What tech should I bring to college?

Essential: laptop, phone charger, power strip with USB, noise-canceling earbuds, and a Bluetooth speaker. Highly recommended: portable monitor (doubles your screen space), desk lamp with USB port, power bank, and a quality phone case. Nice to have: streaming device for dorm TV, smart speaker for alarm and music, and a portable SSD for backups. Do not bring: desktop PC (unless gaming), printer (use campus printers), or large speakers (use earbuds).

How do I protect my tech in a dorm room?

Lock your door when leaving — even for bathroom trips. Use a laptop lock cable when studying in common areas. Enable Find My (Apple) or Find My Device (Android) on all devices. Back up everything to cloud storage. Register expensive items with campus police. Get renters insurance ($10-15/month) that covers electronics. Label everything with your name and room number. Do not leave tech unattended in common areas, libraries, or laundry rooms.

Best Tech for Dorm Room 2026