Do I need anything specific?

Go desktop is my advice, I got a laptop and have basically used it as a desktop, that I can take home easier, but it depends on your course to be honest, and how you think your going to be using it.

You should contact your college for specifications.

I work at a college that requires certain programs.

If you go with Apple, you'll probably have to purchase a Word converter or file converter.

It also depends upon what you are going to school for. If you were pursuing graphic design and artsy stuff, I'd definitely go with mac. If you want a simple word program for typing papers and getting on the internet, you can find relatively inexpensive PCs that will do the trick.

Also, how much do you want to spend.

Call your school's IT department and find out the specifications and software you'll need. They'll tell you what you need for either mac or PC.