Starter Kit: The best gear for making your dorm room 'smart'

Moving into a dorm room is exciting — and a little intimidating. It marks the beginning of a new academic year and represents the opportunity for a fresh start. Keep in mind that fostering a comfortable dorm room isn’t as simple as pinning a few posters and rolling out fresh sheets. The rise of smart technology has made it easier than ever to ensure your study and sleeping space is as optimized as possible.

“Making your dorm room smarter does not need to be hard — you can begin with small, affordable changes and add to them over time,” says Markus Schaal, managing director and COO at PLITCH, a PC mod software company.

“I know all about trying new tech things since that is something I like doing and I have learned it is better to choose devices that work well together and help you out in simple ways without messing anything up. Your dorm is supposed to make each day easier, not harder. So focus on optimizations that flow naturally from one task to the next.”

Why should I invest in my dorm room?

Living in a small dorm room can be a big change. And while you might not expect to spend a ton of time in your new space, you’ll still want a comfy environment that’s inviting for sleeping and studying. “Having technology that makes everyday life easier is life-changing when you're juggling classes, clubs, and friends,” says Schaal.

What do I need to make my dorm room ‘smart’?

You don’t need to go overboard to achieve a smart and functional dorm room. You’ll want to think about the items that’ll save you the most time while optimizing your comfort and productivity. It’s also a good idea to consider products you’ll be able to use long after you move out of your dorm room rather than just looking for short-term solutions.

The following gear will help you get started on creating a ‘smart’ dorm room — one that’ll actually make studying, sleeping, and living in a small space simple and comfortable. Here are a few key items that you’ll be glad to have when you’re knee-deep in deadlines and assignments: