Typically most new computers have sufficient power and storage for college students. You will need Microsoft Office 365, which is free through WLC; see information below.
Generally these are good options for student computers:
- HARD DRIVE: Solid State Drives (SSD) are faster and are quickly replacing the standard hard drive.
- MINIMUM recommended size for a hard drive is 128GB. Anything less than that and you risk running out of space for storage and to run updates (Windows needs 8GB free for updates).
- The typical hard drive now is a 250GB SSD, though some people prefer 500GB to 1TB depending on how many photo and video files you plan to save.
- If you purchase a 250GB SSD, you can always save files to online applications (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) or external hard drives for additional storage.
- RAM: 4GB to 16GB; 8GB is the standard; you can add more RAM later on most models.
- MICROSOFT OFFICE 365: Microsoft Office is standard across most platforms and runs on all Windows and iOS enabled devices. As long as you are enrolled at WLC, you can take advantage of up to five free downloads of Microsoft Office for your personal devices. This includes the newest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., and is part of your WLC email account, which is on Office 365.
- Wireless access and Bluetooth are standard in all laptops. Windows 10 is standard as well.
- ACCESSORIES: Students must supply their own network cables to connect to ethernet. We recommend that students have a surge protector on all computers used in campus housing. Inexpensive surge protectors ($20-$30) are available at most retail stores. For greater protection, consider purchasing an APC Back-UPS unit (starting at approximately $50).
- Availability of software in certain disciplines often determines what kind of computer will best meet a student's needs. Most academic programs at WLC use Windows-based PCs. However, Fine Arts and Music majors tend to use Mac computers. Wisconsin Lutheran College fully supports both environments.
- We recommend that you stay away from Chromebooks. They do not necessarily support Microsoft Office and are not compatible with some of the software you might need to use while on campus.
- For students interested in pursuing nursing, Chromebooks, iPads, and tablets are NOT compatible with software that is required in nursing classes.
Wisconsin Lutheran College is a residential campus in a suburban setting. Parking on campus is limited; permits are required. Please refer to the WLC Parking page for the student motor vehicle policy and municipal parking regulations.
APPLY FOR A RESIDENT OR COMMUTER PARKING PERMIT
FRESHMAN RESIDENT STUDENTS: Upperclassmen have first priority for on-campus parking permits. Resident freshmen receive last preference for available parking on campus.
FRESHMAN COMMUTER STUDENTS: Parking is available for all commuters from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis in the Parking Center on Wisconsin Avenue. A copy of the vehicle's registration and a valid driver's license are required to obtain an annual commuter parking permit (cost: $5).
WLC does not sell textbooks on campus, so you need to order your books online before coming to campus. Textbook information is listed with your courses on myWLC (Academics/My Courses). Click on the plus sign (+) next to a course number to see the titles and ISBN.
Use the ISBN to order your textbooks from any online source (such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chegg, or AbeBooks). Remember that the textbook price showing with your course is the list price for new books. You may rent or buy used books unless the professor has specified a need for new books (primarily for workbooks and lab manuals).
If you are unsure of what to order, email your professor from your WLC email account with questions.
