northwesty- You’re kidding, right? I just don’t see that happening.
My older daughter’s res hall room was robbed two days before she was scheduled to move out at the end of college. Her laptop, which contained very precious items (grad review video, her creative writing, among other things), was among the items stolen. She was heartbroken.
^^^Another reason to BACK UP your computer on something that isn’t connected to it.
I wouldn’t worry about that - the biggest exposure is to people other than your roommate - visitors to both of you, people who come in when someone neglects to close and lock the door, moving time, etc. If the roomie says something you can say you’re just being extra careful because of those reasons and you can also do what ‘veryhappy’ mentioned and blame your parents if you want. I’d just go ahead and be truthful - that you’re concerned about ‘anyone’ who might happen to be in the room. Dorm rooms usually aren’t real private spaces since people are visiting each other all the time - one of the points behind it being a dorm and the college experience.
My kids had laptop locks and I don’t think it raised any concerns by the roomies. One of my kids also has a story about a new Mac that was stolen on move-in day (someone else’s).
If your roomie is still concerned after this then it’s their own insecurity concerns and shouldn’t end up being your ‘security’ concern.
And … back up important files - especially anything you write, pics, etc.
We have bought the footlocker for locking up computer, flute, passport, snacks (if necessary-many friends kids have complained about roommates and their visitors taking food). Hadn’t heard about dorm insurance. Will be buying that during the next couple weeks. Thanks.
IMO the son with the private room is equally at risk of theft. The typical scenario is a rogue maintenance worker with a pass key or someone who used to have the room and still has a key. I like the idea of the footlocker. I think a kid at college is covered under parent’s homeowner’s insurance.
The only thing more attached to your child than their computer in college is probably their phone. They will be using it often and regularly during the day. The logistics and realistic probability of them “locking it up” - either in a footlocker or with a lock is not going to be 100%. Maybe much less. Get the insurance and have them back up files elsewhere.
Then hope for the best!
We’ve used CSI (college student insurance, now called Gallagher I think). They were easy to work with when D’s bike was stolen.
I bought DS a laptop lock… I don’t think he used it. I also purchased CSI insurance. They also cover damage. He recently dropped his cell phone. They paid for the repair less the $25 deductible. They were easy to work with . The claim was approved the same day I submitted it.
I think the dorm rooms at DS’s school lock automatically…I might be wrong about that though. I know the on campus apartment doors do.
We added D’s laptop and phone to our homeowner’s insurance policy through a special rider. I think Inland Marine or some such thing. I forget the exact cost but it was very cheap, like $10-$20 per year with either no- or low-deductible specifically for those 2 items. If you rely on your regular homeowner’s insurance then you should check your coverage and deductible. Most likely a laptop would fall below your deductible, and it’s also possible your policy has limits on coverage for electronics. Throw in some sort of automated network backup to a remote datacenter and you’re all set.
We got both kids laptop locks which they could use to secure their laptops to their desks or another piece of furniture. Truth be told, neither of them ever used them and were fortunate that their laptops were never stolen.
I work at a college and see kids leaving their laptops on tables in the library to hold their spot - eek. We tell them “if it’s portable for you, it’s portable to a thief” but that doesn’t seem to make a difference. My kids both use Google docs almost exclusively which is great for backups. And we too invested in Gallagher/CSI and it was well worth it. My son’s cell phone was stolen. He had to make a police report and cancel his service with the cell company (and have proof of that) and also the original receipt. It was an older Android phone and Gallagher paid us $350 minus the $25 deductible. And pretty quickly, too.