Computer Standards and Discounts

We recommend Windows or Apple laptops or computers for academic coursework. Tablets or smartphones are also helpful for on-the-go note-taking and messaging. At this time, UB does not support or recommend purchase or use of a Chromebook.

Note that some schools and departments* have their own computer standards.

* Check with your department before making a purchase:

• School of Architecture and Planning
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
• School of Management
• School of Medicine
• School of Nursing
  
• School of Social Work

If your current computer is not sufficient for coursework or remote learning (for example, you don’t have a webcam), here are some resources that may help.

UB students, faculty and staff are eligible to purchase computers with educational discounts:

• UB Laptop Loan Program (Program ends December 2025): Apply for a semester-long laptop loan before the semester starts. Available laptops go quickly, quantities are limited.
  
• Financial Aid adjustments toward a new laptop: Contact an adviser at 716-645-8232 or UBFA@buffalo.edu to see if you are eligible for a budget adjustment towards a laptop purchase.
• Apply for emergency funds: If you are experiencing a hardship due to unexpected changes, contact the Students' Advocate for support resources.

Students who live on campus can use ResNet or eduroam wi-fi in their room or campus apartment. If you live off campus, you need an Internet service provider to connect from your residence.

UB uses a variety of collaboration and conferencing tools. To ensure adequate access to these tools, UBIT strongly recommends following Zoom’s minimum Internet bandwidth requirements.

Some low-income households qualify for Lifeline, a program that can save you up to $9.25 off your monthly Internet bill.    

Check to see which providers service your area and which low-income plan best meets your needs.

• Verizon Forward
  
• Spectrum Internet Assist
  
• Access from AT&T
  

• eduroam: Use the same eduroam Wi-Fi that you use on campus at UB to connect at colleges and universities around the globe.
  • Search for eduroam locations in the U.S. by institution name       
    
• Spectrum: 
  • Spectrum Mobile customers can use Spectrum Wi-Fi access points for free. 
  • Not a Spectrum Mobile customer? Get free access for 30 minutes per month at Spectrum Wi-Fi access points using Spectrum Free Trial.
    

We support PC and Mac computers (desktop, laptop and notebook).  We do not officially endorse any particular mobile or printing device. We do not recommend Chromebooks. (Some schools and departments at UB have their own computer requirements and support.)

The UB Libraries loan out laptops, camcorders, cameras, audio equipment, accessories, adapters, tripods, video gaming systems and games, on an as-available basis.