<p>I know there were other threads made about this, but I just wanted to make sure. </p>
<p>if we will be living in the dorms, we should buy and bring a RJ45 Ethernet cable, right? If not, is there any other way to get internet access in dorms? </p>
<p>Does the wifi network work in the dorms? Also, wifi or "airbears" works well on-campus, right? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Yeah, you need an ethernet cable or alternatively you can get a wireless router so you can connect via wifi. There is no Airbears access in the dorms but the dorms have their own wifi network called rescomp, but it’s limited to the lounges on every other floor. That’s for the Units, not sure about other dorms. Airbears on campus is excellent for the most part.</p>
<p>Any suggestion on how long of a cable we would need - 15’, 25’ or 50’?</p>
<p>I think a 15" would work. However, if you want to use your laptop on your bed, I would suggest a 20"-25" to be safe. Better to have a longer cable!</p>
<p>Don’t rely on ResComp wifi… it’s really crudy. It’s literally 200x slower than your room internet!</p>
<p>thanks guys! i’ll prob get a 25’ cable. but it’s weird that we have to buy our own cable. I’m at UCR right now, and they provide it for you.</p>
<p>Yup, it’s a bit cruddy. If you’re living in a triple, you’ll need a router by the way! There are only 2 Ethernet plugs in the room!</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. Would you recommend a laser printer/scanner for the room, or are there other options available on campus?</p>
<p>Also, is there enough room at Unit 3 double for a small fridge?</p>
<p>@Printer/Scanner, all the dorms have an Academic Center where scanning is free and printing is 5 cents each (black/white). If you already have one and don’t mind bringing it, go for it. It’s really convenient when you are too lazy to walk down to the center at 9 PM :)!</p>
<p>@Small fridge, it’ll definitely fit!</p>
<p>Thanks. It’s actually for my daughter who’ll be starting her freshman year.</p>
<p>@Pixel2012 do you pay each time you print? or does Berkeley housing already have a certain amount allotted for you in their system for printing? </p>
<p>Also, dorms don’t have small fridges then? do they have microwaves?</p>
<p>In order to do your laundry and print, you’ll need to add money to your Cal1Card (basically your ID). Before you can even access the computer, you’ll need to log in with your Calnet ID, thus everything is charged to your Cal1Card card. Each copy is 5 cents so if you print 20 copies, it’ll be $1. It’s pretty convenient if you ask me. Also, printing on campus is a bit pricier (ranging from 10 cents - 20 cents per copy!). </p>
<p>They don’t provide small fridge for every room, but there is a big fridge at the kitchen on the ground floor. The kitchen basically has a vending machine, several stoves, 2 microwave, and a big fridge. My suggestion is to either get a cheap small fridge or don’t buy one at all. The renting service they provide is a rip off in my opinion (it’s around $150 in total and you’re only renting it! Ask around, there are plenty of used small fridges on sale. You can easily get one for say $20-$40. That can easily be split among your roommates & you can easily resell it at the end of the school year if no one wants to it.</p>
<p>The big fridge was a disappointment for me since people put everything they can’t finish in there (it smells horrid!). I once left a pack of soymilk there to find out that it disappeared like 5 hours later… I lost trust for mankind after that… lol!</p>