HomeKit Weekly: The ultimate HomeKit survival kit for dorm life

When I was in college, smart home technology was still something that was super futuristic. Today, that’s changed a lot. If I were starting college today, though, I’d bring a few HomeKit items to make dorm life more comfortable and functional. Between cramped desks, bad overhead lighting, and shared everything, a little automation can go a long way. Whether it’s turning off lights from bed or checking if your fan’s still running, here’s what I’d pack today if I were heading off to campus.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.

HomeKit smart plug: the dorm essential that does it all

If you’re only bringing one smart home accessory to campus, make it a HomeKit smart plug. You can turn lamps, fans, or even a coffee maker on and off from your iPhone or with Siri. It’s perfect for those late-night study sessions when you’re too tired to get out of bed to kill the light.

The Eve Energy is a solid pick, but Meross has budget-friendly options that still work great and also supports Matter.

Desk fan

This new SwitchBot fan punches way above its weight. It’s battery-powered, USB-C rechargeable, and surprisingly quiet even at night. It’ll work beside your bed, on your desk, etc. If you add the SwitchBot Hub, it will connect right to your HomeKit setup over Matter.

HomeKit cameras and HomeKit Secure Video are worth it even in a dorm

If you’re living with a roommate or sharing a suite, a HomeKit camera can give you some peace of mind. You can even share the camera with your roommate as well. Maybe you just want to know if someone’s been in your room or monitor valuable items when you’re not there. Either way, a small indoor camera that supports HomeKit Secure Video is an easy win.

HomeKit Secure Video keeps the footage encrypted and stored in iCloud+. You can even set it only to record when no one’s in the room. With the right setup (you need a HomeKit Hub), you can also check your room from your iPhone.

Here are some good options:

Smart bulbs

Most dorms come with lighting that’s way too bright . Swapping in a HomeKit-compatible smart bulb can make a huge difference. You can set the brightness exactly where you want it, which is perfect for late night studying without lighting up the entire room.. You can even set up a simple scene for study mode so your light automatically dims when it’s time to cram for an exam. If you have a desk lamp, these bulbs are perfect for that as well.

Wrap up

Dorm life is all about making the best of tight spaces and sharing spaces with a roommate. A few HomeKit accessories can go a long way toward making it feel more like your own space. You don’t need to go overboard or spend a ton of money. Start with the basics, like an Eve smart plug or a HomeKit bulb, and build from there. With the right setup, your dorm can be smarter, more comfortable, and just a little more fun to live in.

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