rMBP questions from a future enginering student

i starting college fall , in market new laptop. of plan on studying chemical engineering. i've pretty narrowed down choice 2014 rmbp 2.6ghz/256gb/16gb. first macbook though, input have on specs appreciated. (i staying away refurbs because plan on purchasing applecare , using extended year warranty amex, doesn't apply refurbs.)

i'd machine last me through college , ideally beyond. i've had rotten luck pc laptops on years. have 2 apple stores close me convenience of repairs making me lean towards mac on pc.

college has lot of computer labs, assume can access of advanced software might need in future years there. brings me questions:

browsing these forums , other sites, seems lot of people prefer windows microsoft office programs on mac versions. now, have 0 experience bootcamp/virtualization, appreciate if lay down basics me, or direct me information. people talk using fusion/parallels using microsoft office on daily basis. practical? 1 recommended on other? need purchase windows license, , if so, there particular 1 recommended? figured 16gb of ram idea if plan on doing this.

people talk bootcamp running of less mac-friendly engineering software. hear takes fair amount of hard drive. since i'd laptop last 4+ years, 256gb ssd enough? quite minimalist in terms of using storage, don't use whole lot (on desktop believe i've used 70gb/2tb...)

also, i5 processor sufficient years come? i7 costs more , doesn't run bit hotter?

since i'm new of have many questions, sorry. appreciate , input, if didn't ask question think me out. (especially engineers!)

edit: forgot mention looking @ 13" version due portability.

 

get top of line 2013 15" rmbp $749 off 3 years of apple care adorama. no sales tax or shipping.

2.6ghz 15" mbp (16gb, 1tb, 750m) = $2899

follow instructions @ top of price guide. machine should last through college.

if budget not allow model, @ others.

 

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