Washington State University: laptop requirements
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. Washington State University (WSU School of Design and Construction, within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 1TB storage.
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The published specification
Operating system: Windows — "SDC's computing infrastructure is Windows-based and all software/class instruction is given on Microsoft Windows-based computers."
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7– 64-bit processor, 2.5 GHz, 4 cores
Memory (RAM): 16GB (32GB Recommended) DDR5, 4800 MHz
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Graphics: 4GB Dedicated (discrete) – NVidia RTX 4050, RTX A1000, OpenGL 4.1
What this specification rules out
"Macbooks are strongly discouraged especially since newer devices no longer support Windows, and therefore many Windows-based design and construction softwares cannot fully function on Macbooks."
Also listed on the same page
Display: 15″ 1080P or higher with True Color HiDPI display support. HD Camera. "You must provide the funding for your own laptop."
Source
Taken from Washington State University's own published page: https://sdc.wsu.edu/student-resources/computers/. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.
Laptops that meet this specification
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Washington State University laptop requirements: common questions
Does Washington State University require students to have a laptop?
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. Washington State University (WSU School of Design and Construction, within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 1TB storage.
What laptop specification does Washington State University publish?
Washington State University (WSU School of Design and Construction, within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture) publishes 1TB storage, on Windows — "SDC's computing infrastructure is Windows-based and all software/class instruction is given on Microsoft Windows-based computers.". It is a minimum, not a target. Confirm against the source page before buying.
What does Washington State University's specification rule out?
"Macbooks are strongly discouraged especially since newer devices no longer support Windows, and therefore many Windows-based design and construction softwares cannot fully function on Macbooks."
Where does this Washington State University laptop specification come from?
Washington State University's own published page at https://sdc.wsu.edu/student-resources/computers/. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.
Packing for Washington State University
A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Washington State University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.