Is computer compulsory for first year engineering student?

vkash

I have a desktop with P4 and a gig ram(using right now). I didn't want to take it to my college since it is 1600 KMs from home and carrying a desktop there is follishness(laptop seems to be a better option). So is it mandatory to take computer to college or i can manage even without a computer, I am from India and going to do electrical engineering.
I shall buy a PC next year, But if it is hardly advised to buy new laptop/desktop then i can request a PC(most probably laptop) to my father else it will be in budget of march/april 2013..

dear mentors if it is in wrong location then displace it..
thanks!!

Creel

You can probable get by without a computer for quite some time, but you're doing yourself a disservice by not having the vast amount of information and assistance that a good computer and internet connection in your own home/dorm/apartment can provide.
If your college/univeristy doesn't have a computer lab open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week then I highly suggest bringing that Desktop to your school and not trying to "get by" without a computer of your own for an entire year.

That is my opinion any way, I'm sure it's *possible* to actually complete an entire program without owning your own computer, but it would be adding more difficulty to an already difficult program!

boneh3ad

I don't know as much about Indian universities, but I bet they have computer labs you can use. I had a computer when I did my degree in the states, but it was a desktop. I never had a laptop until after I graduated.

brhmechanic

Some courses may not need them, but certain math, engineering, and science courses use specialized programs, such as Mathematica or AutoCAD/Autodesk, which may not be available in campus computer labs.

NascentOxygen

There may be a society of Indian engineering students, or something like that, where there'd be a forum where you can ask people who are currently studying at the university where you will enroll. You could ask on their forum. Try a google search.

But I would be very surprised if there could be an engineering school where a personal computer wasn't almost mandatory. Some schools might have arranged a deal with a computer company to sell a particular model laptop to enrolled students at a good discount.

RonalynGale

I do agree with NascentOxygen. Engineering students further influence by scientific innovation, so a lot of students must have laptop for convenience and further study without any hassle.

NascentOxygen

http://www.google.com/search?q=india+student+engineering+forum