What to Bring to Campus

Do I need to purchase Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office 365 is free for Students

Students may now download a full version of Office 365 for free.  Office 365 can then be installed on up to five different devices including Windows and Mac computers, iPads, and iOS, Android and Windows phones.

Download Office 365: Login with your USCA credentials

 What are the recommended specifications for a USB flash drive?

Planning to purchase a new computer?  

Be sure to check below for the recommended minimum specifications for a new computer. 

The following are the recommended minimum specifications if you're purchasing a new computer:

Macintosh

• Apple silicon Processor (M4 or M5) or Apple A18Pro chip
• At least 8 GB RAM
• Minimum 256 GB SSD Drive
• macOS 26 (Tahoe)
• Gigabit Ethernet (Standard on all new models, except MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina Display)
• WiFi 6E or 7 5GHz on laptops (5GHz is highly recommended for wi-fi in Residence Halls)
• AppleCare Protection Plan
• Bag to protect laptop, if applicable

   Windows

• 16 GB RAM
• 4GHz Intel Core i5 Processor
• 256 GB Hard Drive (SSD at least 256GB in size recommended)
• Windows 10
• Gigabit Ethernet (Standard on most models)
• 802.11ax 6GHz on laptops (6GHz is highly recommended for wi-fi in Residence Halls)
• Extended warranty plan, including accidental damage coverage, for expected life of computer (Note: The 3 Year Enhanced Support plan is recommended for Dell systems.)
• Bag to protect laptop, if applicable 

*USCA does not recommend Chromebook for primary school device

I'll be living on campus. Can I bring my wireless printer?

Students are welcome to bring personal printers for use in their dorm rooms.  However, these printers should not be used wirelessly.

Wireless printers are no longer allowed on campus because a printer's wireless connection interferes with secure networks, causing those in surrounding areas to be kicked off Wi-Fi. 

Wireless printers have proven to be the #1 cause of students dropping Wi-Fi connections in housing. Connecting to personal printers wirelessly can cause connection issues for other devices in the area.  As a result, any printer with active wireless connections found on campus will be disabled.

If you plan to bring a printer to campus, any wireless features must be disabled and a USB cable used instead to connect to your computer. The Help Desk can help you find instructions for disabling wireless on your printer.