Tech Requirements at Four-Year Colleges

Hey, I'm a little bit stressed out, not gonna lie. About to head off to a four-year college and I was wondering, what type of computer do most of these institutions require? Any help would be super appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Most colleges don't require a specific type of computer but instead have a set of technical specifications that your device should meet. If you're entering a specific field of study, such as graphic design, engineering, or computer science, the technical specifications might be even more explicit.

For most majors, your computer should at the very least have the ability to connect to the internet, run a word processor (like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.), and have an adequate amount of storage (256GB or larger SSD is a good baseline). A sound card and speakers can be highly useful for online classes and software. Wi-Fi functionality, as opposed to wired Ethernet, is almost universally required, as you'll likely be moving around campus a fair bit.

You'll also want to make sure it has a webcam and microphone for any online classes or discussions that you might have. An integrated camera/microphone setup, like those found in most laptops, should work fine.

If you're going into a more specialized field, you might want to check whether the college or department has more specific requirements. For example, many design and engineering programs suggest (or require) more powerful computers with a dedicated graphics card to handle software like CAD or Photoshop.

Remember, don't overspend on a laptop you don't need! If you think a computer seems out of your budget, it might be worth reaching out to the college's IT department for advice or looking into options for financial aid for tech resources. Many colleges have laptops available for rent or loan, or programs to help students obtain necessary tech.