If you’re a student who has just moved into a new apartment, kitting out your home for you and your friends is no doubt high on your list of priorities. There are a number of inexpensive ways you can kit out your new pad to make it a gamer’s paradise, from affordable TVs to sound systems, consoles to furniture.
Here are some top tips for kitting out a space for the avid gamer.
Internet
If you want your home to be a technological gaming heaven, having a high speed internet connection is of the utmost importance. You can find a number of high speed broadband packages and fibre optic connections available depending on where you live. If you are living with a group of gamers, having a 50mbps connection will mean you can all game, download and stream content without having to throttle your usage.
Sound Systems
No student home is complete without a good sound system which can provide crystal clear sound for music, films and games alike. There are a number of affordable options, and it’s often best to invest in some form of surround sound system as it can deliver high quality sound for all of these functions.
You can buy surround sound systems new from as little as £100 which is not much when split between 3 or 4 housemates. If you’re fine buying second hand, you will find a host of different options available on public listings websites like Gumtree that can then be sold on to other students when you and your flatmates part ways. Look at trusted brands such as Logitech, Sony Yamaha and Panasonic for a range of affordable 5.1 and 7.1 systems.
TV
Having a gigantic TV is an essential part of student living and having one which can meet your gaming needs is always going to be hugely important. Flat screen high definition TVs are veryy affordable, with 50” HD televisions costing as little as £500. Prices can start to be even more appealing when you look to purchase second hand. If buying second hand, be sure to buy an LCD TV as they are less likely to suffer from screen burn as well as providing a better image for text and gaming.
Furniture
Spending hours glued in front of the screen can really damage for your eyesight (and your grades), it can also be bad for your back. Sitting in front of a screen on a sofa with poor back support can lead to many long term health problems, meaning investing in decent furniture is essential if you want to maintain comfortable, lengthy gaming sessions.
Refreshments
Why should you have to leave the room for a drink or food when you could be spending your time far more enjoyably. Coolers and mini fridges are ideal for stashing drinks and food, and you can pick them up pretty cheaply from sites like eBay or, even better for your student credentials, from bars and pubs. Stick a microwave – £25 from Argos – on top and you have yourself a bona fide pad.