t.</p>
<p>Haven’t had much trouble with the beddings (there’s actually an elastic cover that goes over the egg crates and keeps it from slipping). The blanket seems kinda short though so I’d consider bringing your own.</p>