New Student Technology Checklist: What to Bring to Campus

Congratulations on joining the DU community! Use this checklist as you shop for technology before you arrive on campus.  

Any time you have questions, feel free to call the IT Computer Help Center at 303-871-4700.

Required

• Laptop. Every student must bring a laptop.
  • General Laptop Requirements | Laptop FAQs
  • Program-Specific Laptop Requirements — applies to Emergent Digital Practices, Daniels College of Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Lamont School of Music.
  • Requirements for International Students with Windows PCs

Not Required — DU Already Provides These

• Antivirus software: Crowdstrike Antivirus is free for all students.
• Microsoft Office: free to download. Here's how.

Recommended for Everyone

• Ethernet cable(s) — Cat5e or Cat6. Wired ports in every classroom and dorm room give the fastest, most reliable connection. Bring one cable per device you plan to wire in. Buy at the DU Bookstore or online. No Ethernet port on your laptop? Pick up an Ethernet-to-USB adapter too.
• USB flash drive

Recommended for On-Campus Residents

• Power strip / surge protector

Optional — If You're Living On Campus

• Desktop PC or an additional laptop
• Printer/scanner (wired or wireless) — note: free black-and-white and color printing is already available campus-wide through Wēpa, with $25 of printing credit on your Pioneer Card each quarter (more available for purchase), or $39 per semester depending on the school in which you are enrolled. Many students never bring their own printer.
• External hard drive
• Monitor or television
• Game console
• Roku (select models only)
• iPad or other tablet
• Streaming device (e.g., Chromecast, Fire TV Stick)

Also Available on Campus

You don't need to bring everything — DU's Digital Media Center also offers:

• 3D printing
• Audiovisual equipment checkout (SLR cameras, video cameras, accessories)
• Video editing stations and software