Dorm rooms are often low on space, but that doesn't mean they need to be dumb. As move-in day draws closer, it's time to add useful smart devices that can make all the difference. I've included several of my favorite picks, including an AI table lamp, one of the newest smart speakers, tiny but clever security devices and more.
Let's take a look at what they do, and how both new and returning college students can use them. Oh, and don't worry: Nothing on my list requires an ongoing subscription to use.
Lepro A1 Table Lamp #
When I tested this spiraling table lamp, I found it's use of AI prompts fun and incredibly versatile. The lamp can use voice or text ideas to suggest all kinds of light schemes, including colors, patterns, movement and much more. You can say anything from "Star Wars" to "workout mode" to get several interesting ideas. It can also sync to music if you prefer.
The light patterns can create soothing glows, dancing party swirls and everything in between. From studying to cozy vibes, all you have to do is describe the mood and pick your favorite option from what AI comes up with. Check out more of my experiments with this foot-high light in my full review.
Google Home Speaker #
I recently tried out the Google Home Speaker, and found it has some of the best sound in the $100 dollar range, with a surprisingly strong bass level, easily enough to fill a dorm room. It's also easy to set up with the Google Home app. The speaker can connect to a variety of music streaming including Spotify and Tidal, as well as apps like Netflix and Google Plus.
In addition to playing music, the Gemini for Home features in the speaker allow you to set timers, reminders and calendar events with a "Hey, Google." It can also answer any question from what info it pulls from the internet. And the speaker can control many of the other smart devices listed here with the right voice commands. That's all for free -- the subscription versions of Gemini aren't really necessary in a dorm.
Tapo Smart Surge Protector #
Tapo's surge protector protects from electrical surges, sure, but each plug and USB port can also connect to a smart home app and allow you to name it, then turn it on/off remotely or with voice commands. This power strip is an important add-on for a desk where students may do a lot of work on a computer alongside other devices -- including those on my list.
Amazon Echo Spot #
Amazon makes many smart speakers and displays, but the Echo Spot is one of the best suited for a dorm room. It's made to serve like an alarm clock, with an upper screen that can show you the music playing, weather, the time and more. Unlike an alarm app on your phone, it can perform gradual wake-ups with glowing lights and growing music, too, or do the same to help you fall asleep.
Like the Google speaker, you can connect Alexa to a variety of music services including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and many others. Via Alexa app connections, you can also use voice commands for timers, alarms, reminders and compatible smart device controls.
Aqara P100 Multi-Purpose Sensor #
Most security sensors aren't designed for dorms, but this new Aqara model is made for nearly everything. On its own, it can connect to the Aqara app and give you alerts whenever anything is opened or closed – like a door, a closet, a drawer, a lid and so on. You can place the small sensor on nearly anything with adhesive strips and know when it's opening, ideal for securing certain spots in a dorm.
If you want to add an Aqara hub device, like the Aqara M3 hub, the sensor can do much more like detecting tampering, vibration, tilting and more movements. However, you may not want to pay extra for a hub or an Aqara camera that adds these capabilities, so open/close sensing can be sufficient.
Wiz Connected Color Smart Bulb #
Not every dorm room needs a dazzling smart lamp. However, if the dorm has normal light sockets, you can upgrade it with a very affordable Wiz light bulb. These only cost around $10 but let you adjust color and brightness to whatever you want, whenever you want it. That's useful for late-night study sessions, morning wakeups and so much more. Plus, it also supports voice assistants and scheduling options if you like to tinker.
Lockly Wi-Fi Smart Safe #
Most home safes are far too large to lug into a dorm. Lockly's safe is small enough to carry with you, but offers high-quality security and a useful biometric thumbprint reader, too. I tried smashing it and breaking it open with hammers and screwdrivers, and the safe easily resisted my efforts. It's small enough to fit in a drawer, on a shelf, under a bed, in a closet and many other spots. Just remember to replace the batteries every year or so.
For more info you may find useful in similar cases, visit my recommendations for the best security devices for renters and the best security that can move with you.