Dorms

[X Abstract X]

Hey guys I'm planning to study CS at university next year in Ontario and I'm wondering about the security of dorms. I have both a pretty new laptop and desktop and was actually planning on bringing both. But, is it safe to bring and leave a desktop pc in my dorm? Can I get by with just a laptop? Do I need to carry all my valuables around with me in a backpack? I'd like to hear anything you guys have to say about the security of dorms. Thanks.

[DemonWasp]

Dorm doors are generally locked with a doorknob lock that's pretty difficult to get past. The hinges and latch are recessed so it isn't typically accessible by removing hinges or similar. Floors are also generally only open to residents of that particular floor and their guests, as the floor is secured by a set of locks on all entrances.

That said, rooms have windows, which may be openable from the outside, some of which may be large enough for someone to crawl through.

The bigger issue is probably having a roommate who appreciates your desire for security and will make sure that the door is locked at appropriate times.

I believe (though I'm not entirely sure) that most of the dorms are set up to allow you to use laptop locks (like a bike lock only thinner) to secure your laptop to something relatively immobile - such as a wall. Most monitors, laptops and cases have metal rings set up for just this purpose.

In general, you won't have to be too worried about your valuables. Theft sometimes happens, but alerting your residence don to the problem immediately may help to solve the issue or prevent future theft.

The dorms are probably more secure against theft than the average home. I have never had any problems with theft, and nor have any of my university-going friends. I have, in the past, left my laptop in a common room in the university, unattended and unlocked, with charger and batteries sitting there - a perfect opportunity - only to return 10 minutes later and discover that nobody had even bothered touching it. I've done the same with a watch (the group sitting where I had been sitting 2 hours ago handed it over after I gave a description) and my winter jacket.

If you have valuables like jewelry or cash, it might be wiser to carry those on your person most of the time. Your computers should be fine.

[jaspws]

Dorms are amazing!!!!... And safe.

[jbking]

If the desktop isn't some uber top of the line Alienware/VoodooPC desktop, then I'd probably be fine with it in the dorm. OTOH, if you do have a PC that cost as much as a car, I'd likely investigate various safety measures a bit. Not that I recall having any thefts in the dorm and there were times where I did have a new desktop PC in my room or a SNES with a TV as this was some years ago now.

The closest thing I had to a problem would be when during Frosh week, one of the other dorms decided to "attack" the corner of my room which had an open window with things like ketchup and mustard. Course that same night I was with fellow housemates doin the same thing on another building. Yes, that did mean getting some new sheets but I didn't have to pay for them. Instead, I was blessed with the karma of learning that I was the TA for the couple that did it a few months later that semester.