Can't get ALT+ codes to work from character map

Hey all, 

I love my laptop, but it just isn't functioning well for very crucial things. I will soon be studying law, and just love writing in general. I will need quick access to MANY of the symbols in the character map, but cannot get any of the shortcuts to work. My keyboard does not have a separate or "hidden" (i.e. indicated in blue characters on 789uiojkl) numberpad. 

How do I get the ALT + codes from character map to work? I don't have the time or patience to copy paste every time (even with a keyboard shortcut). The legal profession requires many symbols and complex grammar to be used in quick succession; so, going back and forth between the character map to ctrl +c and ctrl+ v is not an acceptable option. 

Many thanks, 

Andrew

37FF74E2