<p>There are some colleges that require freshman to purchase a laptop through the school; this is supposedly to assure uniformity in systems, warranties, service. Two I know of that require it are Rose-Hulman and Wake Forest. It appears your college is another on that list since the site also says that all freshman "are assessed" the fee for buying a laptop. In other words, it does not imply that there is an option to do otherwise. Nevertheless, call and confirm.</p>