A:Answer Yes, this laptop would be good for a first time on line college student. It is "a lot of laptop" for the money. Fast processor, adequate RAM (upgradeable), and a fast SSD (solid state drive). Storage memory can also be easily expanded with an inexpensive SD or microSD card, placed in the SD card slot. An inexpensive external DVD/CD drive ($20 at BestBuy) can be attached easily if occasionally needed to load programs (apps, to you young folk) off DVD or CD. Lightweight and easy to carry. It I were in the market for a laptop that provided the most bang for my buck, this is the one I would buy!