Information
While students are allowed to bring personal printers to campus, it is generally not recommended. If you choose to bring a printer, please review the following guidelines:
1. Printer Types Allowed:
- Personal inkjet or laser printers that connect via USB are permitted. Note that you may need to purchase additional accessories like a USB cable and/or a USB-C adapter (Mac laptops typically have USB-C ports, while most printers use USB-A).
- Wireless printers are not compatible with the campus network and will not function.
- AirPrint printers, like wireless models, are also incompatible with the campus network.
- Bluetooth printers may work, but they are often more expensive and less reliable.
2. Supplies:
- Bowdoin College does not sell printer ink or toner. You will need to purchase supplies from local retailers or online.
3. Campus Printing Option (Recommended):
- Most students opt to use PaperCut, the campus printing service. It allows printing to public printers across campus
- Each student is allocated $60 in free prints per semester, which typically covers their printing needs.
These guidelines aim to help you make an informed decision about bringing a personal printer to campus. However, the convenience of using campus printing services like PaperCut often meets most students' requirements.