If you are getting ready to go to college, then you might be wondering if you need to get your own printer. Most colleges have library facilities and study rooms with printers included that you will normally be able to use for a small fee. But is it worth getting your own to take with you? Here are some things to consider.
What the College Offers
Much of the decision regarding whether or not you are going to take your own printer to college with you will depend on the facilities that you will have available to you, the type of coursework you’ll be doing, and your budget. It’s also worth checking the policies for your school as these can vary. Some schools might want all students to submit assignments printed, while others have everything electronically submitted, so in that case you probably won’t need a printer. Before you go to find a printer for college students, check out what kind of printing facilities you can access as chances are you will easily be able to find printing facilities to use.
Your Budget
Another thing to consider before you decide whether or not you need a printer for college is how much you have to spend. Not only do you need to think about the upfront cost of the printer you are buying, but you should also consider the ongoing cost of buying paper and ink for it, which can add up over time, especially if you are doing a lot of printing. You might find that if you have to do a lot of printing, it’s actually cheaper to pay the small fee to print at your college library rather than buying everything you need yourself.
Eco-Friendliness
With more and more colleges trying to take an eco-friendlier stance, printing is being discouraged. In fact, you might be easily able to get all the files and papers you need digitally, and submit your assignments online rather than printing them off to hand them in. If this is the case, then it’s worth considering whether or not you are really going to need a printer. Depending on how many eco-friendly options you have available to you at college, you may be able to get through your degree program without needing to print.
Location
Finally, think about where you are going to be located. If you’re living on-campus, then you can easily use the campus facilities that are available. On the other hand, if you are living off campus as a student, then you might find that having your own printer is easier, since it may not always be possible for you to get to campus to do whatever printing you need to do. Having a printer at home can also be helpful if you don’t have a lot of time, since you won’t need to leave earlier to get to the library to print if you can do it at home before you leave.
When it comes to what you need to get for college, there are a few things to consider before you decide if a printer is worth purchasing.