Student Technology Requirements

Current minimum technology requirements for incoming freshman students, specific technology requirements for some academic units, and recommendations on specific devices.

Minimum Requirements

Device Size and Type
Minimum - 13" Laptop
Recommended - 14" (or larger) Laptop

Operating System
Windows 10 Home Edition 64-bit

Processor
Minimum - Intel Core i3
Recommended - Intel Core i5

Memory (RAM)
Minimum - 4 GB
Recommended - 8 GB

Storage Drive
Minimum - 128 Solid State Drive
Recommended - 256 Solid State Drive

Productivity Software
UofL provides Microsoft Office 365 to all students

Basic Assumptions

  • Laptop computer with built-in webcam and microphone
  • Reliable access to WiFi and internet

Things to Avoid

  • Chromebooks or anything that runs ChromeOS
  • iPads*
  • Windows 10 Home Edition in S mode

Apple Macintosh Support

  • Most MacBook and MacBook Pro devices work well on campus, but not all required software is available for MacOS.
  • Mac laptops should run at least MacOS 10.14 (Mojave)
  • ITS recommends MacOS 10.5 (Catalina).

Unit-specific Requirements

  • Arts & Sciences (Fine Arts) - Many students in the Department of Fine Arts use a MacBook Pro. Most Graphic Design students use MacBook Pros. Interior Design students need to have the ability to run CAD/Revit software. Within the department there are a limited number of desktop computers in some of the classrooms in Interior Design and Graphic Design as well as the Photo Digital lab, for students in those areas to use, in addition to their own computer. For those who are unable to purchase more expensive technology, the department will work with students, within the constraints of availability of equipment and scheduling. In addition, the Art Library also has desktops for general student use. Incoming students with further questions can contact the department at hite@louisville.edu. We recommend investing more when buying a laptop at the beginning, to get as robust a system as you can manage. As programs upgrade, they constantly consume more processor speed, RAM, etc. so purchase a computer that can get you through 4 years, rather than trying to update two years down the road.  
  • Business - For CIS students, 8 DRAM, a slightly bigger drive and a secondary power source
  • Dentistry (includes Dental Hygiene)
  • Law
  • Medicine - School of Medicine provides each student with a MacBook Pro
  • Nursing
  • Speed
  • SPHIS

Example Devices

  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Intel Core i5
    8GB Memory (RAM)
    256 GB SSD

  • Dell Inspiration 14 3000 Laptop
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Intel Core i5
    8GB Memory (RAM)
    256 GB SSD

  • Lenovo Thinkpad L13
    Windows 10 Home 64-bit
    Intel Core i3
    4GB Memory (RAM)
    128 GB SSD

You can view purchasing options at the University's Campus Store.

*iPads may be acceptable for the majority of a students' classwork (depending on the program) but will not be compatible with online testing softwares. Students may use one of the many computer labs on campus.