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As many colleges remain online or adopt a hybrid class structure, they are realizing the benefit of having a printer available in the comfort of their room or dorm. Rather than making a trip to a library or classroom building to print your assignments and essays, you can opt for a printer conveniently placed in your at-home workspace. This technology easily allows students to scan, copy and print their work instead of trying to find a public printer.
Not all printers have the same functions or purposes. When you search for the best printer to fit your needs, you need to consider all the elements of its use and capabilities. If you are a college student, we are here to help you choose the perfect one.
Why Choosing the Right Printer Matters
Choosing the right printer to use in college is important because you can unnecessarily spend money if you select one that isn't compatible with your lifestyle. Many dorm rooms have a minimal amount of space for your personal items, so a large printer can occupy valuable shelves or surfaces that could be used for other belongings. In this case, a compact printer would be a strong contender since they take up much less space.
Students have different degree programs that vary in types of assignments, so you should find one that will satisfy your needs. For example, a student in a Photography program will likely find much more value in a printer that prints high-quality photos. In contrast, an English major will care more about printing monochrome college assignments like essays. You can save money by finding a printer that satisfies your specific program's requirements and avoid appliances that cost extra for functions you'll never use.
The main types of printers that most college students use fall under two categories: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers are best for vibrant colors used in artwork and graphs. However, you can spend lots of money very quickly replacing the ink cartridges. Laser printers are ideal for printing high volumes of monochromatic documents. Although the quality is lower than that of an inkjet, you spend less money replacing cartridges.
8 of the Best Printers for College Students
There are a lot of printers available on the market, and a search for the perfect one for a college student can yield a wide variety of results without much information about their capabilities. We have pulled out the to eight printers for college students and outline their advantages and drawbacks to help make the selection process easy for you.
1. Canon PIXMA TS3322 Wireless All-in-One Printer
The PIXMA printer handles all of your needs, including print, scanning and copying. Its wireless setup allows you to connect your phone, tablet or computer to the device to access all of these features. This Canon printer does black and white as well as color printing, so you can print any kind of document you need with the highest quality. Its LCD screen is easy to read, making the it simple to operate.
The PIXMA is an unbeatable $55. It works quickly, which makes printing from your dorm incredibly easy. The Canon printer isn't too bulky, but if you're looking for a small option, the PIXMA may not be the best option. It is reliable and consistently high-quality, making it a great investment that you can continue using long after your college years.
2. HP OfficeJet 3830 Inkjet Printer
This HP printer can produce clear documents and high-resolution photos, making it an excellent choice for college students. This compact printer can copy, scan and fax documents on top of its printing abilities. Because it is so small–less than two feet wide–it takes up minimal space in areas that don’t already have a lot of room to spare. This OfficeJet comes in black, meaning that any dust it collects won’t be easily visible.
It also has a touch screen control panel with Wi-Fi connectivity. Any mobile device or computer can easily connect to this computer, so you can print your assignment from your phone right after you finish writing or before you leave for class. The biggest disadvantage for the OfficeJet 3830 is that it goes through ink cartridges quickly. However, this problem can be easily solved with an ink replenishing subscription.
3. HP Envy Pro 6455 Printer
This HP printer has wireless connectivity and serves as an all-in-one product. It can easily scan and copy documents or photos, and all of its features are easy to find. Its user-friendly design makes it ideal for students, as it has buttons that light up when different parts of the printer require maintenance. This printer is reliable and consistent, providing just about any function you may need.
The Envy Pro allows mobile and computer connectivity, making it versatile and simple to use. However, some reviewers have noted that the setup process can be time-consuming, so make sure everything is in working order before your assignments are due. If you find that the printer doesn’t fit your needs, it comes with a one-year warranty.
4. Canon Selphy CP1300 Photo Printer
This compact Canon printer is a fantastic option for high-quality photo printing. The Selphy CP1300 prints a variety of photo sizes and shapes. It prints quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for your favorite photos to be ready. It can also complete the task with ease, whether you’re printing postcards or photo booth-style pictures.
This Canon printer allows you to edit photos from the printer itself. Its control panel is easy to understand, so you can print the quality and size that you need on the first try. You can connect to this device through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, direct connections in the memory card slots and USB port. The Canon Selphy CP1300 only prints photos, so if you need it primarily for essays, this isn’t the choice for you.
5. Epson XP-7100 Inkjet Printer
This inkjet printer produces top-quality photos as well as printing, scanning and copying services. You can print double-sided documents to conserve paper, which can help you save money. This Epson printer has five ink tanks, which means that you can wait longer between replacing them. Typically, smaller printers have fewer tanks, which means that you spend money on cartridges more frequently.
The wireless mobile printing capabilities offer the same versatility as many of the other printers on this list. Despite its high-quality production, the printer is compact. A disadvantage, however, is that it can cost over $200. Although it has a higher price, it will last you well beyond your college years for continued printing capabilities.
