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Computer Systems for Incoming Students

Buy in Summer or Fall?

We are often asked if students should buy a computer in the spring/summer or after they arrive on campus. There can be advantages either way:

• If you buy a computer before you come, you'll have more time to become familiar with it
• If you wait until you arrive, you can see what other students are using and learn more about campus resources and computing in your field of study

Some vendors offer back-to-school specials starting in the summer, although good deals are often available at other times of year too.

We start offering our Welcome to Michigan computer packages in May for distribution starting in June. (Please note that we are not able to ship computers.) However, many students like to pick up their new systems when they come to campus for Summer Orientation.

We also offer a Back-to-School sale in August for distribution during fall-term move-in in late August.

Required Systems

These schools require specific computer systems for their entrants in fall 2009:

• School of Art & Design
• Dental Hygiene E-Learning Program

Recommended Systems

Choosing the right computer system is a very personal decision. If you'd like help exploring the options, test-driving the models, or if you have questions regarding any of the products we carry, we invite you to visit our showroom at the Showcase. Our sales staff can offer helpful, "no-pressure" advice and expert knowledge of the U-M computing environment.

• General Recommendations
• College of Architecture & Urban Planning
• College of Engineering
• College of Literature, Science, & the Arts
• School of Kinesiology
• Law School
• Medical School
• School of Business
• School of Dentistry
• School of Information
• School of Music, Theatre & Dance
• School of Natural Resources
• School of Nursing
• School of Public Health