Re #17: But reformatting and reinstalling “using Lenovo’s own restore image won’t work, because that will probably reinstate Superfish anyway”, so you would want to reformat with a non-Lenovo Windows image.
Right, which is just generally a good idea. Most schools have cheap, full copies of Windows available. I generally DBAN the hard drive and start with a clean install from the start.
Since this has morphed into re-installing windows - you can download a windows 8.1 image from microsoft here - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media. This does not include the key - it assumes you already have one. But if you own a laptop that came with windows, then you already have a key either on sticker somewhere or it can be extracted from the registry with a few tools that are available (use of tool is an exercise left for the reader).
I did this over the weekend and it worked like a champ.
How to do a clean install of Windows 8.1
I wonder if RogueKiller and/or ComboFix would clean Superfish off. Hey! I’m cheap! I’m not paying for something if I don’t have to! 
My sole reason for bringing up Lenovo and SuperFish was in case the OP went ahead and purchased a Lenovo. If it was purchased off-the-shelf, it would be quite possible that it was manufactured in the late 2014 time frame when the SuperFish software was included. Just trying to help the OP out a little. BTW, to remove superfish, Lenovo will be issuing instructions soon, or search any of the PC hardware sites. This has been a hot topic, lately. You want to be sure to remove the superfish encryption certificate, which has caused all the concern.
Glad that the Yoga I got for my D last year was an earlier model.
Also Windows Defender will remove Superfish now as long as you don’t have another antivirus installed superseding it. The real damage is unknown at this point, however, as the real culprit appears to be a company called Komodia with a large number of clients using its bad software.
OP: I appreciate the help (even though it turned into Windows vs Linux) but just as a statement, for those who don’t know, Pittsburgh weather sucks to say the least so I’d prefer making as few trips to computer labs as possible. Therefore, I’m just looking for a reliable laptop that isn’t too expensive and can get the job done. Thanks everyone though.
Here’s the general Pitt site - http://www.pitt.edu/computer-discounts
Dig more on the websites. Perhaps you can find more specific Engineering recommendations. If not, try to reach out to some upperclassmen.