From autumn 2025, Arcada will take the first steps towards transitioning to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environment, which means that students are expected to bring their own laptop to campus.
BYOD is part of a gradual change where Arcada is gradually reducing the number of traditional computer labs and the need for desktop computers in teaching where no special programmes are used. Instead, the spaces are being adapted to promote more flexible and versatile learning.
What does BYOD mean for you as a student?
From autumn 2025, Arcada will gradually reduce the number of traditional computer rooms. In autumn 2025, room B323 and E384 will be converted into spaces adapted for BYOD.
For those already studying at Arcada, it is recommended to get a laptop if you do not already have one.
New students starting their studies in the autumn semester 2026 are expected to have their own laptop to use on campus.
What are the requirements for your laptop?
The IT Unit at Arcada has developed specific minimum requirements for the computer that students need to be able to attend classes. The computer should fulfil the following criteria:
- Processor: Intel i5/i7 processor (at least 8th generation), AMD Ryzen 5/7, or equivalent performance
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: SSD with at least 256 GB (SSD/NVMe or similar)
- The laptop's lifespan should be at least four years.
Note that the teaching is almost exclusively conducted on the Windows 11 operating system and that some programs used in teaching only work on the Windows operating system. Arcada's computer labs have higher-performance computers for the programs that require it.