News

Recent news and updates for HSSOE computer labs & student laptop computing

Subscribe to posts

FREE for UCI Students - Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus

posted Jul 30, 2016, 9:11 PM by Lisa Michelle Preble   [ updated Jul 30, 2016, 9:12 PM ]

Students can get Office free from Microsoft

Office 365Microsoft has begun providing Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus to UC Irvine students at no cost thanks to a staff campus agreement program (MCCA). 

Details at OIT

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for Students


Matlab student version available - no cost to UCI Students

posted Sep 29, 2014, 12:04 PM by Lisa Michelle Preble   [ updated Sep 29, 2014, 2:22 PM ]

Matlab version R2014a is available for students to install on personally-owned laptops, at no extra cost. The campus student Matlab license was paid by funds made available through UCI student E-Tech fees.

See UCI Engineering's Matlab page for download & installation information.

Microsoft DreamSpark for UCI Engineers

posted Oct 20, 2013, 5:07 PM by Lisa Michelle Preble   [ updated Oct 30, 2013, 1:21 AM ]

UCI Engineers may download Microsoft Software at no cost using Microsoft DreamSpark Academy. Our school has a subscription at the premium level. Popular downloads include Windows 7 and 8, MS Visio, MS Project, and Visual Studio Pro.

  • All Engineering students and faculty have access but you must activate your account and set up a password using these instructions.
  • The software is legitimate Microsoft Software.
  • Students may keep software installed on their personal computer upon graduation.
  • Faculty may use the software teaching, academic work, and non-commercial research.
  • The Instructional Lab Manager uploads accounts on a quarterly basis according to information provided by the UCI Registrar. 

About Microsoft DreamSpark
DreamSpark is a Microsoft Program that supports technical education by providing access to Microsoft software for learning, teaching and research purposes.

DreamSpark is simple: it's all about giving students Microsoft professional-level developer and designer tools at no cost so that students can chase their dreams and create the next big breakthrough in technology - or just get a head start on their career. 

DreamSpark helps educators teach the latest technologies and experiment in research. Microsoft knows that to make learning more motivating, relevant, and engaging for today’s students requires a diverse set of resources. DreamSpark gives educators the resources to ensure their classrooms always have the latest technologies to challenges, motivate, and keep students engaged in new ways. All at no cost to them through an institution subscription.

DreamSpark is also a subscription for Academic Institutions: it provides a cost-effective way to put Microsoft developer tools, platforms and servers in labs and classrooms, and on their students’ and faculty’s computers for learning and research purposes. It reduces lab costs and teaching budget.

So as a Student, DreamSpark gives you the chance to develop world-class software, Web applications, cool and creative designs as well as amazing games. Microsoft believes that students can do amazing things if they only have the right tools. Our company was started when many of the founders were still students, so we know what anything is possible. To make this happen, we are aligning with universities, associations, and other communities around the world to make sure that DreamSpark reaches everyone as fast as possible. So, get a head start on a career, do better in class, or even show the world new things that technology can do…all with DreamSpark.

Student ELITE Laptop Purchase Program @ The Hill

posted Oct 19, 2013, 10:25 PM by Lisa Michelle Preble   [ updated Oct 30, 2013, 1:22 AM ]

Freshman Engineering students may use financial aid to purchase laptops at The Tech Hub at The Hill (UCI Bookstore) using the ELITE program. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Students should first visit The Hill first to reserve a laptop and generate an invoice (tell salespeople your plans to use financial aid). 
  2. Bring the invoice to your financial aid counselor to discuss options. 
  3. Agree to a financial aid program and sign paperwork.
  4. Return to the The Hill with your signed paperwork and complete the laptop purchase.  

Program Benefits

The benefit of using the ELITE program is there are no upfront out-of-pocket expenses and no reimbursements. This program appeals to students who do not have credit cards or available cash.  Please know Engineering students are not limited to purchasing laptops at The Hill. You might be eligible to have financial aid reimburse your laptop expense when you purchase through another vendor (such as Amazon, Best Buy, etc) - see your financial aid counselor for details and deadlines. Be sure to contact your financial aid counselor in advance of a laptop purchase (using financial aid) due to deadlines and a specific procedures you must follow.

Who to Contact

Please contact the Financial Aid Office for questions regarding financial aid. Students are assigned to a specific financial aid counselor who will process the budget adjustment for them, based on the student's alpha last name,


Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
102 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA 92697-2825
949-824-8262

In addition to the ELITE program, The Hill offers other financing options such as 0% financing. This program is offered through The Hill - please ask a sales associate about it.

Please visit ELITE for more information.

1-4 of 4