Northwestern University - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

A computer isn’t necessary at NU, but it sure is handy. Although there are no 24-hour computer labs per sè, once you learn the ins and outs of the University, it’s fairly easy to find an open computer at any time of the day or night. Labs in the journalism school are fully equipped for desktop publishing, and the schools of music and communication offer state-of-the-art editing for CD and video production. Wireless connectivity is rather limited, so don’t feel obligated to get a laptop. But on a practical basis at Northwestern, the socially challenged often find it easier to communicate over Instant Messenger from a dorm room than by picking up the phone and dialing out. Fast Ethernet connections enamor even the most computer-clueless student, and even if you’ve never been hip to the Web before, you’ll be savvy in no time. Still, be prudent, or you’ll be banished from the network if you’re caught downloading too much too fast.

Disregard the school’s recommendations for computers unless you are in a highly specialized field or you’re willing to splurge. A bare-bones computer that can be hooked up to the Internet is an absolute must, and don’t be surprised if your roommate has thousands of dollars invested in his setup. Computers are a matter of leisure and allow students the luxury of doing their dirty work in the comfort of pajamas. It’s a competitive school, and often the only time to let your hair down is at the dorm or your apartment. Find a computer that fits your needs and rely on the labs only in the case of emergency—and don’t forget to download AIM.

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Students Speak Out

zskwiot says: Northwestern University 2013 Communication and Journalism

Average B Computers here are fine. There's plenty in the library, and most dorms have a small computer lab inside the building. There is a printing cost of 8 cents per page, but the Medill building allows all Medill students to print for free, so that is very helpful. The network is also average. Depending on the computer (Mac users tend to have many more problems with connections than PC users)the network is fine otherwise. 12345 Computers: February 25, 2010 Report

hes442 says: Northwestern University 2013 Area, Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Studies

Network Reliability Can Be Pitchy B+ Dorms are wired, as well are most buildings, but sometimes the internet is pitchy, and that is when it gets really bad. Sometimes the internet connection is lost completely, and it becomes really hard to register or get to blackboard 12345 Computers: February 10, 2010 Report

beatboxingbetty says: Northwestern University 2013 Undecided

Just Bring Your Own A It would definitely be in your best interest to bring a computer; the computer labs are usually pretty full, though there are many hidden around campus that few people know about. You could absolutely make it work for school, but when you're in the dorm with your friends it's so inconvenient as a social thing. I wouldn't bring a printer - you don't print that much, and everyone will mooch off you. 12345 Computers: December 14, 2009 Report

kavaclavik91 says: Northwestern University 2013 Communication and Journalism

Wireless Could Improve B The wireless internet is everywhere, but I think it could be made faster. 12345 Computers: December 02, 2009 Report

av2729 says:

I was worried that using a laptop... I was worried that using a laptop here would be frustrating, but it's not now that they updated the network. The new WiFi extends nearly everywhere, including the residence hall rooms. However, the WiFi stability is still shaky, so getting kicked off is common. There's still no way to print wirelessly, you still need an Ethernet cable to watch TV, and a lot of normal online functions (like file sharing) are blocked. Overall, though, the wireless is a huge improvement to the campus, and is probably the reason that nearly everyone I know has a laptop this year. 12345 Computers: September 23, 2008 Report

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