Quick Answer: Most Ontario university and college residences use Twin XL mattresses (39" x 80"), which are the same width as a standard twin but 5 inches longer. McMaster, Mohawk College, and Conestoga College all typically use Twin XL beds. Bring Twin XL fitted sheets, not regular twin sheets, as standard twin sheets won't stay on a longer mattress.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Moving into residence is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. One thing that shouldn't be complicated is knowing what size bedding to buy. But every September, parents and students in the Brantford area walk into Mattress Miracle asking the same question: "What size bed is in the dorm?"
We've put together this guide covering the major post-secondary schools that students from Brantford and the surrounding area commonly attend. The short answer is nearly universal, but the details matter when you're shopping for sheets and toppers.
Standard Residence Bed Sizes in Ontario
The overwhelming majority of Ontario university and college residences use Twin XL mattresses. This is a standard across Canadian and North American post-secondary institutions.
Twin vs Twin XL: The Key Difference
- Standard Twin: 39 inches wide x 75 inches long (99 cm x 190 cm)
- Twin XL: 39 inches wide x 80 inches long (99 cm x 203 cm)
- The difference: Twin XL is the same width but 5 inches (13 cm) longer
- Why it matters: Regular twin fitted sheets won't stay on a Twin XL mattress. They'll pop off the corners during the night because they're too short.
The reason universities use Twin XL is straightforward. Many students, particularly male students, are taller than the 75 inches (6'3") that a standard twin accommodates. The extra 5 inches gives taller students enough room to sleep without their feet hanging off the end.
Why Mattress Size Affects Sleep Quality
Research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that sleeping on an appropriately sized surface significantly affects sleep quality and next-day performance. Students whose feet hang over the mattress edge or who curl up to fit a too-short bed experience more frequent wake-ups and less restorative sleep. For students facing demanding academic schedules, getting the basics right matters more than you might think.
McMaster University Residence Beds
McMaster University in Hamilton is one of the most common destinations for students from Brantford, just a 30-minute drive east on the 403. The university operates several residence buildings, and bed configurations can vary slightly.
What to Expect
- Mattress size: Twin XL (39" x 80") in most residences
- Mattress type: Institutional-grade foam mattress, typically medium-firm
- Bed frame: Most are loftable or adjustable-height metal frames, allowing you to raise the bed for under-bed storage
- Mattress thickness: Generally 6-8 inches
McMaster's residences include Brandon Hall, Woodstock Hall, Whidden Hall, McKay Hall, Edwards Hall, and the newer Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL). While the newer buildings tend to have slightly better mattresses, most students benefit from bringing a mattress topper regardless of which building they're assigned to.
What McMaster Students Should Bring
- Twin XL fitted sheets (2 sets recommended)
- Twin XL mattress topper (2-3 inches thick)
- Twin XL mattress protector (waterproof recommended)
- Standard or queen-size pillow (any size pillow fits on a Twin XL bed)
- Duvet or comforter sized for twin/twin XL
Mohawk College Residence Beds
Mohawk College, also in Hamilton, offers residence at its Fennell Campus. The residence is operated by Campus Living Centres and has a more apartment-style layout compared to traditional university dorms.
What to Expect
- Mattress size: Twin XL in standard rooms
- Room style: Suite-style with shared common areas and private bedrooms
- Mattress type: Standard institutional foam mattress
The apartment-style residence at Mohawk gives students a bit more space than traditional dorm rooms, which means more room for storage and a slightly less cramped sleeping arrangement. The mattresses themselves are similar to what you'd find at other Ontario institutions.
Brantford Students Heading to Hamilton
Both McMaster and Mohawk are popular choices for students from Brantford and Brant County. The commute is manageable for students who prefer to live at home, but those choosing residence will appreciate having the right bedding from day one. We see a big rush of parents and students shopping for residence bedding in August and early September. If you can, come in July to avoid the last-minute scramble.
Conestoga College Residence Beds
Conestoga College operates campuses in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Brantford. The Brantford campus doesn't have its own residence, but students attending other Conestoga campuses will encounter standard institutional beds.
What to Expect
- Mattress size: Twin XL at most campus residences
- Residence style: Varies by campus, from traditional dorms to townhouse-style units
- Mattress quality: Standard institutional grade
Students at the Conestoga Kitchener campus (Doon) or Waterloo campus will find similar bed setups to McMaster and Mohawk. The same bedding checklist applies.
What Bedding to Bring to Residence
Dorothy puts together a bedding checklist for the students and parents who come in every August. Here's what she recommends.
Complete Residence Bedding Checklist
- Mattress protector (waterproof): Goes on first, directly over the mattress. Protects against spills, allergens, and the fact that hundreds of students have slept on that mattress before you. This is not optional.
