The Fall semester is quickly approaching and many colleges are reverting to in-person learning. There isn’t a better time to start preparing for dorm room/apartment living. Between classes, part-time jobs, and active social lives, many students are busier than ever. Thankfully, there are plenty of smart home tech options designed to help streamline and manage hectic schedules. Be sure to check out this list of awesome dorm technology as you prepare for this upcoming semester.
Google Nest Mini, 2nd Generation
The Google Nest Mini is the updated version of the Google Home Mini smart home speaker. It combines Google Assistant with an upgraded speaker that delivers a balanced 360 degrees audio output along with improved bass. Additionally, the Google Nest Mini features a trio of far-field microphones, up from two on the Google Home Mini. This allows Google Assistant to better recognize your voice commands. The touch controls on the Nest Mini received a handy upgrade as well, lighting up automatically as you approach the device.
Those preferring to mount their Mini will be glad to know the Nest Mini comes with an integrated wall mount. This is unlike the original, which required extra mounting hardware that was sold separately. Environmentally conscious shoppers will appreciate the Google Nest Mini’s eco-friendly design and that it’s constructed from recycled materials. Embrace your inner Tony Stark and add a Jarvis of your very own with a brand new, Google Nest Mini.
Eufy RoboVac 15T Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
The last thing any of us want to do is to clean when we get home after a long day. The Eufy RoboVac 15T robotic vacuum cleaner can definitely help keep your dorm room floors spotless. Despite its slim dimensions, the RoboVac 15T’s 3-point cleaning brush system and whopping 1500Pa of suction power ensure that your floors are dirt and debris-free. Its spacious 0.6L dustbin also allows the RoboVac 15T up to 100 minutes of continuous run time. Thanks to its low profile 2.85” tall body, the Eufy RoboVac 15T can navigate and clean hard-to-reach areas such as under furniture.
The Eufy RoboVac 15T’s advanced brushless motor helps to reduce vacuuming noises. It is up to 75% quieter than traditional vacuums and no louder than most conventional microwaves. You can control the Eufy RoboVac 15T using either the included remote or via the intuitive touch panel on the vacuum itself. It also features drop-sensing technology to help prevent it from falling down stairs or off ledges. For added versatility, it will also return to its charging base automatically whenever it’s running low on power. This ensures that the Eufy RoboVac 15T is always ready to keep your floors clean at a moment’s notice.
TP-Link HS105 Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
The TP-Link HS105 Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is an affordable way for you to add smart home functionality to your existing electronics. It’s a compact power adapter with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to turn connected devices on or off remotely. The TP-Link HS105‘s compact 1.5” housing ensures it won’t block adjacent power sockets, making it compatible with most existing outlets. You can connect the HS105 to your dorm’s existing Wi-Fi network and control it via the free Kasa app. It’s also an ideal addition to existing smart home setups using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control the HS105 via voice commands.
The TP-Link HS105 allows you to remotely monitor the status of your connected devices. Gone are the days of wondering if you left the lights on. It also allows you to create schedules to turn connected devices on/off automatically to suit your daily routines. The HS105 even has an Away Mode built-in that can help deter bad actors by turning electronics on/off at random intervals to give the appearance that you’re home.
Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera with 2.8mm Fixed Lens
The Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera is an affordable and easy set-up solution that’s designed to provide some much-needed peace of mind while you’re away from your dorm. It features a 1080p HD camera with a 115 degrees Field of View, allowing you to monitor a wide area. You can keep tabs on your home remotely via the free Lorex Home App that’s accessible from your phone or tablet. It’ll even allow you to ward off uninvited guests or communicate remotely with anyone in front of the camera using the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker.
Security footage recorded with the Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera are stored locally and securely via microSD cards. This will ensure that you’re the only one with access to your security footage. This also eliminates the need to sign up for a cloud storage subscription in order to store your security recordings. It has person detection built-in as well to help minimize annoying false alerts and unnecessary notifications. For added flexibility, the Lorex Smart Indoor Wi-Fi Security Camera is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple TV as well.
Kangaroo A0008 Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera + Chime
Say goodbye to traditional peepholes by replacing it with the affordable Kangaroo A0008 Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera + Chime. Setup is as simple as can be. Simply pair the Kangaroo A0008 to your Wi-Fi network, peel off the backing, and stick the doorbell camera on your door. It’s 100% tool-less and requires no hard-wiring. The Kangaroo can be screw-mounted as well should you require a more permanent installation.
The Kangaroo A0008 Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera + Chime has an impressive year-long runtime from just three AA batteries. You don’t have to worry about constantly having to change batteries! Whether it’s your neighbor from down the hall or an uninvited guest, the Kangaroo A0008 will send a photo alert to your smartphone whenever it senses motion at your door. The Kangaroo A0008’s camera also has night vision built-in, so you can rest assured that you’ll know who comes knocking or ringing no matter day or night.
Google Nest Wi-Fi Router with Mesh Access Point
The Google Nest Wi-Fi Router with Mesh Access Point combines the functionality of a Wi-Fi router and the versatility of a Google Nest into one convenient solution. Like the Google Nest Wi-Fi Router, each Google Nest Mesh Access Point doubles as a smart speaker with Google Assistant. It’s designed to work with Google Nest Mesh Access Points to create a scalable Wi-Fi system that blankets your entire home in Wi-Fi coverage.
The Google Nest Wi-Fi Router and the Next Mesh Access Points are designed to intelligently route your network traffic onto the clearest channel and fastest band to avoid congestion. This makes it an ideal wireless solution for densely populated dorms. More importantly, the Nest Wi-Fi router’s advanced security chip — along with regular, automatic software updates, — help maintain your network’s security. Say goodbye to endless buffering and hello to seamless connectivity.
Nanoleaf Shapes Mini Triangles with Light Panels
The Nanoleaf Shapes Mini Triangles with Mini Triangle Light Panels are wall art, music visualizer, interactive game, and ambient lighting all in one. Setup is super simple using the included double-sided mounting tape. Each Nanoleaf light panel offers endless customizability thanks to its ability to output light in any shade of white or 16M+ colors. The modular, intelligent design also makes it easy to combine different shaped panels together to create unique designs.
You can connect Nanoleaf panels together to create unique light mosaic wall art in a near-infinite combination of shapes and designs. Their built-in music visualizer functionality allows you to “see” your music, turning your playlists into light shows. Each Nanoleaf panel is also touch-sensitive. Not only will they respond to your touch inputs dynamically, but you can even plan interactive touch-based games on your Nanoleaf panels. Add a splash of colorful fun to your dorm room today with the Nanoleaf Shapes Mini Triangles.
We hope that you’ve found this guide helpful as you prepare your back-to-school shopping list. The dorm technology we’ve featured are sure to help improve your quality of life for the semesters ahead!
