New Student FAQ

Residential Computing Connection is dedicated to providing all our on-campus students with the information they will need to strive at Bowling Green State University. Frequently, new students will come to us with questions about their different technology needs. On this page are frequently asked questions (FAQ) from new students and parents alike.

Contents 1 Do I have to have a computer? 2 What type of computer should I get? 3 What does my computer need to get connected to the BGSU network? 4 Is the BGSU campus fully wireless? 5 Can I connect my game system to network?

Do I have to have a computer?

Computers are not a requirement at BGSU, but most students choose to bring one.

If you choose to not have a computer at campus, there are computer labs in every residence hall and small-group house. For more information about these labs, click here.

What type of computer should I get?

"Which operating system should you choose?" or "Which manufacturer should you go with?" are common questions. Truthfully it comes to personal preference, but consider the following:

1. Speak with someone in your major's department to see if there are any programs with specific hardware or software requirements.
2. Pick something you are comfortable with using.
3. If you are concerned about getting hardware issues repaired, it is advised to go with an Apple or Dell computer, as the department that resolves those issues does not work on other brands of computers.

What does my computer need to get connected to the BGSU network?

1. Computers can be connected to the network either with a wired or wireless connection. Any desktop computer purchased today will have the capabilities for the wired connection, and any laptop will have the capabilities for at least the wireless connection if not the wired as well.
2. It is highly recommended that students connect to the wired network while in their room, as the wired connection is faster, more reliable, and more secure.
3. We recommend that student's purchase cables that are at least 25 feet in length. This is because it is prohibited for students to run cables in their rooms across the floor or ceiling.
4. At this time, there is no specific software required to connect to the network. For more information about what is needed to get connected to the BGSU network, check out our Computer Requirements page.

Is the BGSU campus fully wireless?

At this time the campus is not fully wireless. For an interactive map of the BGSU campus buildings and surroundings that are wireless, click here.

For our complete page about the BGSU wireless, click here.

Can I connect my game system to network?

Game consoles and DVR devices can be connected to the network, but the quality of use cannot be guaranteed. A device without a web browser will need to be registered manually by RCC, and you can submit a request by filling out a [[Device Registration|device registration request].