Although you can get by without a laptop in your first year of engineering - instead relying on the computer resources of your college/university or using a tablet for instance - we wouldn't recommend it as you will be at a disadvantage compared to your fellow pupils that do have one.
If you have your own desktop computer then you may not need one, however a laptop will give you a much more flexible ability to work on the move, in a coffee shop, or whatever study area you choose, and can be brought into classes with you.