As important as it is to have an effective workspace for studying, having a form of entertainment available is practically a necessity for dorm life.

Shopping for a brand-new TV is out of many student’s budgets, however.

This brief guide will help you understand what to know before picking a secondhand TV so that you can get a device that will last you through your dorm years!

Will It Fit in Your Dorm?

If you’re purchasing a TV before you move into your university’s dorm room, you may not know exactly how much space you’ll have for it. Few dorms will appreciate you mounting your television, so knowing if the secondhand TV you pick out will fit on a dresser or media console is important.

Most of the TVs we’re familiar with today are flatscreens, so it’s easier to fit them in your space. When you’re shopping for a secondhand TV, however, you’re likely to come across older devices that use tubes to create the picture and, therefore, take up much more room.

There are benefits for each of the different kinds of TV technology, so choose your device based on your size needs and the type of media you want to watch.

How Long Has It Been in Use?

TVs can last a surprisingly long time. For example, many CRT televisions work for years without issue. That said, the LED strips in LCD televisions may need replacement in a few years, and thicker TVs can collect dust internally that weakens connections.

Try to get a rough estimate of how long the TV has been in use.

Any LED LCD TV that’s been in use for over five years might need repairs during your college tenure. It’s also important to see if the TV has been out of use for a long time.

Capacitors in a TV’s power supply can have a hard time functioning after years of neglect, which might spell trouble in the future.

Why Is It for Sale?

One of the most important things to know before picking a secondhand TV is why the owner is looking to sell it. Most people will have just upgraded to a more expensive, modern device like an OLED, but you’ll want to know if there’s a fundamental issue with the device, such as poor audio or picture quality.

Sometimes, you can’t base your decision entirely on what the seller says. If you don’t feel confident in their answer, ask if there’s an outlet you can plug the TV into nearby and a way to see it play media.

Take the time to test the device settings and check audio levels, especially if you are paying a decent price for the TV.

Shopping secondhand is good for more than just your budget.

Buying used electronics plays a part in significantly decreasing the amount of electronic waste our country puts out each year. Even if the TV you choose isn’t the biggest and best available, opting for an older model is the green choice.

image credit: Adobe Stock