<p>Hey everyone, can I get through my first year or so without a laptop? Are there computer labs open to students? I’d really like some insight</p>
<p>I STRONGLY recommend that you get a lap top. There are computer labs, but at the end of the day it is essential equipment for a student at Cal Poly. These days you can get a lap top pretty cheap, even cheaper used. If you are so destitute that you can’t spare even $300 for a machine, ask all your friends, relatives or neighbors if they have en extra machine to use. You’d be shocked to learn how many machines are out there collecting dust in the back of someone’s closet. Then upgrade it with more memory, etc. Even a desk top will help if you cannot afford a lap top.</p>
<p>My dad does want to get me a laptop but he can’t afford it yet, and after my tuition, room, and board are paid i’ll have about 200 left over and that will go to books, I do have work study though so I can save money to get one, so maybe I can use the lab the first quarter, I don’t have english so hopefully there won’t be that many papers to write. I do sense your urgency though so it moved up on my priority list</p>
<p>I agree that it is a great advantage to have your own computer. If you get to know some comp sci majors or engineers, there is a very good chance one of them will have an extra laptop they can lend to you. I knew a Csc major who kept two or three laptops in his dorm and he let my friend use one when she needed. You also might be able to check out a laptop from media distribution services. Not sure what their policy in though</p>
<p>I never thought about renting one, thanks for that, i’ll definately ask around about it once I get on campus.</p>
<p>You need a laptop.<br>
Most campuses have stand alones in generic areas, but sometimes they have time limits. Even if you don’t have English classes, you’ll be inputting information for your labs via your computer. You will also get communications from your professors and the university via the computer.<br>
You can’t keep bugging the roommates every time you need one.<br>
Some kids graduate and upgrade their computers, check the boards at your commons. Check your craigslist.</p>