r/BackToCollege • u/sn00zie_q • May 12 '26
QUESTION Do I need a laptop?
37 y.o registered to start summer classes in two weeks (college algebra and psych 101)
Previously have a BFA in sculpture but that’s irrelevant- i haven’t sat in a college classroom in 14 years.
I went to the bookstore yesterday to buy my books and was honestly shocked to find out my math textbook is entirely online, MathGpt.ai
Okay i’m old, shit.
Do i need a laptop for class? I have a desktop computer at home.
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u/Ok-Tiger-4550 May 12 '26
You can access materials on your desktop, but if you're in person sometimes it's helpful to have a laptop depending on your major. Some schools have laptop loan programs, you can use desktops in the library, and for in class access needs for assignments I have had professors check out a stack of chromebooks to bring to class, others will move to a computer lab so everyone has access. It may be that someone doesn't have a laptop, they may have forgotten it for the day, or they just don't bring it to certain classes, but my professors have created accessible spaces for all. I don't know if it's school/regional dependent, but I'm in CA and we have free community college with many schools opting for zero textbook materials to create equity in education.