Questions
- Can I bring my own printer to campus as a student?
- Will my wireless printer work in my dorm room?
- Will my AirPrint printer work on the Bowdoin campus network?
- What type of printer can I bring to Bowdoin?
- Does Bowdoin sell printer ink or toner on campus?
- Can I connect a personal printer to my laptop in my residence hall?
- I want to print from my room — should I bring a printer or use campus printing?
- Is it worth bringing a printer to campus, or should I use PaperCut?
- Can I use my Bluetooth printer at Bowdoin?
- Where can I buy ink or toner near campus?
Environment
This article is for Bowdoin College students considering bringing a personal printer to campus for use in their residence hall or on-campus housing. It covers which printer types are and are not compatible with the campus environment, and compares personal printing to the campus PaperCut printing service.
- Applies to: All students living on campus or in Bowdoin-affiliated housing.
- Not covered here: Faculty and staff department printers — see Order Toner for a Department Printer in the Related Articles section for department printer support.
Quick recommendation: Most students find that the campus PaperCut printing service fully meets their needs. Each student receives $60 in free printing per semester, and printers are available across campus. Consider this before packing a printer.
Resolution
Printer types — what works and what doesn't
The Bowdoin campus network is a managed enterprise network. This affects which types of personal printers will function in your dorm room.
| Printer Type |
Works on Campus? |
Notes |
| USB (wired) inkjet or laser |
✅ Yes |
Connects directly to your laptop via USB. Most reliable option if you bring a printer. |
| Wireless / Wi-Fi printer |
❌ No |
Wireless printers require joining the campus network in a way that is not supported. They will not connect. |
| AirPrint printer |
❌ No |
AirPrint relies on Wi-Fi network discovery, which is blocked on the Bowdoin campus network. |
| Bluetooth printer |
⚠️ Limited |
May work for short-range Bluetooth printing directly from your device, but Bluetooth printers are generally more expensive and less reliable. Not recommended. |
USB adapters may be required: Most personal printers use a USB-A cable. Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pros have only USB-C ports. You may need to purchase a USB-A to USB-C adapter separately — these are not provided by Bowdoin.
Supplies — ink and toner
Bowdoin College does not sell printer ink, toner, or paper on campus. If you bring a personal printer, you are responsible for sourcing and purchasing your own supplies.
- Check your printer model's cartridge number before leaving home and order extras online in advance (Amazon, the manufacturer's website, Staples, etc.).
- The nearest retail options for printer supplies are in Brunswick, ME — local stores such as Walmart and Staples carry common cartridge brands.
- Ink can run out quickly with heavy use; factor this ongoing cost into your decision.
Campus printing as an alternative
Before packing a printer, consider that Bowdoin's PaperCut campus printing service is available to all students and covers the printing needs of most students throughout the semester.
- Every student receives a $60 printing allocation per semester — this resets each semester.
- Campus printers are located across campus including the H&L Library, Hatch Science Library, Coles Tower, Smith Union, and more — see Printers available for student printing in the Related Articles section for the full list.
- Color printing is available at select locations including the H&L Library basement and Hatch Science Library.
- You can print from your laptop, phone, or any campus computer and release at any campus printer.
- Large-format and poster printing is handled by the Copy and Print Center.
Tip: If you go over your $60 allocation, you can check your balance at
papercut.bowdoin.edu. Contact the Service Desk if you have questions about your allocation.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.