<p>My dd is a freshman.
Some of her friends are getting locks for their laptops.</p>
<p>Are these used - or necessary - at Princeton?</p>
<p>Some people have them, but to be totally honest they aren't really necessary. There is a general sense of trust on campus. People leave their laptops and personal belongings in public spaces all the time unattended and you rarely hear reports of thefts. The one high profile dorm burglary last school year turned out to be a prank. Nonetheless it wouldn't hurt to bring one along just in case you feel like you might want the extra security.</p>
<p>My roommate had one and never used it. One time we tied him up with it though....</p>
<p>I don't think you need to buy a lock, but if it makes you feel safe, that go ahead. I was on a tour at Princeton not too long ago, and the tour guide was saying how she left her laptop and other expensive stuff of hers outside for a while and she came back a couple of hours and it was still there. Most people say it's a pretty safe campus.</p>