Going to be taking a bunch of software engineering classes soon and I have no idea if running Linux will make things harder for me or not
Ah. It depends. If its just math and python stuff I think you can get by, but chances are, its not. You may need a better laptop if the one you currently have has a hard time running windows.
If your still using the laptop for personal use, Linux will do everything you want except maybe adobe stuff, but that is very specific.
If you insist on not getting a new laptop/computer and the one you currently have is not capable of running the required programs or is taxed when you run windows, you could use the workstation computers, and simply bring a container of sanitation wipes with you.