5 Genius Ways for College Students to Use Tile Stickers
With tiny Bluetooth trackers, you can now find more than just your phone, wallet, or keys…
Bluetooth Trackers are a godsend for forgetful people like myself.
I can have something in my hand one second and the next I have no idea where I set it down. Then I have the pleasure of backtracking my steps and rummaging through my surroundings a dozen times.
Let’s just say it gets old fast.
So when Tile contacted me to collaborate and test out their new Stickers, I was totally stoked.
There are so many genius uses for a Tile Tracker – not only in my life but in the everyday life of college students as well.
Here are 5 valuables you’ll want to keep a close eye on when you’re in college:
Table of Contents
5 Best Places to Stick Tile Trackers
1. On Your Campus ID Badge
Lord knows losing your campus ID SUCKS and for many reasons. Perhaps the main reason is because a replacement costs money.
Money you don’t have, or would rather not spend on a replacement.
Think that you won’t ever lose yours?
The odds aren’t exactly stacked in your favor. A survey found that about 1 in 5 students lose their college ID every year.
And:
I don’t know about you, but I think the school has already gotten enough of your money.
A little Sticker Tracker can help you quickly find your ID card when you can’t remember the last place you saw it.
2. On Your Laptop
A laptop can easily be the most expensive asset you’ll own in college. It also contains your whole life in a way.
Or, at least there’s enough personal information on it that you wouldn’t want it getting into the wrong hands. Theft is a problem on college campuses and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Because really:
The last thing a student needs is for such a costly device to turn up missing. Can you imagine all the problems and stress that would cause?
Which is why:
I’d argue that the best use for Tile is keeping tabs on your laptop.
For long-term peace of mind just stick it and forget it. The battery lasts for 3 years and the serious adhesive will keep it locked into place.
✅ Get more info about Tile Stickers here
3. On Your Water Bottle
Being eco-conscious is a trend I’m all for. College students are leaning into it by using metal straws and reusable water bottles.
If you’ve invested in a Hydro Flask, you know while they’re worth the money – they aren’t cheap.
Accidentally misplacing it is a huge bummer! Especially if you have it decorated with a cute collection of stickers.
However, attaching a typical Bluetooth Tracker to a water bottle can take some MacGyvering…
View this post on Instagram
But:
The Tile Sticker makes it super simple. It’s about the size of a quarter and it perfectly fit on the lid of my Hydro Flask.
Bonus points:
The Stickers are waterproof. There’s no need to worry about being delicate. Splashes and rain are things it can handle.
4. On Your Bike
Getting to class on time is important. A reliable mode of transportation is a must in college. And so is protecting that asset.
If you’re commuting by bike, then you probably already have a bike lock.
But those can only do so much. If someone really wants to take your bike, there are ways to get around a lock.
And:
Losing your bike can cause a huge headache.
Without it, you could be stranded at school for hours. You might need to spend money on a cab if you need to get to work right away.
Not to mention:
There’s a high probability that your bike won’t be recovered. Only 5% of stolen bikes are returned to owners according to data from Project 529.
Tile Bluetooth trackers are a convenient and smart way to add extra security to your bike.
5. On Your Fancy Headphones
Finally:
Another great place for a Sticker is on a pair of over-the-ear headphones. It’s small enough to attach to a case of AirPods (which are very commonly lost), too.
Chances are you (or someone you know) dropped a pretty penny on them.
Due to their size, headphones and earbuds are pretty easy for a thief to take when you aren’t looking.
I think it makes sense to go the extra mile and have a way to track them down.
Other Creative Uses
The cool thing about the Sticker is that it’s Tile’s most versatile tracking device. It can stick to virtually anything!
Here are a few more ways for a college student to use one:
- Textbooks
- Planner
- Binder
- DSLR Camera
- Tablet
- Portable Charger
- Sunglasses Case
The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Tile Work?
Tile Trackers use a Bluetooth signal to connect to your mobile device through the Tile app.
You can use the app to “ring” your Tile. The Tracker makes a ringing noise so you can easily locate it.
If it’s out of the Bluetooth signal range, you can:
- View your Tile’s last known location on a map within the app.
- Use the “Notify When Found” feature to widen the search area with Tile’s community app network.
Video: Tile | How it Works
Get more information about how Tile Trackers work here.
Is it Waterproof?
Some Tile models are waterproof and some are water-resistant.
The Tile Sticker and Slim 2020 are waterproof. They can withstand splashes and even a 3ft/1m plunge into the water for up to 30 minutes.
Tile Mate, Pro, and previous year Slim models are water-resistant.
Tile Tracker Range
Here’s a charting showing the Bluetooth finding range for each Tile device.
| Sticker | Mate 2020 | Slim 2020 | Pro 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 150ft / 46m | 200ft / 61m | 200ft / 61m | 400ft / 122m |
Can Tile Be Used to Track a Car?
Yes, you actually can use a Tile to track a car.
To do so:
You would simply leave your tracking device somewhere in the car. The center console or glovebox are good spots. Just make sure to pair it with your phone first!
Use the ring function within the Bluetooth range (such as in a parking lot) to find your car.
The Community Network can help find a stolen car by alerting you once your Tile has been detected. It’s pretty cool!
Video: Find Your Stolen Vehicle With Tile
Does the Tile App Cost Money?
The app is free to use!
These core features do not cost money in the app:
- ring my Tile
- find my phone
- see its location on a map
- share with a friend
- Community Find
Premium unlocks even more features – like free battery replacements. Learn more about Premium here.
Where to Buy Tile Trackers
Tile Bluetooth tracking devices are available on their website. Free US Shipping is available on all orders.
Other places where you can buy Tile trackers include:
Conclusions on Tile Tracker Uses
It’s easy to see why having a way to keep track of your valuables in college is a smart idea.
Who knew something like a tiny sticker could be so useful?
Do you have any other creative uses for Tile Trackers?
Related Posts:
5 Best Uses for a Tile Tracker When You’re in College
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- View your Tile’s last known location on a map within the app. n\n
- Use the “Notify When Found” feature to widen the search area with Tile's community app network. n
The Tile Sticker and Slim (as of 2020) are waterproof. They can withstand splashes and even a 3ft/1m plunge into the water for up to 30 minutes. Tile Mate, Pro, and previous year Slim models are water-resistant.
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- Pro 2020: up to 400ft / 122m n\n
- Slim 2020: up to 200ft / 61m n\n
- Mate 2020: up to 200ft / 61m n\n
- Sticker: up to 150ft / 46m n
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About Charlie
Charlie is the co-founder of College Life Made Easy and author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College. She’s a 2015 graduate who teaches overwhelmed students and parents of students how to confidently navigate the whole college thing. As a former broke college kid, she’s passionate about helping students develop the skills they need in order to thrive (instead of just survive), stress less, and actually enjoy the full college experience.