Recommendations for Student Computers
If you are looking to purchase a computer to be used for your coursework, please note the recommendations provided by individual schools and colleges below.
Need Help? If you have questions related to these recommendations, please contact your school or college directly. For additional technical assistance, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu. Further information regarding hours and location can be found on the ITS Service Center page.
Incoming New Student?
Whether you'll be living on or off-campus, be sure to check out the checklist and IT resources available on the ITS New Student page at its.syr.edu/welcome.
Office 365 at Syracuse University
All Syracuse University students are encouraged to have a computer running Microsoft Office or Office 365. Active Syracuse University students can download and install Microsoft Office desktop applications on up to five computers (PC, Mac) and five mobile devices (iOS, Android). The subscription also includes Windows 10 if you need it. And , it’s FREE while you're an active Syracuse University student! For details, please visit the Office 365 at Syracuse University home page.
Recommendations by School or College
School or College | Recommendation |
|---|---|
School of Architecture | You will use computers for CAD, 3D modeling & visualization, graphic design, and architecture-specific applications. We strongly recommend a Windows-based laptop with a powerful GPU. For detailed information, please visit |
College of Arts & Sciences | A&S students should have their own Apple or Windows computer, preferably a laptop. |
School of Education | SOE students are encouraged to have a laptop computer, either Windows or Mac OS is acceptable. Students who are dually enrolled with music or art education should check The College of Visual and Performing Arts' recommendations to ensure they have the computer and software required. |
College of Engineering and Computer Science | ECS students are strongly encouraged to have a notebook computer; for more specific information visit https://su-jsm.atlassian.net/wiki/x/c4FYCQ. |
Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics | Students should bring their own laptop or desktop computer, both Windows and macOS are acceptable. The computer should be a fairly recent model to insure that it has adequate processor speed and memory, 8 – 16 GB of RAM is recommended. Most students will be running statistical analysis software at some point in their coursework as well as the usual business productivity software like Microsoft Office and Adobe products all of which can have above average computing requirements. Falk College has its own computer labs with all the software needed to complete coursework but students generally want to work on their own computers wherever they are making a laptop preferable. |
School of Information Studies | iSchool students must have a laptop with Windows 10 or macOS. Chromebooks or tablets are not adequate for the technical demands of your coursework. Many of your classes will require you to use Microsoft Windows applications. Mac users can work with these applications in our Hinds Hall computer labs, or via virtualization. A Windows laptop is recommended. Hardware Minimum Specifications:
Students may choose to purchase their computer through the University Bookstore or a retailer of their choosing. Visit https://ischool.syr.edu/technology-services/ for more information. |
College of Law | All laptops used by College of Law students must be compliant with the current minimum system requirements of Examplify, our exam-taking software. Note that there is a version of Examplify available for Apple iPads, but the College of Law does not permit the use of iPads in exams. Please review the information at the following link to ensure compatibility of your laptop device: https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/ |
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management | For information on computer hardware and software recommendations for incoming Whitman School of Management students, please visit http://whitman.syracuse.edu/techrecs. |
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs | Students are encouraged to have their own laptops. 16 GB - 32 GB of RAM is recommended for students using their laptop for statistical (i.e. Stata, SPSS) or cartographic software such as ArcGIS. |
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications | To ensure you can actively engage in your course work at the Newhouse School, you will need access to a personal computer. For more information, please visit https://newhouse.syr.edu/about/facilities/technology-requirements. |
College of Visual and Performing Arts | For information on computer hardware and software recommendations for incoming Visual and Performing Arts students, please visit |
College of Professional Studies | The College of Professional Studies encourages its students to have their own desktop or laptop computer. For more information, please visit: https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/bachelor-of-professional-studies/technical-requirements/ |