Creative Solution for Tall College Student: How One Family Built a Bed Extender for Their 6’7" Son

The Creative Solution for Tall College Students: How One Family Made Dorm Life Comfortable for Their 6’7" Son

As college students across the nation prepare for their new adventures, one family has captured the internet’s attention with a heartwarming and innovative solution to a common problem faced by tall students. Meet Lyndsey Stamper and her son Hank, who, at 6’7" and 230 lbs, faced a unique challenge when it came to fitting into a standard college dorm bed.

The Dorm Dilemma

During their college visits, Lyndsey made it a point to have Hank try out the beds to ensure he would be comfortable. However, it quickly became apparent that standard twin XL beds—measuring just 80 inches long—were not designed with Hank’s height in mind. After committing to play baseball at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, the family attended freshman orientation, where Hank’s struggle to fit into the dorm bed became a reality.

In a moment of humor and frustration, they filmed a video showcasing Hank’s attempts to fit into the bed, navigate the desk, and even walk through the dorm’s doors. The video, captioned "When you learn nothing in your dorm is big enough!" quickly went viral on TikTok, garnering over 1.5 million views and resonating with many who understood the struggle of being tall in a world designed for the average height.

A Quest for Comfort

After the orientation, Lyndsey and her husband, James, reached out to the university for assistance. While the school was sympathetic, they informed the family that Hank had already been assigned the largest bed available. Faced with this reality, the Stamper family knew they had to take matters into their own hands.

"I looked online to see if there was anything we could purchase to extend the bed," Lyndsey explained. "There were options to make the bed wider, but nothing to make it longer." This led to a brainstorming session where they decided to create a custom bed extender that would add an extra foot to Hank’s bed without damaging the school-provided frame.

DIY Bed Extender: A Family Project

With move-in day approaching, the family got to work. They gathered materials from the hardware store, including wood and supports, and designed a simple yet effective solution. The final design consisted of two boards cut to fit the bed’s width, held together by L-braces and supported by triangle brackets. The extender was secured with zip ties, ensuring that the original bed frame remained intact.

On move-in day, they brought their tools and materials, ready to tackle the project. The result? An ingenious bed extender that added an extra 12 inches to the length of Hank’s bed, allowing him to sleep comfortably.

Going Viral and Finding Community

Once the project was complete, the family shared a follow-up video on TikTok, showcasing the finished product. The response was overwhelming, with viewers expressing their support and sharing their own experiences. "It has worked perfectly! He is a month in and has zero complaints," Lyndsey shared. "I added an extra cushion onto the extender, and it sleeps very comfortably."

The Stamper family’s story highlights a significant issue that many tall individuals face in a world that often overlooks their needs. As Lyndsey noted, "It’s clear there are a lot of people out there with the same problem my son has … We know the world isn’t built for people his size."

Conclusion

The Stamper family’s journey is a testament to creativity, resourcefulness, and the power of community. Their viral TikTok video not only brought attention to the challenges faced by tall students but also sparked conversations about inclusivity and comfort in college living spaces. As Hank embarks on his college journey, he can rest easy knowing that his family has found a way to make his dorm life a little more comfortable—one DIY project at a time.

If you or someone you know has faced similar challenges, remember that sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a supportive family to turn a problem into a solution. Happy college adventures!