Student Computer Recommendations

UF Student Computing Resources

The University of Florida provides over 1,500 computers for student use in learning spaces across campus. These learning spaces provide students access to the latest computing hardware and over 150 software packages used by most degree programs. While the university provides these services to all students, they are not intended as the sole means for students to meet the student computing requirement. More information about these services can be found at Learning Spaces.

The university also provides UFApps, a robust virtual computer lab that gives students access to the same software packages as our physical learning spaces from anywhere in the world. More information can be found at https://info.apps.ufl.edu/.

The university has negotiated free or discounted student options for many software packages available through Software Licensing Services. More information can be found at  https://software.ufl.edu/

Recommended Computer Specifications*

*Some degree programs have specific requirements. Please visit College Specific Requirements to see if your college has additional requirements.

While every student's experience is unique, the following are general recommendations to consider when purchasing a computer for your time at UF.

**Some academic programs require the use of Windows based applications. If purchasing an Apple computer, please consider how you would meet this requirement. In most cases, this will require the purchase of additional virtualization software and at least 64GB of additional storage space. Visit Microsoft Support for guidance or contact the UF Computing Help Desk.

Optional Supplemental Devices

Tablets and Chromebooks can be useful as supplemental devices, but UF does not recommend students rely on cell phones, tablets, or Chromebook devices as their primary computer.

College Specific Requirements

Most colleges state a functional requirement defined by the kinds of documents which can be produced and read on a student’s computer. These requirements include an office suite and Internet software. The college hardware requirements are met by the suggested configurations above, except where noted below. Most colleges have additional software requirements or recommendations. See their web pages for that information.

Some colleges have specific requirements more restrictive or substantially different from the general campus recommendation.

Individual College & Degree Program Requirements:

• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences – no additional requirement
• College of Business
• College of Dentistry – no additional requirement
• College of Design, Construction, and Planning
• College of Education – no additional requirement
• College of Engineering
• College of the Arts – Check course syllabi for additional computer requirements or talk to your program area coordinator or advisor.
• College of Health and Human Performance – no additional requirement
• College of Public Health and Health Professions
• College of Journalism and Communications
• College of Law
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• College of Medicine
• College of Natural Resources and Environment – no additional requirement
• College of Nursing
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Veterinary Medicine – no additional requirement