While Fine Arts students are not absolutely required to have a personal computer, it is strongly recommended that you own one for your expected needs for the two years of your MFA study. A personal computer would not only support your academic and creative work, especially for those whose art is digitally or computationally focused, but it would be of service to you for several years beyond your graduation. Having a personal computer is an investment that would greatly enhance your studies and your post-graduate professional path.
If you have specific questions about computing requirements at Weitzman, please send us an e-mail at ithelp@design.upenn.edu.
We understand these are important decisions, and we are here to help guide you through the process.
Ordering Information
Should you choose to order your laptop through the University’s preferred vendors, you can log into Campus Express beginning May 28th to order. It is important that you secure your laptop and other peripherals with a cable lock. If you plan to purchase a system elsewhere, or want to evaluate a system you already own, please contact ithelp@design.upenn.edu and someone from the IT staff will be able to consult with you. We encourage students to place their technology orders as quickly as possible taking into account any supply chain delays.
Software
For the 2024-25 academic year Weitzman graduate and PhD students will have access to a free subscription of Adobe CC. Please see our Software Availability page for more information.
A free download of Microsoft 365 is available to students at Campus Express. Microsoft 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and more. For a complete list of available software, see our Software Availability page.
Financing
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, have filed a 2024-2025 FAFSA, and are eligible for US federal student loans, you can request a federal loan budget increase from the University’s Office of Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS) to assist you in the purchase of your computer. Download their Application for Educational Budget Adjustment form and return the completed form to them along with a receipt from the computer you’ve purchased or an estimate of the computer you plan to purchase. For more information, contact the Weitzman School of Design Office of Financial Aid at fin-aid@design.upenn.edu.