How do I get into the Gaming Lab?
Once you are in Hillyer, you will want to open the pair of glass doors to the left of the Elm Street entrance. The building is open to students on weekdays and should open once you scan your OneCard. During the weekend, you will see a yellow sheet on the door with a QR Code. Once you scan the code, one of the gaming lab assistants will bring you to the lab. Please be patient as it may take a few minutes for the assistant to get to you.
Can I reserve the lab for an event?
Yes you can! Whether it is a house event or a club meeting, just email gaminglab@smith.edu, and we can work something out.
I already scanned the QR Code downstairs, why do I need to scan the QR Code on the Gaming Lab’s front door?
The downstairs QR Code is for the assistant to know that you are waiting to be let in. The upstairs QR Code is for the Imaging Center’s use on how many students visit.
Where can I find a list of games and devices the lab has?
For security purposes, we don’t publish our inventory on our website. If you’re curious about a specific game/console or want an overview of what we have, you can come to the Gaming Lab during open hours and ask for a tour from the assistant on-duty and they can show you what we have to offer!
Can I bring a non-Smith / Five College friend?
Yes you can! As long as the gaming lab has not hit its capacity of 20 people, friends are welcomed. However, Smith students always have priority. If the lab hits capacity, non-Smith students may be asked to leave.
Can I play my own games in the Gaming Lab?
Yes you can! You are free to either bring your own game and play it on compatible devices, bring your own console and hook it up to one of our TVs, or log into your own accounts to play digitally-owned games. Please give the assistant on-duty a heads-up before you do so, and remember to log out if necessary and take back your game/device before you leave!
Can I save my progress of a game I’m playing at the lab?
Yes you can! The Gaming Lab has a document keeping track of active save files to ensure students don’t accidentally play on or delete other students’ files. When you’re done playing a game and want to go back to it another time, tell the assistant on-duty so they can add your information to the document!
Can I take a game or device from the Gaming Lab back to my dorm to play it while the lab’s closed and return it at a later date?
No, sorry! No games or equipment are permitted to leave the Gaming Lab.
How do I request new games for the Gaming Lab to consider?
You can request the game and preferred console for said game to one of the Gaming Lab Assistants. We cannot guarantee that this game will be added to our inventory, but we may be able to add it in the future.
Can I donate games and equipment that I no longer use to the Gaming Lab?
Yes you can! We’ve had students and alumni donate games and gaming consoles to us and are always happy to expand our inventory. If you’re unsure whether what you’d like to donate would be accepted by the Gaming Lab, you can either come into the lab with the equipment and ask the assistant on-duty, or contact us via email.