Equipment Guidelines and Recommendations

• Rush offers discounted laptops and desktop computers through our partnership with Dell. However, students are free to purchase their devices from any site or retailer.
• Students who demonstrate a financial need as a result of COVID-19 can apply for a one-time funding grant of up to $2000 per student. Emergency funding due to COVID-19 may be awarded in addition to your current cost of attendance.

When choosing the right computer to support your learning, here’s what to look for:

Laptop Computers

Desktop Computers

• Rush IS recommends that your computer should include a webcam and microphone for participating in remote learning. If it does not, you can add a USB webcam and/or earbuds with integrated microphone.
• For privacy, we recommend a headset or earbuds.

• Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • If you do not already have Microsoft Office software installed on your computer, you can access it through Rush’s Office 365 subscription:
    • Go to www.office.com
    • Log in with your Rush University ID and password.
    • On the main screen, above the application icons, select “Install Office”.
    • Choose “Other install options.”
    • A new window will open and you will be able to download Microsoft Office.
• Internet browsers
  • You should have access to more than one browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge (preferred when using Office 365). All browsers should be the most up-to-date version available. 
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • You should have access to the most up-to-date Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• My Apps
  • It is recommended that students use My Apps, a virtual desktop where Microsoft Office software, Rush Email and secure storage are provided and where you can log into the RULearning (Blackboard) remote classroom environment. Visit https://rush.sharepoint.com/sites/university for more information about the My Apps virtual environment, or get started by logging in at myapps.rush.edu.

• Rush IS suggests 50mb/s for the speed of your at-home internet, whether wireless or wired connection.
• If you don’t have at-home internet, ask a relative, neighbor or visit your local library.
• You may also be able to use your mobile phone to create a wifi hotspot to your computer. Your wifi hotspot will depend on your mobile service plan and data allowance. Learn how to use your phone as a wifi hotspot.