Is it possible to make this faster?

Back Story: I got this unit along with the course I took, I know it's my fault for not agreeing and not asking about more info of what kind of laptop that we're getting. As someone who's new to IT(my course), I still feel like this laptop needs more improvement to satisfy my needs for easier and better performance of this unit to help me with projects/activities in the future.

Dell Insipiron 15 5000 series, 15'6 HD Display

Processor: AMD A8-7100 Radeon R5, 8 Compute Cores 4C+4G 1.80 GHz

RAM: 8 GB

System Type: 64-bit

My first week handling this laptop, I'm already experiencing some slowness, just opening Visual Studios, Browser, Oracle Virtual Box and any other programs that we're using in class. I have an 8-year-old laptop that is absolutely faster than this.. I'm asking maybe if the school won't do anything about it, I just might upgrade it if able.

What should I do? I'm thinking which is more efficient for me. (I don't have the budget but if set a goal, I can make a way)

Upgrade it?

Buy new one? (this laptop is only 3 month old)

I'm new to this or even in the IT field. I will appreciate if people would help me as simple as possible, if ever you needed or wanted to explain a bit deeper or specific, I don't mind, I'll just try to understand the message. Thanks Guys :D