What's less obvious are the tech items that can level up a dorm room from basic to smart. Also: How to pick a laptop for college or schoolThat's why we rounded up our favorite smart home gadgets we've actually tested, perfect for outfitting any college dorm. They can vary from college to college and sometimes even from dorm to dorm; certain appliances may need approval. Ultimately, any smart tech you purchase for a dorm is up to you, and most of it is considered non-essential. Based on my experience, the bare minimum items for college tech include a laptop and earbuds (either wired or wireless).