I haven't kept up with the laptop scene much but start here.
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/z-series/z40/?sb=:000001C9:00011F8E:&AID=10383968&PID=7667631&CJURL=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.lenovo.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Flaptops%2Flenovo%2Fz-series%2Fz40%2F%3Fsb%3D%3A000001C9%3A00011F8E%3A&PUBNAME=Jacob+Johnston&NID=CJ#tab-tech_specs
It really is up to you. The Surface is designed to replace/become a laptop that is easier to move around with.
If you plan just to do word docs and school work a cheaper laptop will do fine.
I'm sure it's different between every school but I'll explain how the one I work at does it.
There is a "tech" store that sells 1 Office license for about $15 with proof you are a current student.
You can download it free through the university software website but it must be activated through the KMS every so often.
We have a MSDN partnership but it doesn't come with Office. Check your school if it has it.
Or you could get Office 365