I remember VT used to list its computer requirements online so incoming students knew what to have. You nailed the best way to buy Microsoft Office at a significant discount for the "student edition." If there aren't any significant requirements listed, and he isn't going into a field where he'll need a PC with a lot of computing power, recommend just buying a decent laptop that Costco has on sale. Take him there to ensure he's OK with the keyboard and display. (I would buy a laptop, and not a Chromebook) In addition to the laptop, buy him an external hard drive. Have him back up his school work on it just in case his laptop dies.