Undergraduate

Laptop Information

College of Engineering Laptop Requirement

All College of Engineering students are expected to purchase and maintain their own personal laptop computer that supports their academic work throughout their degree program. The laptop should be reliable for daily use over approximately four to five years and capable of supporting a wide range of engineering coursework and applications.

Academic Use Expectations

Student laptops should support:

  • Coursework, assignments, and project submissions across all classes; 
  • Remote learning, virtual meetings, and collaboration tools; 
  • Engineering and technical software, if and when required, including (but not limited to): Aspen, MATLAB, COMSOL, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mathematica, Python, C/C++, and similar applications.

Recommended Specifications

The following specifications are intended as general guidelines for selecting a laptop that will remain functional throughout your degree:

  1. Processor (CPU):
    1. Intel: Current-generation Core i5 or i7 (Core i9 recommended if affordable); 12th Generation or newer (model number xx400 or higher preferred).
    2. AMD: Ryzen 7000 series or newer (x300 or higher preferred).
  2. Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB (32 GB recommended for some majors).
  3. Storage (SSD): Minimum 512 GB solid-state drive (1–2 TB recommended).
  4. Display: Minimum Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution. Any size within budget is acceptable, though a 15-17 inch screen is preferred for better usability.
  5. Graphics (GPU): Integrated graphics acceptable for general use. Dedicated graphics card recommended for CAD, simulation, and 3D modeling (e.g., NVIDIA RTX series or equivalent).
  6. Battery: Minimum 6 hours of battery life. 10 hours or more recommended to support a full day on campus, as power access may be limited.
  7. Audio: Built-in sound card with microphone input, headphone output, and integrated speakers.
  8. Camera: Integrated webcam (720p HD resolution or higher).
  9. Connectivity: WiFi (802.11ac or newer) and Bluetooth capability.
  10. Operating System: Current Windows software is available to USF students at no cost: https://software.usf.edu/
  11. Device Age: Preferably new or less than 5 years old.

Additional Requirements

  • Internet Access:

Reliable high-speed internet is required for coursework, remote learning, and communication. A minimum of 5 Mbps upload and download speeds is sufficient for typical class activities such as Microsoft Teams meetings and online submissions.

Higher speeds (50 Mbps or greater) and more stable connections are recommended when working with large files, cloud-based tools, or certain engineering software applications. 

Students may also utilize USF campus WiFi, which is available in classrooms, libraries, and common areas.

Important Notes

  • Apple (Mac) computers are not recommended, as many engineering applications are not fully compatible or supported.
  • Gaming laptops are not recommended, as they often prioritize graphics performance over battery life, portability, and classroom practicality.

Software & Student Resources

USF provides students with access to a variety of software and services at low or no cost:

Additional Considerations / Suggestions

  • Students should prioritize a balance of performance, portability, and battery life.
  • Investing in higher-performance hardware initially can help ensure the device remains viable throughout the program.
  • The following are optional suggestions based on student preference and learning style. Students may choose either digital or traditional (paper-based) approaches for note-taking and textbooks.
    • Digital note-taking can be supported through: (1) Touchscreen or stylus-enabled laptops; or (2) A separate iPad or tablet for note-taking and eBooks. Note: iPad/Tablets should complement, not replace, a laptop.
    • Students may alternatively use physical notebooks and printed textbooks, which remain fully acceptable.