Please see the college-wide equipment requirements.

When to Buy

Journalism students are required to own the following equipment on the first day of the semester in which they are enrolled in a course that requires these devices and to keep that equipment in good working order.

Computer

Have either a Macintosh or Windows laptop computer of sufficient power to run Adobe Premiere Pro. Any Apple laptop works fine, as do most mid-range Windows laptops and above. However, neither a Chromebook nor a tablet (such as an iPad) is sufficient.

Recording Devices

A smartphone with at least 720p video capture and access to audio and video recording apps will be fine for most students. If you want to be good at photo or video, you will need at least a DSLR with video capabilities and an external microphone. Check with your professors if you want more specific advice.

Software

Check with each class. Microsoft Office is available free through UF Apps. Adobe Creative Cloud can be purchased through a student discount.

Advanced Courses

In some advanced courses, you may be required to own or have access to more sophisticated camera gear or different software. Check the requirements for those courses.