You should definitely try out linux. The fields you are studying in have a lot of linux software. Most super computers that colleges and scientists use, use linux. I recommend linux for the security. But, I also love it for its customization ability and all the free software. Why use windows and the new Microsoft Office, when you can use Linux and Libreoffice. Which both run so much faster than the windows counterparts. The problem is that some software you may need will not work in windows. So I would definitely say you try to dual boot your laptop and keep windows. I would try out Ubuntu or Linux Mint. They are good starter distros. You can Try out Ubuntu on a 35$ Raspberry pi 3 computer.
