It’s that time again for young adults to head off to college. For me, it is my first. And as I head off to college, technology becomes more of an integral part of what I am worried about.
What do I bring and what to keep at home. For me this answer starts and ends with my gaming machine.
Whether you’re doing late-night gaming sessions, virtual group projects, or streaming your favorite shows, having the right tech setup makes all the difference. It is particularly important to have a tech setup that’s unique to you and what you need – but with limited dorm space and different campus rules, it’s important to be smart about what you bring and what you leave behind.
A little known fact is that many campuses require a voltage limit on how much power a piece of technology can produce. That’s why the decision of what you take and what you use is even more important and should be shaped around your kind of lifestyle.
Top Tips for a Solid Gaming System That Fits in a Dorm Room
Let’s start with priorities, if you’re a gamer, your setup doesn’t have to suffer just because you’re moving into a small dorm. The key is to have optimal power while also minimizing space. Here are some tips:
- Use a monitor with multiple purposes – Instead of bringing both a TV and a monitor, get a 24-27” monitor that can handle both schoolwork and gaming. Many come with built-in speakers, saving even more space.
- Invest in a good headset – Dorm walls are thin. A quality gaming headset with a mic lets you communicate clearly during matches and avoids annoying your roommate or neighbors.
- Choose a compact but powerful rig – Go for a gaming laptop or a small form factor PC (like a Mini-ITX build or a console like the PS5 Slim or Xbox Series S). These take up less space and are easier to transport.
Fun added tip: Don’t forget to pack Velcro ties, cable sleeves, to keep things tidy. If your dorm is like mine at App State, it’s tiny and I don’t want to trip over the HDMI cable every time you get out of bed.
Another fun tip: Consider a cooling pad for your laptop or a USB-powered fan. Dorms get hot (even if you live in the mountains), and long gaming sessions heat your gear fast.
Tech Dos and Don’ts for College
Bringing tech to college is about balance. I think if it relative to enhancing my life and not adding to the clutter.
Do’s:
- Bring a reliable laptop for schoolwork. Make sure it meets the software requirements of your major, some schools will even tell you the exact model you will need to be successful.
- Set up cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud) for easy access and backup.
- Install security software. Dorm Wi-Fi networks are shared. I use Proton but Nord VPN, and the life are amazing security programs to consider.
Don’t:
- Beware of desktops. They take up space and can’t be easily moved back home during Holidays.
- Caution with how man smart devices you bring. A smart speaker might seem cool, but do you really need it alongside your 10 ither mobile, internet integrated devices? I rather get more bang for buck go with a high-end Bluetooth speaker.
- Know campus rules. Some dorms have restrictions on routers, smart plugs, or high-wattage electronics.
The more you plan your tech setup with space and versatility in mind, the better your academic needs and your free time will be.