Laptop Program
About
Software
Hardware

You and Your Laptop

If you're coming to OCAD U, more than likely, you will need a laptop. 

• If you're entering undergraduate studies in September 2018, you will need to have a laptop and pay the mandatory fees.

• If you are entering a graduate studies in Digital Futures, Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design or Design for Health (new in 2018-19), you will need a laptop and pay the mandatory fees.

How does it work?

1. You buy a laptop, preferrably an OCAD U recommend laptop (see below), or use the laptop you already own if it meets our minimum requirements.
2. We license the software students need (at a discount), and charge for a set of fees.
3. We support you on campus through the IT Help Desk, including troubleshooting, software imaging support, installation, data recovery, virus removal, and on-campus Apple repair support

Why?

Laptops are often more useful than desktops because they go wherever you go and run professional software you will need. We know that students with Laptops learn faster and perform better in University, capitalizing on your most valuable commodity: your time.

The Laptop Program provides software and support for students bringing their own laptops to OCAD University for their learning and instruction in art and design. Your laptop is the primary computer you will use on campus, in specific courses, studios and open areas between classes.

I Need a Laptop. Now What?

Either you already own a Laptop or you will need to purchase one. We recommend the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS series, and Microsoft Surface Pro and Book.

If you need to buy a laptop, you have a variety of purchasing options with educational discounts.

I Already Own A Laptop

That's great! We recommend you take a look at our specific pages for the various recommended systems to ensure it meets the minimum requirements:

• 13" Apple MacBook Pro
• 15" Apple MacBook Pro
• Recommended PC Laptop
• I have some other kind of Laptop

Programs & Recommended Laptops

We are still evaluating laptop models for 2018. We recommend that you wait to purchase your computer until later in the summer to ensure that you get the latest hardware and the best deals.

If you wish to enroll into the Laptop Program, please fill out a Laptop Program Opt-In Request form:

https://support-its.ocadu.ca/index.php?/Tickets/Submit 

What if I already have a laptop computer? Is it compatible?

If you already have a laptop that is less than 3 years old, and meets the minimum System Requirements on the Non-Recommended Unsupported Laptops page, then we recommend that you wear it out, and when it comes time to replace it, replace it with a model we recommend. If you're not sure, consult the IT Help Desk.

When Should I Buy a New Laptop?

We are still evaluating laptop models for 2018. We recommend that you wait to purchase your computer until later in the summer to ensure that you get the latest hardware and the best deals.

Non-Recommended Unsupported Computers

Don't have an Apple laptop? We recommend you view our knowledgebase article about Non-Recommended Unsupported Laptop