Laptop and software

As a student in higher education, having your own laptop is indispensable. At UCLL, we want your laptop to be reliable and fully meet the requirements of your programme. Therefore, please check the specifications below carefully.

Minimum requirements

Operating system

Recommended: We strongly recommend a laptop with Windows. Most software works smoothly on Windows 11.
Not suitable: Tablets, Chromebooks, and laptops running Windows SE (a simplified version of Windows, intended for elementary schools and not compatible with the required software during your education).
Macbook (Apple): You may need to purchase additional software to use all the required software in your education. Note: UCLL offers only minimal support for Apple devices, limited to connecting to the wireless network, activating office installation and printing from your laptop.
Please contact your course provider to check whether a MacBook might be suitable.

Wi-Fi support

Make sure you have a wireless card that is compatible with Wi-Fi 5 or preferably 6. Laptops that only support Wi-Fi 4 (2.4GHz) may have connection issues.

Video and voice support

To present smoothly, a separate HDMI connection to your laptop is recommended.
A good headset (wired or bluetooth) with built-in microphone for smoothly following online classes or meetings.

Webcam

A built-in webcam is essential for online classes, presentations and meetings.

Software

Use the latest version of Windows, antivirus software and Office.
Students get a free Office licence for the duration of their programme.
Depending on your programme, additional software may be required.

Laptop configurations

Depending on your intensity of use, we recommend different specifications:

	Standard user	Intensive user	Developer	3D developer
Processor	Intel Core 3 of AMD Ryzen 3	Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5	Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5	Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5
Memory	16 GB	16 GB*	32 GB	32 GB
Hard drive	256 GB	256 GB / 512 BG**	1 TB	1 TB
Screen	13-15 inch	13-15 inch	15 inch	15 inch
Video card	Integrated	Integrated	Integrated	Dedicated
Programmes	All	All 32 GB for 'Programming' and "System & network administration" *512 GB for Creative Media Management	Minimum for the bachelors 'Electronics-ICT' and 'Applied Informatics'

Standard user
Processor Intel Core 3 of AMD Ryzen 3
Memory 16 GB
Hard drive 256 GB
Screen 13-15 inch
Video card Integrated
Programmes All

Intensive user
Processor Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5
Memory 16 GB*
Hard drive 256 GB / 512 BG**
Screen 13-15 inch
Video card Integrated
Programmes All 32 GB for 'Programming' and "System & network administration" *512 GB for Creative Media Management

Developer
Processor Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5
Memory 32 GB
Hard drive 1 TB
Screen 15 inch
Video card Integrated
Programmes Minimum for the bachelors 'Electronics-ICT' and 'Applied Informatics'

3D developer
Processor Intel Core 5 of AMD Ryzen 5
Memory 32 GB
Hard drive 1 TB
Screen 15 inch
Video card Dedicated
Programmes

Non-binding laptop offer

UCLL does not sell laptops itself, but we have an attractive offer for you through our collaboration with two providers: StudentenLaptop en Campusshop.

At Studentenlaptop, you’ll find ‘business’ models that come with a standard 3-year on-site repair service (next business day) in the event of a fault. This warranty also covers the battery.
You can also hire a laptop from them if you wish.
At Campusshop, you’ll find ‘consumer’ models, and it’s best to opt for a premium student service. This service ensures you’ll quickly receive a replacement laptop if yours breaks down. You’ll have a 6-month warranty on the battery, unless it’s non-removable. In that case, the warranty matches the warranty on the device.

Both types of laptops are available on the market. But what does that mean?
We’ve listed the main differences below.

	Business model	Consumer model
Purpose	Intensive use Built for stability, safety and long-term use.	Normal use Built for personal, daily use and light tasks.
Construction	Sturdy, high-quality casing.	A lightweight, more affordable housing.
Security	Additional security features.	Basic security.
Price range	Higher price range.	Lower price range.
Service life	Provided they are used with care and properly maintained, these laptops generally last longer than other models.	Despite careful use and proper maintenance, these laptops tend to have a shorter lifespan on average than other models.

Business model
Purpose Intensive use Built for stability, safety and long-term use.
Construction Sturdy, high-quality casing.
Security Additional security features.
Price range Higher price range.
Service life Provided they are used with care and properly maintained, these laptops generally last longer than other models.

Consumer model
Purpose Normal use Built for personal, daily use and light tasks.
Construction A lightweight, more affordable housing.
Security Basic security.
Price range Lower price range.
Service life Despite careful use and proper maintenance, these laptops tend to have a shorter lifespan on average than other models.

Financial support

If you cannot pay these costs of a laptop in one go, you can request payment in installments through our staff at the social services and student services.

Contact us

Temporary laptop loan

In case of emergency, you can temporarily borrow a laptop through our learning centres (libraries).