- Mattress topper: 2-3 inch memory foam or egg-crate style. Makes the institutional mattress significantly more comfortable.
- Fitted sheets (2 sets): Twin XL size. Having two sets means you can wash one while the other is on the bed.
- Flat sheet: Optional but nice for layering, especially in warmer months.
- Pillow (1-2): Your favourite pillow from home. Don't buy new pillows for residence, bring the ones you already know you sleep well on.
- Pillowcases (2-3): Standard or queen size depending on your pillow.
- Duvet or comforter: Twin or twin XL size. A duvet with a removable cover is easiest to wash.
- Extra blanket: Residence room temperatures can be unpredictable. A lighter blanket gives you layering options.
Choosing a Mattress Topper for Residence
The single best investment for residence comfort is a quality mattress topper. Institutional mattresses are designed for durability and hygiene, not comfort. They're typically firm foam that's been used by multiple students over the years.
Memory Foam Toppers
A 2-3 inch memory foam topper is the most popular choice. It conforms to your body shape and adds a significant comfort layer. The downside is that memory foam retains heat, which can be uncomfortable in residences without air conditioning during September and May.
Egg-Crate (Convoluted) Foam Toppers
These are the budget option. The wave-like surface provides some cushioning and improves air circulation better than flat foam. They're lighter and easier to transport than memory foam. However, they compress faster and provide less pressure relief.
Gel-Infused Foam Toppers
A middle ground between standard memory foam and egg-crate. Gel beads mixed into the foam help dissipate heat, making them a good choice for students in buildings without reliable air conditioning. They cost more than standard foam but less than premium memory foam.
Topper Sizing Tip
Make sure your topper is Twin XL, not regular twin. A standard twin topper will leave a 5-inch gap at the foot of your mattress. Also, measure the topper thickness plus your mattress when buying fitted sheets. A 3-inch topper on an 8-inch mattress means you need deep-pocket Twin XL sheets (at least 12 inches deep) to fit properly.
Other Ontario Schools Near Brantford
Students from Brantford also commonly attend these schools:
- University of Guelph: Twin XL in most residences
- Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo and Brantford campuses): Twin XL standard
- University of Waterloo: Twin XL in most residences
- Western University (London): Twin XL in most residences
- University of Toronto: Varies by college, but predominantly Twin XL
The Twin XL standard is so universal in Ontario post-secondary institutions that it's a safe default assumption. When in doubt, check your school's residence website or call the housing office directly.
Shop: Browse All Mattresses
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Good student and dorm picks at Mattress Miracle:
Or twin XL mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own mattress to university residence?
Most Ontario universities and colleges do not allow students to bring their own mattresses. The institutional mattresses must remain on the bed for fire safety and hygiene regulations. You can add a mattress topper on top of the existing mattress, which is the recommended approach for improving comfort.
Are residence mattresses comfortable?
Honestly, they're functional but not especially comfortable. They're designed to be durable, flame-resistant, and easy to sanitize between students. A 2-3 inch mattress topper makes a substantial difference. Most students who bring a topper report sleeping significantly better than those who don't.
Will regular twin sheets fit a Twin XL bed?
No. Regular twin fitted sheets are 5 inches shorter than Twin XL sheets. They'll pop off the corners during the night. Always buy sheets specifically labelled Twin XL. Flat sheets are more forgiving since they don't need to wrap around the mattress corners.
Where can I buy Twin XL bedding near Brantford?
We carry mattress toppers, protectors, and pillows at Mattress Miracle that work well for residence setups. For Twin XL sheets, most major retailers carry them seasonally in August and September. Stop by our Brantford showroom at 441 1/2 West Street and we'll help you find the right topper and protector combination.
Should I buy a mattress protector for residence?
Absolutely. A waterproof mattress protector is probably the most important item on the residence bedding list. It creates a clean barrier between you and a mattress that many previous students have used. It also protects against spills, which are inevitable in a shared living environment.
Sources
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2008). Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients with low back pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(1), 1-8. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.11.003
- Lund, H.G., Reider, B.D., Whiting, A.B., & Prichard, J.R. (2010). Sleep patterns and predictors of disturbed sleep in a large population of college students. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(2), 124-132. doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.06.016
- Orzech, K.M., Salafsky, D.B., & Hamilton, L.A. (2011). The state of sleep among college students at a large public university. Journal of American College Health, 59(7), 612-619. doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2010.520051
- Curcio, G., Ferrara, M., & De Gennaro, L. (2006). Sleep loss, learning capacity and academic performance. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 10(5), 323-337. doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2005.11.001
- Okamoto-Mizuno, K., & Mizuno, K. (2012). Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 31(1), 14. doi.org/10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.