<p>while I haven't decided where im going yet I know its between stanford and USC. (i got into SC but prolly wont get into stanford hah)</p>
<p>but the one thing ive pretty much decided is that im not gonna dish out the 1g for a computer. am i the only one planning to rely on the computers at college? </p>
<p>from my personal experience at the local catholic university you can't go 100 yards without walking into a computer. with the tuition of USC being about 40k a year, I figure there will only be more and better resources...</p>
<p>so im asking if there are any parents who are sendin their kids off to college without a comp or any students who plan on doin it my way or are already doin it!</p>
<p>My former roommate did not bring a computer to college. He ended up getting kicked out of by the end of the first semester... for reasons other than the lack of computer. However, I noticed it was very difficult for him to get work done by not having one. Do yourself a service and get a computer quick. I think one can survive without a printer, but without a computer is very difficult. Trust me on this one and do not take the risk. But then again, the choice is totally yours.</p>
<p>I teach at a community college. Computers are accessible on campus. However it is much more inconvienent. Unless the computer lab's are open 24/7 the time will come when you will need access when they are closed. Professor's will expect you to have access whether it be for assignments, communication, research or writing. I know they are expensive, but they are available in a range of prices. Some colleges offer lease or payment plan options. Good Luck.</p>
<p>Tis is crazy. You will be at a total disadvantage without a computer. Some colleges figure the cost of one into the financial aid package. Go an ebay and buy a cheap, used one, but you need a computer.</p>
<p>ok thanks guys for your input. this is one decision I still have plenty of time to make. </p>
<p>If I get a decent amount in scholarships then I will have a lot more room to negotiate with other materials (including a computer), but time for that is still lengthy. </p>
<p>If I get about half my fees covered with scholarships I will probably take out a student loan for the rest. and in that case I figure I might as well sack up and pay that extra money later.</p>
<p>My computer was a little more than $300, and I have lived without a printer since October. I think it s a worthy investment and ridiculously convenient. If you'd rather not buy one, that's cool, but having a computer at your disposal can only be beneficial. It's all about you and how you work.</p>
<p>Congrats on getting into USC, bubble! You'll love it here, if you attend. </p>
<p>As for the computer situation, I have to say it's difficult to not have a computer. Of course, it is doable, but it is very inconvenient. My roommate last year did not have a computer, and I barely saw her, (besides the fact that she was an architecture major- which is a psycho major here), she was often in the library in the wee hours. Let me tell you, it just gets depressing being there for hours on end, late at night. I love being able to be cozy in my room/apt at 2 in the morning, writing my paper. A few times I've had to go the computer lab for whatever reasons, late at night, and it's never fun. You also never know when you need to check something really quick on the internet or whatnot. </p>
<p>A benefit of not having a computer, is that being at a computer lab will force you to stay focused. In my apt I fall asleep or procrastinate. </p>
<p>A tip, though, if you come to USC, and if you come without a computer: there are many computer labs around campus that people don't know about. The library has a lot of computers, but sometimes, especially during finals, there are lines (usually just for PCs). I have a specific computer lab I frequent, that's in the basement of a building. There are always computers available there. </p>
<p>So basically, a computer would be extremely beneficial and convenient, and a good investment in the long run, but you can live without one.</p>
<p>Get a really cheap one. Build it yourself, buy the cheapest one you can find, or see if you can get an older (used) one. Almost any computer will be just fine for typing up papers and looking up information online. It would be a worthwhile investment.</p>
<p>I'm with eiffelguy - you can get a full system with monitor and everything (maybe even an LCD if there's a special going on or something) for a very small sum from Dell.</p>
<p>Find a good local computer store (easy if there is a big state U nearby) and buy a used laptop or desktop. </p>
<p>One by me is <a href="http://www.quecomputers.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.quecomputers.com/</a> and the prices on their website are outdated (they have weekly flyers with correct prices) and are mostly much cheaper (I think the laptops are about 100 less). Any of their used PIII IBM ThinkPads would be everything a college student needs (you might have to buy a wireless card). If you want to pay even less or if you just prefer using desktops (like me) you can get more preformance at less cost from a system like the ones listed in their PIII used desktops or their new Home/Office systems.</p>
<p>Colleges love to tell you that you can get by without a computer and if you really try, you can but its going to be incredibly hard (especially at the schools you listed). For doing your work, any of those sub $300 used desktops will be more than enough for all 4 years.</p>
<p>Why not check with Stanford and USC regarding the availability of laptops for their students to borrow. I know that Santa Clara U (via their Media Services Dept.) and San Jose State U (via the MLK Library) provide free laptops (and maybe other technology) for students to use.</p>
<p>It still isn't as good as having your own computer whenever you need it though.</p>
<p>I echo USCchicka's congratulations. To add to what she said about Leavey Info Commons having 24hr computer access though you'd be at a large disadvantage (which I agree with), let me also add that USC has special deals with Dell and Apple if you want discounts on their computers.</p>
<p>newegg.com if you now anyone who can build a computer , I got a killer desktop and monitor for 500 could of been less but I had to go with the pentium 4.</p>
<p>A computer will come in "handy" when you get those urges. (You know what I mean;-D)</p>
<p>On a serious note, are you honestly even considering not bringing one? Unless you're a total luddite, get a freaken computer (preferably a Mac, lol). No questions asked.</p>