Written by Stephanie Santana
If you have the means to do so, bringing your own computer will save you a lot of hassle. The University provides Ethernet in all the dorms, and it is pretty cheap to set up high-speed Internet even off campus. Almost all of the facilities on campus are equipped with Internet connections, so a laptop is probably your best bet. If you do need to use campus computers, there are always people to help out, and printing is free at most locations. Unfortunately, the only major 24-hour computer lab tends to get really crowded, and if you’re in a hurry, it can be frustrating—so leave yourself plenty of time.
It is hard to imagine surviving school without a laptop. If you do bring your own computer, it will quickly become your most important asset. Not only is it a good tool for your academics, but it also allows you to stay in constant contact with friends from home and at school. You can talk to your mom, chat with your friend down the hall, plan your trip to Vegas for spring break, play Tetris, download iTunes music, write your thesis, check the weather, find a good show to check out on the weekend, and watch YouTube videos—all at the same time, which can't be beat. Word of advice: Back up everything. Computers get stolen, lost, broken, and worn down, so be prepared. If it is still under warranty, however, University Computers on campus will help with repairs free of charge.