<p>i kind of assume all the computers that SEAS kids normally use have things like solidworks, matlab, maple, Visual Studio, etc...</p>
<p>is there any way to get those things cheap thru columbia if i wanted them on my own pc or laptop?</p>
<p>You don't need to buy any special software for SEAS. You'll be expected to use the computer labs for all the fancy software. Some of the CAD programs that you'll be working with could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so there's no way you can have them on your own PC (unless you're into pirating software).</p>
<p>yea i know solidworks = 10,000$$ / copy but i also have heard of some schools that give out copies to students as they have special liscenses with the companies (ex:RPI makes you buy a laptop with solidworks/matlab on it but its like 1500$)</p>
<p>Columbia doesn't make you buy anything.</p>
<p>i find it to be a good idea to have matlab on ur personal computer.</p>
<p>yea, so do they offer it at a reduced price in the store? does columbia even have a computer store?</p>
<p>i think there may be a pretty insignificant student discount at the bookstore....not sure though</p>
<p>Columbia's bookstore is in the business of ripping you off (it is a for-profit venture run by a private corporation). You're better off looking for a good deal online if you want some software.</p>
<p>its run by barnes and noble</p>
<p>Hence the "private corporation." They privatived the stupid thing a while ago because the bookstore was losing money due to theft.</p>