Old Dominion University: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. Old Dominion University publishes computing guidance, but no specific configuration. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

Recommended only. Old Dominion University publishes this as guidance. An existing laptop that does the job is usually fine — do not buy a new machine on the strength of this page alone.

The published specification

Operating system: Latest version of Windows or macOS

Processor: Windows: Latest generation Intel Core Processors (i5 or higher); Mac: M1 or higher (Typical User). Power User: Windows: Latest generation Intel Core Processors (i7 or higher); Mac: M1 or higher

Memory (RAM): 16GB DDR4 (Typical User); 16GB to 32GB DDR4 (Power User)

Storage: 500 GB SSD or higher

Graphics: Onboard graphics (Typical User); Discrete/dedicated graphics card with 4 GB video RAM or higher (Power User)

Also listed on the same page

Wi-Fi capable; a wired internet adapter may be needed

The verdict: nothing here obliges you to buy, and Old Dominion University publishes no configuration to match. Keep the laptop you have unless it is failing you.

Source

Taken from Old Dominion University's own published page: https://www.odu.edu/academics/student-computing/guidelines. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops for Old Dominion University students

Product links go to Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Links never change the checklist.

Search Amazon for laptop

See price on Amazon

Old Dominion University publishes no capacities to build a search from, so this is a general search — check with Old Dominion University IT before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

Old Dominion University laptop requirements: common questions

Does Old Dominion University require students to have a laptop?

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. Old Dominion University publishes computing guidance, but no specific configuration. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

Where does this Old Dominion University laptop specification come from?

Old Dominion University's own published page at https://www.odu.edu/academics/student-computing/guidelines. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.

Packing for Old Dominion University

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Old Dominion University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

Laptop requirements at other schools: University of Mississippi · Oregon State University · Penn State University · Portland State University · Purdue University · Radford University

Compare every school that publishes one: college laptop requirements table.