Download this PDF (555KB)Most schools and colleges do not require students to own a computer, but a few do. You should encourage your student to check with their academic program to be certain.
Having a computer can be helpful and convenient. Whether or not your student owns a computer, all students can take advantage of computers at Campus Computing Sites and in the residence halls.
Both Windows and Macs are used throughout the University. Your student's decision should be based on program-of-study requirements, price, functionality, overall lifestyle, and academic advisor suggestions.
Most students choose notebooks because they are easy to transport, and wireless networking opportunities increase the places where students can work online. However, notebooks are more easily damaged and stolen, while desktop computers generally have bigger screens and often cost less. You and your student may wish to discuss the pros and cons of both options.
The University offers a year-round computer consulting and sales program through the U-M Computer Showcase. Because of contractual agreements with computer manufacturers, only U-M students, staff, and faculty may purchase computers and software from the Showcase. Available products include Windows and Mac computers, software, iPods, printers, cables, and other items that are sold at not-forprofit prices.
Visit the Showcase during Orientation. The Showcase has locations on the ground floor of the Michigan Union and on the main concourse of Pierpont Commons.
Showcase staff will answer questions about making smart choices, even if your student decides to purchase elsewhere. When comparison shopping, your student should take into consideration additional costs, such as extended warranties.
When purchasing a computer, your student should understand what the manufacturer's warranty covers and for how long. Not all warranties are equal (for example, some cover accidental damage and some do not).
The U-M Computer Showcase bundles most of the computers it sells with a three-year warranty. Yes, the warranty adds to the purchase price, but repairs can be expensive and a good warranty can pay for itself over time.
No matter where your student's computer is purchased, it is important to understand that the warranty is from the manufacturer, not from the Showcase or other retailer. The manufacturer sets the terms of the warranty.
For questions on service or repair, see the Computer Resources section.
Adaptive Technology Computing Services provides a broad range of specialized computing workstations to serve the needs of students with disabilities, including mobility impairment, learning or reading impairments, deafness, low vision, and blindness. Ergo-assistive computing environments and equipment are available throughout campus.
It depends. If your student buys a computer in the spring, they will have more time to become familiar with it. On the other hand, by waiting until later in the summer, your student can take advantage of back-to-school computer specials and newer models offered by vendors—although good deals are available throughout the year. Some students even wait until after they move-in. You and your student can check with the U-M Computer Showcase for specials and to get advice. However, because of the licensing agreements the University has with various vendors, only your student can purchase computers and equipment from the U-M Computer Showcase.
We recommend Microsoft Office as a standard set of software applications. Students who have matriculated (paid the enrollment deposit) can purchase Microsoft Office through the U-M Computer Showcase at educationally discounted prices. Other Microsoft products and products from other vendors, such as Adobe, are also available. Some Microsoft products for Windows are on DVDs, so your student will need a DVD drive.
We also recommend that your student check the Showcase's discounted educational prices before purchasing elsewhere. If your student owns or purchases other software, be sure to send along the discs in case a problem occurs.
If your student needs to use additional standard or specialized software, Virtual Sites allows access to software on Campus Computing Sites' workstations from any computer with an Internet connection.
Expect to see several new technologies evolve over the next few academic years. Your student can check with their school or college for specific recommendations.
The following specs should support your student's immediate needs. Most new computers exceed them.
The standard student computing services include a uniqname (login ID selected by your student), UMICH Kerberos password, e-mail, online storage space (IFS), and access to computers, printers, and software. Some students receive additional services through their school or college.
U-M e-mail addresses consist of a uniqname and "@umich.edu" (for example, bjensen@umich.edu). Be sure you have your student's e-mail address, so you can stay connected!
All residence hall rooms are wired with Ethernet for Internet access. University Housing charges an annual fee—automatically billed to your student's account—for the network connection, ResComp support services, and educational programs.
Your student will need an Ethernet cable (available at the Computer Showcase) to connect an Ethernet-ready computer to the wall jack in the room. There is no charge to use a hub if there are more computers than wall jacks.
DSL service is available in Northwood Apartments and is included in the rental agreement.
Some residence halls offer wireless networking in common areas, while others also offer it in individual rooms.
As a parent, you should visit the U-M Computer Showcase for answers to your questions. Refer to the Quick Guide for Parents for more information.
For students, there are various resources on or near campus:
Your student has several options available:
It is recommended. The University does not carry insurance for student belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged. You may have a home insurance policy that provides coverage for your student while away at college. If not, you may wish to consider adding this coverage.
Other options include renters' insurance, which is quite reasonable when compared to the cost of a replacement computer. For added safety, a security kit that locks down computer components is a good investment.
Yes. Students can check the map on the Wireless Network website for specific locations and information about using wireless on campus.
No, but many students like the convenience of owning a printer. All students can print on University laser printers located in ResComp Sites, Campus Computing Sites, and some University Library locations.
As a convenience, your student can use MPrint, which allows remote printing to any Campus Computing Sites' printer.
A printing allocation is included in your student's standard computing service. All color and additional black-and-white printing exceeding your student's allocation will be charged to her or his student account. Students can check their allotment information online.
We recommend that your student arrive to campus with a cell phone, even if it only has the most basic features and services, such as the ability to dial 9-1-1 and receive incoming calls.
The University provides a couple of options to protect student computers and the campus networks. We recommend that students take advantage of one of these options as soon as they set up their computer.
1) U-M offers excellent commercial software at no charge: Sophos Anti-Virus for the Mac and VirusScan for Windows. This software protects against adware and spyware as well. We've configured these programs to check for updates every hour, so your student will have the most up-to-date protection. Your student can download the software from the Blue Disc website.
2) During Move-in and Welcome Week, ResComp and ITS offer free Inoculation Stations. The I-Stations are centralized support locations where your student can follow self-guided instructions to patch operating systems and install antivirus software.
Computer safety is a major concern to the University community. We recommend that all students visit the U-M IT Security Services website.
The U-M Department of Public Safety automatically notifies students, faculty, and staff by e-mail when there is an active, major campus emergency. Additional notification methods include text and voice messages.
Your student will need to register on Wolverine Access under "Student Business" to receive text and voice message alerts during an emergency.
For more info, visit UM Emergency Alert.
Yes, backing up files regularly is very important. Students should back up often and check the backups to make sure they are reliable. The University supplies 10 GB of secure online file storage to all students as part of their standard computing services.
Certain forms of file sharing are legal, while others are not. It is possible for students to share files and not know they are doing so. The penalties for illegally sharing files can be costly.
As a service to students, the University has designed a service called BAYU (Be Aware You're Uploading), which notifies users on the residence halls' networks that they might be uploading. The system does not look at the content being uploaded, nor does it look at the content on the computer's hard drive. Instead, it sends an e-mail with a link to educational information and University resources to the person whose computer is uploading.
Your student can log in to the MFile website or click on the "My IFS Home" icon on any Campus Computing Sites' computer.
All student e-mail addresses are automatically set to use U-M's Do Not Spam List. Your student also can sign up for SpamBox, which filters out any spam that gets past the list.
As a parent, you will need to sign up for a Friend Account. Next, your student will need to authorize you to access specific services, such as University billing statements and financial aid data.
