New Student Technology Checklist

Get ready for classes! Complete this checklist three weeks before the semester starts. 

Laptop Setup

checkmark Buy a Laptop

Heads up: You must bring a laptop (it’s required!) that meets the College’s specs (below) to make sure everyone has the tech they need for class. 💻 Chromebooks aren’t the best fit – some stuff won’t work. 😬 Need help with the cost? Hit up Financial Aid! 💰 And if you’re in a pinch, IT has a few loaner laptops and hotspots – just submit a request! 🚀

Recommended Specs: 

No pressure to buy our picks! 😉 If you’re getting your own laptop, just see the recommended specs below, and maybe think about how easy it is to carry around.

Minimum Specs:
Windows 11 or MacOS 14, i5/M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Wi-Fi 5, Webcam/Mic.
Cost-Saving Options: Dell Inspiron 15″, Apple MacBook Air 13″ (M2).

Mainstream Specs:
Windows 11 or MacOS 14, i7/M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi 5, Webcam/Mic.
Portability Options: Dell XPS 13, Apple MacBook Air 13″ (M3).

High-Performance Specs:
Windows 11 or MacOS 14, i7/M4 Pro, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 4050/M4 Pro, Wi-Fi 5, Webcam/Mic.
Performance Options: Dell XPS 14, Apple MacBook Pro 14″ (M4 Pro).

Where to Buy:

Score deals on Apple and Dell laptops just for CofC! 🤩 While you can choose any brand, our campus tech gurus are Apple and Dell certified, so they can fix those (with a factory warranty!). Without a warranty, we can’t help with hardware issues, just FYI. 😉

Check out the Apple Student Laptop Store or Discount Dell Technologies for Students! 🚀

checkmark Secure Your Equipment

Hold onto those receipts and register your laptop (and other valuables!) with Public Safety. It makes things way easier if anything goes missing and you need to file a report or insurance claim. 😉 Pop into the Public Safety Office at 89 St. Philip Street to get it done!  You can do this once you arrive on campus.

Account Access

Log in to Outlook with your @g.cofc.edu address and password.

Meet MyPortal! It’s your one-stop shop (website or app!) for all things CofC – think OAKS, DegreeWorks, grades, registration, housing, and more! Go to MyPortal.

Pro tip: Seriously, set up Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) and Multifactor Authentication (MFA) using the Microsoft Authenticator app ASAP! 🔒 It’s a lifesaver if you ever need to reset your password or unlock your account without waiting for IT. Do it now: Set up SSPR and MFA.

OAKS is your go-to for classes! Find course materials, quizzes, discussions, grades, and Zoom links for classes. Wanna become an OAKS pro? See the Student OAKS Cheat Sheet.

Software & Connectivity

Free tools for you:

  • Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive. Use it on your laptop for free! Access online at Office 365. Use it on your own laptop – zero cost to you. Sweet!  Install from this guide.
  • Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Drive, and more! Access it at Access CofC Google Account.
  • Trend Micro: FREE internet security for Windows/Mac. Get it at Install Trend Micro (login required).
  • AppsAnywhere: Software the College pays for! Install it at Install AppsAnywhere (login required).

CofC has two networks:

  • eduroam: Your go-to for secure and super-fast wireless on campus. Think lightning speed! And at 4,000+ universities worldwide!
  • ResNet: Wi-Fi in residence halls (Apogee support, not CofC).

Important Note: You might see a “Guest” network, but that’s for parents and visitors. As a student, you’ll want to stick with eduroam for the best, fastest, and safest!) connection. Trust us on this one! Learn how to connect at eduroam and ResNet.

Stay updated on tech issues! Subscribe to the Status Page for info on planned maintenance and outages.

Seriously, you’ll want to subscribe to our Status Page (status.charleston.edu). It’s the place to find out about planned maintenance and any unexpected hiccups with our systems. Think of it as your insider info.

We recommend subscribing to: Wireless/wired networks, OAKS, AppsAnywhere, Banner SSB, ClydePrint, DegreeWorks, eBill, Hub, MyPortal, StarRez, Student Success Insights, Turnitin, VoiceThread, and Zoom. 

Printing

checkmark Install Papercut’s Mobility Print

Let’s talk printing perks!

You score 300 FREE black and white prints each year! Sweet deal, right? Just a heads-up, color prints use up more of your free credits.

Need to print more? No sweat! Just make sure you’ve got some Cougar Cash loaded onto your Cougar ID card.

Your free print credits reset three times a year: at the start of fall, spring, and summer sessions. Pro tip: Use ’em or lose ’em! Unused prints don’t roll over. 😉

Printing on the Go? If you’re on the eduroam Wi-Fi, you can use PaperCut’s Mobility Print to print at

    • Addlestone Library 1st floor
    • Education Center 1st floor atrium
    • Maybank Hall 1st floor atrium
    • Hollings Science Center Cafe/Lounge 105
    • Beatty Center 1st floor under stairs

Super convenient!

Laptop MIA? No worries! The Addlestone Library has computer workstations you can use.

Happy printing, Cougars! Make those pages count!

Need Help?

Contact the IT Service Desk for help with hardware, software, and tech questions. Find self-service support at go.charleston.edu/help or visit a campus location.

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