Do you have a different word processor? Regardless of the class, you will always need a word processor (besides notebook) for school purposes. If unable to purchase right now, you can always do the trial. Unfortunately, that means you'll have to be able to complete all your work within that time period.
I believe there is a free program call Open Office that is quite similar to Word and saves files in the .docx format. Word of caution, however, because I am unsure of the validity of such programs.