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Do you need a computer at Oxford?

The title pretty much explains it - my Dad asked me if I want a laptop for university for my birthday, and I was wondering what people think - how useful are they? I am (hopefully) going to a college that has internet in all rooms so it would be good, but am unsure.... do people who are there already use their computers a lot? (obviously, to come on the Student Room... :wink:

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Reply 1

granddad_bob

yes, it's as close to essential as you can get. e-mail plays a massive part in student/tutor, student/department and student/college communication.

Reply 2

oxymoron

7

Everyone I know here has a computer (laptop or desktop) in their room (except maybe one).

Very useful for work (eg research / essay writing) and it would be very inconvenient to have to do all this in the computer room.

With that said, if you didn't have one, you could get by - but a computer would certainly make your life here easier.

Reply 3

Golden Maverick

4

Very useful for essays, music (iTunes), email, internet, procrastinating (TSR), communicating within college (MSN) etc
I think nearly everyone in my year+college has one.
Although it would be possible to survive without one.

OP

Makes sense!

If you want a desktop you can get somthing more than adequate for emails/internet/word processing for less than £100, or £200 if you need a laptop. Don't spend too much, spend the money you save on books or on a few nights out.

Reply 6

Geogger

13

feefifofum

The title pretty much explains it - my Dad asked me if I want a laptop for university for my birthday, and I was wondering what people think - how useful are they? I am (hopefully) going to a college that has internet in all rooms so it would be good, but am unsure.... do people who are there already use their computers a lot? (obviously, to come on the Student Room... :wink:

)

Laptops are good and has already been said, you use them all the time, essays are sent online to tutors, they send you emails about tutes and changes etc - St Hilda's has a laptop leasing scheme (which you can then buy for a nominal sum at the end). Contact their IT department on their website and they'll give you some info.
If you want to buy one then have a word with them if you want advice - as long as you buy one with good specs, lots of usb ports and is 'internet ready' you'll be OK. I think you need a cable link and you have to get their sophos anti-virus (which means a trek to the OU computer place) - nominal price

Reply 7

fairieboi

feefifofum

my Dad asked me if I want a laptop for university for my birthday,QUOTE]

i'm in exactly the same boat - but it wasn't really a question for me, not only because my handwriting is so appalling that i'd need to type things up, but also because i like my music far too much to not have it all on file with me for 8 weeks solid :smile:

Reply 8

Feefifofum

OP

16

fairieboi

i like my music far too much to not have it all on file with me for 8 weeks solid

Yup, I'm with you on that one, fairieboi!

Reply 9

Hoofbeat

14

oxymoron

Everyone I know here has a computer (laptop or desktop) in their room (except maybe one).

...Who are you thinking of? Henry doesn't have a computer!

I agree with everyone else, they're are pretty much essential but if you're worried about money then I wouldn't make it a priority. If you can afford one then it's certainly worth it...even if it's just to ask ppl over msn whether they're going to the bar or procrastinating on TSR!

Reply 10

Clodagh

It's a definite advantage having internet on tap! and email, essays etc. it would be a hassle going to the library/computer suite all the time! And where would you watch dvds!?! :wink:

Don't know about the cost, I got my laptop from the Disability Office!

Reply 11

granddad_bob

Hoofbeat

I agree with everyone else, they're are pretty much essential but if you're worried about money then I wouldn't make it a priority. If you can afford one then it's certainly worth it...even if it's just to ask ppl over msn whether they're going to the bar or procrastinating on TSR!

agree with you in essence, but consideration the price of desktops now (what, you could get a decent one for 300-400 quid?) it would be one of my main priorities if i didn't have one. but yeah, it's possible to live without, i just would advice it.

Reply 12

Camford

12

I'm doing CompSci in Cambridge. And apparently, I got away with not having a computer in my room for the first term... and now, I kind wished I don't have a computer in my room. It is simply the best tool in the world for procrastination when combined with the power of the internet...

Patch:... and TSR...

Do you need a computer at Oxford?

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