I’ll be moving into my college dorm shortly and am hoping to find a decent safe to keep my valuables secure when I’m not around—things like my laptop, cash, and important documents.
I’m looking for something sturdy and reliable under $300. It doesn’t need to be huge, just compact enough for a dorm but big enough to hold my essentials. Any specific brands or features I should look for?
Just keep in mind that unless you can attach it to something unmovable, someone could just take the whole safe.
A portable safe you can hide might work. Sentry has some options worth looking at.
Cedar said:
A portable safe you can hide might work. Sentry has some options worth looking at.
Avoid Sentry! Most of their safes can be picked open with almost anything, like a paperclip. No special tools needed; they’re pretty useless security-wise.
For your needs, consider a big steel toolbox with a heavy-duty lock, like an Abus Discus, and a chain wrapped around something sturdy. College students are surprisingly good at picking cheap locks, so go for quality!
What specifically are you trying to store? You can find a small fire- and water-resistant safe that’s portable for about $100. If you just need it for documents, keys, or maybe a handgun, there are lots of decent options. No need for anything too fancy.
Check out the SecureIt Fast Box Model 20: https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/product/fast-box-model-20/. It lies flat and should be able to hold a laptop. Just double-check the dimensions (20x12x6 inches) to make sure it’ll fit what you need.
Look up the Wyze Safe, it’s got some cool features and might be what you’re looking for.
You’re going to be the ‘fun’ roommate, I see.
Tavi said:
You’re going to be the ‘fun’ roommate, I see.
Some college students have prescription meds that they really need to keep secure.
Tavi said:
You’re going to be the ‘fun’ roommate, I see.
Some college students have prescription meds that they really need to keep secure.
True, but that wasn’t mentioned by OP.
@Tavi
Maybe not, but some students really do have a legitimate reason to lock things up.
Cedar said:
@Tavi
Maybe not, but some students really do have a legitimate reason to lock things up.
Trying to keep your laptop safe on campus is hardly ‘classist.’ If anything, it’s what most students without tons of cash would do.
@Eliot
My son had a pricey textbook stolen the first week of college. There are thieves on every campus. Lock your stuff up!
Cedar said:
@Tavi
Maybe not, but some students really do have a legitimate reason to lock things up.
Did you really call OP classist for wanting to protect their stuff? Sounds like you haven’t been around many dorms.
Tavi said:
You’re going to be the ‘fun’ roommate, I see.
Sounds like you’ve never lived in a dorm!