Effective September 2019, NC laptop loan service will be discontinued. After this time, laptops will no longer be available for loan in the Welland and NOTL libraries.
The laptop loaner program was originally intended for occasional, short-term use. Today, many of the original laptops are no longer in working condition and have been retired. The laptops still in circulation are limited and require a lot of regular maintenance. Since personal laptop ownership has increased among students, the time has come to discontinue the program.
NC recommends that students have their own laptops to be successful in their studies.
Open-access computer labs at both campus libraries will continue to be available for students to use while on campus, and regular teaching computer labs are available for open-access use when scheduled classes are not in session. Students can use the “Niagara College Mobile App” on Android and iOS to check computer availability in the open access labs and in the library.
Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council (NC SAC) has some general advice and tips to help students navigate the many options to purchase a laptop. Visit yourncsac.ca/laptop101 for more information.
FAQ
When will the laptop loaner program end?
September 2019.
Why is the laptop loaner program ending?
Many of the original laptops are no longer in working condition and have been retired. The laptops still in circulation are limited and require a lot of regular maintenance, making the program unsustainable. Since personal laptop ownership has increased among students, the time has come to discontinue the program.
Niagara College recommends that students have their own laptops to be successful in their studies. Open-access computer labs at both campus libraries will continue to be available for students to use while on campus, and regular teaching computer labs are available for open-access use when scheduled classes are not in session. Students can use the “Niagara College Mobile App” on Android and iOS to check computer availability in the open access labs and in the library.
Where will I be able to use a computer on campus?
Open-access computer labs at both campus libraries will continue to be available for students to use, and regular teaching computer labs are available for open-access use when scheduled classes are not in session.
Welland Campus
Room SE182
Library – Upper and Lower Level – Only open during normal Library hours
Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus
Room N202
Library – Open 7 a.m. – midnight
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Students can use the NC mobile app to check computer availability in the open access labs and in the library.
Can I lease a laptop from Niagara College?
Laptop leasing is only available for programs with a mandatory laptop requirement: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technician, Construction Engineering Technology.
Students in all other programs should consider purchasing a laptop that meets their needs.
Are students at NC required to the have their own laptop?
Laptops are not mandatory for most programs (there are a few exceptions). Niagara College does recommend that students have their own laptops to be successful in their studies.
What type of laptop (software, hardware) should I purchase?
Students can select a device that meets their personal needs and may consult their program for recommendations. Generally, ITS recommends that students have a device with a keyboard. Niagara College’s Student Administrative Council (NC SAC) has some general advice and tips to help students navigate the many options to purchase a laptop. Visit yourncsac.ca/laptop101 for more information.