University of San Diego - Computers

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

USD is a small school, and so the seemingly tiny number of computers in the labs is not as big of a disaster as it may seem, but students feel it is almost imperative to have your own desktop or laptop. The dorms are all wired for super speedy, easy Internet hookup, and the school provides all students with their own e-mail address. Everyone loves this and takes it for granted. Most students have their own computer and only use the labs intermittently. The first off-campus DSL or cable bill is often a downer. The labs and libraries are set up well, and it is relatively easy to scan, print, and do all the computer housekeeping you need to use the school’s facilities, but it isn’t always convenient, and it definitely forces students to plan far ahead. There is no stress like the stress of needing to finish and print a final paper due in three hours, but being forced to wait for an open computer in the lab.

E-mail is absolutely necessary for communicating with professors and other students. A student who tries to get by without e-mail will not make it. It is possible for roommates to share a computer, but this is a dangerous path that can lead to roommate ruin. One also must take into account the “computer as accessory” reality on the image-conscious portion of campus. Sleek new titanium PowerBooks and super-powerful G5 towers with enormous flat screen monitors are as much of a status symbol as a new BMW. While the computers provided by the school serve as excellent “spare tires,” Instant Messaging, the ridiculous convenience of researching on the Internet, and the ability to easily communicate with professors, all possible at any hour of the day or night, make having your own computer a legitimate number-one priority.

Free Profile Tools

Do I Stand A Chance?

Calculate YOUR chances of admission at every school CP covers!

__%

Personality Match

Calculate YOUR personality match with every school CP covers!

__%

What'll It Cost Me?

Estimate your out-of-pocket costs at every school CP covers!

$__,___

Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

There are enough computer labs,... There are enough computer labs, although during midterms and finals they get pretty full. I have my own desktop and find it pretty essential—a laptop isn't needed. For the most part, the network is always up and running. The IT people are always great at helping you in times of need. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

I have my own computer, so I don’t... I have my own computer, so I don’t usually visit the labs, but in the few occasions that I have, there were always plenty of computers available. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

Bring your own computer. The labs... Bring your own computer. The labs can get jam-packed, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch hour. Besides, with a laptop, you can work anywhere—for instance, at the local coffee shops, the library, and Presidio Park. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

The network is okay. There were a... The network is okay. There were a lot of times that I became frustrated with it, but it’s just something you have to live with. The labs are always crowded. I would definitely suggest bringing your own computer. It gives you a lot of flexibility. 12345 Computers Report

Anonymous says:

Definitely bring your own... Definitely bring your own computer. Sometimes the labs get too crowded, and you have 10 minutes to print out a paper and make it to class. 12345 Computers Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Information Technology and Academic Services provides free seminars and tutorials year round for USD students, staff, and faculty. They can be contacted at ittraining@sandiego.edu.

When a line is present, a two-hour time limit applies to students using computers in an on-campus lab.

Write for Us!

College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college. Read more >