Why the preference for a laptop?
The unfriendly ergonomic design of any laptop computer makes them the best friend of the osteopath or chiropractor. Much of my business as an osteopath comes from users of laptop machines.
The keyboards are too small and are placed in the wrong position for typing, which is what a student will do most. They are placed inboard of the touchpad or mouse-mover, which means that wrists have to be held too far away from the body, leading to repetetive strain injury.
Also the screens are too low, causing the head to be lowered to look down. This causes strain to the neck and shoulder muscles. The screen on any computer shopuld be at eye level.
Considering that the student is most unlikely to need to use the computer in any place other than his/her accommodation then a deasktop would be more than adequate, cheaper and, should the occasion arise, more easily repaired.

Colyn.