The Daily Illini asked students and faculty around campus what they consider essential apartment tech items, along with additional tips and tricks on finance management and home organization. 

Laptop, tablet and/or computer monitor

In 2024, it is safe to say that college students do most, if not all, of their work on a technological device. 

“I think every student needs a computer still to this day … A good computer, either Mac or Windows, is really a necessity,” said Tim Braun, manager of the Illini Union Tech Zone. 

Laptops and tablets are popular choices, but their limited sizes can complicate large-scale multitasking that computer monitors simplify with their ample displays. While computer monitors are less portable, their permanence helps curate a designated workspace in your apartment where you can get more done.

Although it may be tempting to get the biggest screen you see, be mindful of the size of your desk when deciding what monitor to get. The last thing you want is to spend money on an item that won’t fit your space.  

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds

Living in a college town as active as Champaign-Urbana can be great, but sometimes, you want some engineered peace and quiet. When apartment walls are too thin or you can’t focus during a study session, a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are a lifesaver. 

Home appliances 

A vacuum and microwave may not be the first things that come to mind when getting tech for an apartment. Regardless, having basic home appliances is a great first step to practicing important life skills like cleaning and cooking. 

Deciding what appliances are necessary varies from student to student. It can be easy to convince yourself that you will regularly fire up a hot pink mini waffle maker, so learning how to invest your money in what you will actually use is of the essence. 

Philip Setnan, sophomore in Business, said his Ninja blender is the one tech item in his apartment he could not live without. 

“Whether it’s a Vitamix or Nutribullet, Ninja — I work out a lot, so protein shakes and stuff,” Setnan said. “I like smoothies, and you know, it tastes good, so it’s something I enjoy that’s a part of my diet.”

Surge protectors

Power strips are a common way to consolidate all your tech items into one power source, but they are dangerous if used unprotected. 

Ensuring your power strip has a surge protector that directs excess power away from your devices is a step toward shielding your apartment setup from unpredictable outages in stormy Illinois weather.

Internet router

Having WiFi access is vital to the rest of your tech items running smoothly. Whether your apartment provides WiFi or expects you to buy a router, securing an internet connection can quickly become convoluted. Prioritizing your internet access can save you a headache in the long run.

“The first thing that (students) need to consider is what sort of network their apartment comes with and if they need to add anything, if they need to get a connection from someone like Xfinity or if the apartment comes with that, if they need to provide a WiFi router,” Braun said.

Still have room in your budget after buying the essentials? Consider these tech items to make your apartment more of a home. 

Bluetooth speaker 

Speakers are a surprisingly versatile piece of tech, perfect for relaxing at home, hosting friends and even when you’re bored in the shower. Many smaller speakers still deliver high-quality sound and convenient portability, so size is not an issue for storage. Coupled with the additional features they offer, smart appliances like Google Home and Amazon Alexa can be especially useful speakers. 

Camera

Digital and film cameras are a unique way to capture college memories. Some cameras, like the popular Polaroid Now or Fujifilm Instax models, allow the user to print pictures instantly, making for some great apartment decoration.

Board games and video game consoles

You will likely live with roommates at some point in your college career, and forming bonds with them can make living together an easier process. Shared activities like board games and video games are a great way to wind down and bring everyone closer together.

“I live in a four-by-four, and one of the essentials that all four of us love is that we have a (Nintendo) Switch, and we have board games,” said William Barbee, graduate student studying recreation, sport and tourism. “It’s just something fun if one of us needs some kind of leisure time and somebody else is there; it’s really nice to have that around.”

Fairy lights and lamps

The lighting you choose for your living space can affect your behavior and temperament. Fairy lights are an inexpensive, space-conscious and aesthetic way to change the mood of a space. Desktop and floor lamps are also an option and can be found secondhand to offset the cost.

It is easy to get carried away when starting a chapter in your life as exciting as moving into an apartment, especially when that involves accumulating a lot of new objects. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping the process cost-effective.

Keeping finances in mind

Keeping an eye out for sales is a practical way to keep your move-in in your budget. Sites like Amazon and stores like Best Buy, Costco, Target and Walmart have expansive used-tech inventories and offer sales year-round. The Illini Union Tech Zone is a convenient on-campus option.

Buying secondhand is a cheap and sustainable option. Events like the annual YMCA Dump & Run at the Stock Pavilion boast large secondhand collections, from appliances to electronics.  

Focusing on the long-term lifespan of the items you buy can also help save money in the long run.

“You don’t need to purchase the latest model of every single item,” Braun said. “Sometimes, keeping an existing item in use for several years is a better idea … Our staff is happy to help people select items that will work for them for several years and make recommendations that will make it last longer.”

One way to do this is to prioritize the quality of your tech items.

“You at least should have something that can last you throughout your whole degree and not have to buy something every two years or every year,” said Jacoby Banks-Hull, supervisor at the Illini Union Tech Zone.

Coordinating who brings what with your roommates can also save money and prevent buying duplicates of one thing. If you choose to split the costs of items with roommates, keep in mind who will get to take the item when they eventually move out. 

Where to buy and repair your tech

Turning to online manuals like iFixit, Best Buy’s Geek Squad and manufacturer warranties will help sustain your tech over the long run and save money on buying replacements. 

Some brands, like Apple, allow you to get broken tech items fixed by shipping them to repair centers. The Illini Union Tech Zone is an Apple-authorized store with onsite technicians. 

If you want to avoid the repair cost entirely, you can use a struggling piece of tech as an opportunity to learn something new.

Organizing your tech

Along with getting tech items of appropriate sizes, velcro strips and electrical tape are an inexpensive way to keep the all-too-common problem of tangled cables in check, as well as cable boxes for a neater look. 

You can also get creative with what you already own. Storing things under your bed or in your closet are good alternatives for when you don’t want to buy something specifically for organization. 

Ultimately, purchasing tech items for your apartment is a valuable time to practice important life skills like financial management and home organization. Whether detangling a mess of wires or figuring out which roommate gets what appliance, you are sure to turn your new living space into a productive home. 

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