there are none
my school assumes everyone can all afford ~$500 worth of technology every year
So, let me get this straight, Your school just expects you to purchase a decent laptop for school, and then wants you to just toss it when the year is over?

Please re-read before you post next time.
But on topic, How much stuff would you be in if you were a few days behind on a computer? Not much I'd assume, and (most) Faculty in schools are pretty understanding, so you shouldn't have many problems...