Back to School: Streaming and Gaming in a Dorm Room

Back to School: Streaming and Gaming in a Dorm Room

Streaming has become a new form of entertainment in today's world. While one can simply pick up their phone and begin streaming, it's the extra you put into it that sets you apart. The following items are some of the best products you can buy to elevate any stream.

Webaround Close-Up Collapsible Portable Webcam Backdrop

In a tight room and your background isn’t appealing to viewers? Well, this collapsible portable webcam backdrop is the solution. Not only will you be able to mask your background, but now your stream is elevated with more gameplay real estate. This item attaches to the back of your chair and is extremely lightweight and easy to store.

Webaround The Close-Up Collapsible Portable Webcam Backdrop
Webaround The Close-Up Collapsible Portable Webcam Backdrop

Elgato Facecam MK.2 1080p Webcam

Cameras are essential for streaming and content as they put you right in front and direct with your audience. While you can end up connecting mirrorless cameras, the best option for your budget are webcams. Luckily, Elgato has developed three. The Facecam offers easy connectivity with streaming apps but also full control of its settings with the Elgato Control Panel. The Facecam MK.2 is the in the middle of the trio; it offers 1080p quality, wide-angle capture, and even a ¼-20 mount to attach to a tripod. The 4K Studio Model offers the same features with a wider angle and 4K quality while the lower-end Neo is a great starter HD webcam.

Elgato Facecam MK.2 1080p Webcam
Elgato Facecam MK.2 1080p Webcam

Elgato Stream Deck MK2

When you begin to evolve your stream and setup, the Stream Deck will play a pivotal role. This product line alone has so many different variations to choose from, but the Stream Deck MK.2 is the baseline. Programmable keys that allow you to control everything in your setup from lights, mics, programs, cut scenes, and so much more.

Elgato Stream Deck MK2
Elgato Stream Deck MK2

RODE PodMic USB and XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

The RODE PodMic allows you to capture studio-grade level sound for your streams, content podcasting, and more. A sleek design and will fit in any setup, this microphone will also grow with you as you go from USB connection to a professional XLR. You can also pair this mic with a Professional Studio Arm from RODE.

RODE PodMic USB and XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
RODE PodMic USB and XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

Elgato HD60 X Game Capture Card

If you’re recording gameplay from a console, a capture card will get your game and computer connected. This card allows 4K pass-through to your TV but captures in 1080p60, which works well for lower bandwidth usage in your college. This card works with Mac or PC, supports smaller files sizes when recording in HD, and plays well with the majority of streaming apps. If you choose to stream or record in 4K, there's an upgraded version, the Elgato Game Capture 4K X.

Elgato Game Capture 4K X
Elgato Game Capture 4K X

Elgato Key Light

No stream or content creation space is complete without lighting. To showcase yourself or anything you’re doing, a key light gives you an even glow or a nice shadow when placed on the side. The Elgato Key Light pairs perfectly with the Stream Deck and allows you to control the brightness, color temperature, and power directly from the buttons or your mobile devices. The best thing about this key light is you don’t need to clutter your dorm floor as this clamps directly to your desk.

Elgato Key Light
Elgato Key Light

These are just a few of our favorite streaming accessories—any of which are sure to elevate the quality of your next stream. If you would like to learn more about any of these products, including additional info on features, specs, and other key highlights, be sure to check out their detailed product pages.