# Smart Home Innovations for College Dorm Living
During my college days, smart home innovations seemed like a concept from the future. That notion has evolved immensely since then. If I were to begin college today, I would certainly bring a few HomeKit devices to enhance the comfort and functionality of dorm life. With limited desk space, poor overhead lighting, and shared common areas, a touch of automation can make a significant difference. Here’s what I would include if I were preparing to head to school.
## HomeKit Smart Plug: The Essential Dorm Gadget
If you plan to bring just one smart home gadget to campus, let it be a HomeKit smart plug. It enables you to control lamps, fans, or even a coffee maker directly from your iPhone or through Siri. This feature is especially handy during late-night study sessions when getting out of bed to switch off the light feels like a daunting endeavor.
The [Eve Energy](https://amzn.to/4kuGDv6) is an excellent pick, but [Meross](https://amzn.to/44o2Hmz) has affordable alternatives that perform wonderfully and are Matter-compatible.
## Desk Fan
The latest [SwitchBot fan](https://amzn.to/4eH3mmk) is a compact yet powerful option. It’s powered by batteries, USB-C rechargeable, and surprisingly quiet, making it perfect for placement next to your bed or on your desk. If you incorporate the [SwitchBot Hub](https://amzn.to/44APl5a), it will connect effortlessly to your HomeKit setup through Matter.
## HomeKit Cameras and HomeKit Secure Video
Living with a roommate or in a suite can heighten worries about security and privacy. A HomeKit camera can bring reassurance, allowing you to monitor your space and even grant access to your roommate. This is helpful for verifying whether anyone has entered your room or for keeping an eye on valuable possessions when you’re not present.
[HomeKit Secure Video](https://9to5mac.com/guides/homekit-secure-video/) encrypts your recordings and stores them in [iCloud+](https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/09/icloud.webp). You can set it to capture footage only when the area is unoccupied. With the appropriate setup, including a [HomeKit Hub](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102557), you can monitor your room via your iPhone.
## Smart Bulbs
Most dorm rooms come with overly bright lighting. Replacing standard bulbs with HomeKit-compatible smart bulbs can greatly improve your lighting situation. You can modify the brightness to meet your preferences, which is ideal for studying at night without lighting up the entire space. Creating a simple scene for study mode lets your lights automatically dim when you need to concentrate on exams. These bulbs are also perfect for desk lamps.
## Conclusion
Dorm life revolves around optimizing small spaces and sharing with a roommate. A handful of HomeKit devices can significantly personalize your dorm. You don’t have to spend excessively; starting with basics like an [Eve smart plug](https://amzn.to/4kuGDv6) or a [HomeKit bulb](https://amzn.to/44lcRV0) can lay the groundwork. With the right configuration, your dorm can become smarter, cozier, and a bit more enjoyable to live in.
