Ridiculous debates about base of solid frame in dormitory (8)
I believe the answer is:
bedstead
'frame in dormitory' is the definition.
(frame on a bed)
'ridiculous debates about base of solid' is the wordplay.
'ridiculous' indicates anagramming the letters.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'base of' says to take the final letters.
The final letter of 'solid' is 'd'.
'debates' with letters rearranged gives 'bestead'.
'bestead' enclosing 'd' is 'BEDSTEAD'.
(Other definitions for bedstead that I've seen before include "Frame for a sleeping person" , "Frame used for supporting a mattress" , "Mattress support" , "support for the retired" , "Frame for sleepers" .)