6. HP DeskJet Printer
The HP Deskjet offers wireless connectivity for easy printing from any device. This HP printer can print on various paper sizes and types, from stickers and greeting cards to assignments and essays. It is lightweight and only takes a small amount of space, so your desk won’t be too cluttered with this appliance.
The Deskjet printer allows for double-sided printing, but you have to manually flip the paper after the first side has finished. Otherwise, the printer is simple to use with intuitive settings and functions. The best part is that it only costs around $70, a very affordable price point for most college students. It’s easy to move and versatile in its uses, making it a great option.
7. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5210 Printer
The WorkForce Pro is a great printer for college students because of its quick printing speeds. It doesn't require any time to warm up before printing, making it perfect for last-minute assignments. The mobile printing capabilities also allow you to get a fresh document right before you head out the door.
The best part about this printer is that is helps you lower your carbon footprint and save money. The WF-C5210 has replaceable ink packs that long outlast the regular, costly cartridges. You can print up to 10,000 black and white copies and 5,000 color documents. However, it is rather large and bulky, which means that it can take up valuable surface space on your desk or in your college dorm.
8. Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing
This laser printer from Brother functions differently than traditional inkjet printers. Laser printers use melted toner powder for quicker printing. This ensures that the ink will be dry as soon as the document leaves the printer, avoiding ink smudges on your freshly printed document. It is affordable, costing only $70. It is also compact, which is another benefit.
The laser printer is effortless to set up, but it does not have Wi-Fi direct connectivity. However, it only prints in black and white, so if you regularly need to print photos or color documents, this would not be the best choice. Color laser printers tend to cost much more than monochrome variations.
The Benefits of Owning a Printer in College
There are several reasons why a printer would be on a college student's checklist as they move. There are a variety of benefits to owning a printer and being able to print assignments from your dorm, which can help reduce stress levels. You can avoid stopping at the library on your way to class, which can be busy or already occupied. Whether you are printing a syllabus or an assignment an hour before it's due, having a printer conveniently in your room keeps you prepared.
Printing at the library or a cafe can quickly get expensive, especially if your professors require you to regularly submit hard copies of your assignments. Library printers also have their drawbacks, especially with their limits on the number of materials you can print during a semester or year. Rather than paying 10 to 15 cents on a single sheet of paper, you can save time and money by purchasing your own printer that will last you through college and beyond.
Many students find that printing study materials also helps them learn and retain information more effectively. When you can write on the slides that your professor shared during class, your brain associates the colors and text on a page, increasing your ability to recall them on an exam. Additionally, many college professors still require students to submit assignments on paper instead of online. A printer in your college dorm makes this requirement quick and stress-free.
What to Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Printer
As you consider the best printer for your college dorm, there are some major factors to keep in mind:
- Space: As we mentioned earlier, the amount of space that dorm rooms offer can be quite limited. If your living space is small, then a compact printer would be your top choice. Compact printers are often available with the same versatility as their larger components, so you won't sacrifice functionality for space. Wireless printers are also terrific options for minimal spaces, as your printer won't be tethered to a laptop or computer.
- Cost: Most college students are very concerned with the costs of printers, especially as they consider the other payments they make directly to their college. Printers can range from $50 to $250, so consider how much you want to spend on one for your dorm. There are cheaper options available that can print high-quality documents, so you should not equate a low-price printer to low-quality printing.
- Upkeep: Maintenance can be costly if you select the wrong printer for what you require. You'll need to supply the paper, restock ink and perform service on your printer if it breaks. Some printers, like inkjets, require more ink cartridges at a higher frequency to print monochrome documents than a laser printer.
- Purpose: You should consider how you will be using the printer as you assess the options available. If you are only printing photos, then you should look for printers that have functionalities equipped to print the images at high resolutions. If you're using your printer primarily to print documents like essays, then a monochrome laser printer would help you save time and money.
Choosing Supplies Outlet
Supplies Outlet offers a wide variety of printer ink and toner, including options that are compatible with the best printers for college students. Supplies Outlet has been in the computer supplies and accessories industry for over 30 years. Our products comply with the manufacturer's original brand products, so using materials from Supplies Outlet will not void a warranty. Our full-year warranty and 60-day money-back guarantee ensure that you are satisfied with the products you purchase.
Ink cartridges and toners from Supplies Outlet are about 60% cheaper than name-brand products, but the quality is just the same. Supplies Outlet offers products from a wide variety of large brands, which means that we likely source the products you need for your printer.
In addition to the ink and toner, we also offer paper for your printer. You can purchase large quantities of paper in varying sizes and styles for a fraction of the price when you purchase from Supplies Outlet. You can find colored or white paper, sketch pads and even business checks that can otherwise be very expensive.
Check Out Our Printers at Supplies Outlet Today
You can save money on printing supplies by shopping at Supplies Outlet. We can ship to locations in the United States quickly, so you don't have to worry about receiving your order after your assignments are due. You can find the perfect paper and compatible ink or toner at an unbeatable price on our website. You can also order the best office supplies, such as folders, calendars and even art supplies to make sure that you have them ready when you need them.