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Preparing yourself for learning

The steps you need to take to ensure you are set up for learning.

Before you start

Make sure you have read and are familiar with the University’s IT and acceptable use policy

This Information is also available through TopDesk the IT self-service portal

Internet Access

You can access most University software and systems online. One of the first things you should do is make sure that you have internet access and your broadband is working.

You will also need to connect your device to your own internet connection.

Working with your own equipment

There are several things that you will need to do to make sure you are set up and can access what you need to study.

Make sure that your documents are saved to Microsoft OneDrive or Sharepoint so that you can access them easily from home and collaborate with other students on shared documents where required.

Suitable equipment

Make sure that you have the right equipment to access the software and systems for your studies. You can work from:

  • Windows devices
  • Apple devices
  • Linux devices (for some courses)

Any course-specific equipment requirements will be communicated to you by your department.

If you need to access emails or send messages via Microsoft Teams, you can also do this on a phone with an internet connection.

Our recommended midrange laptop specifications:

  • Intel i5 CPU
  • 8GB of RAM
  • 256GB hard drive
  • 13”/15” screen

A long laptop battery life is also highly recommended.

You should also check the relevant course page on our website for more details on IT equipment specifications.

Laptop loan

If your laptop is temporarily unavailable (for example while it is being repaired or while you are awaiting a laptop to be delivered) DDaT have laptops which are available to loan for up to a semester.

It is important to note that these are short term temporary loans. If you are having financial difficulties which mean you are unable to access a laptop please contact Student Money Advice to arrange an interest-free short term loan or a hardship fund application.

To request a loan laptop, please complete the associated loan form.

Up-to-date security and protection

To study on your own equipment you must have up-to-date security and virus protection.

Other security measures

If you share a house with other people be aware of the security of your work. Make sure you lock your screen if you take a break.

Remember your username and password

To access any software or systems you will need to use your University username and password. We request that you set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which gives you an additional layer of security when you access University of Bath resources online. It also helps you to gain access to your account should you forget your password.

Resetting your password

Follow the guidance on the Change or reset your University password page to change or reset your password.

Forgotten your password

Accessing applications using internet access and single sign on

To access the majority of our systems and software you just need your internet access and single sign on details. Examples are:

Any Microsoft Office 365 products such as:

  • OneDrive for saving and accessing documents

  • Teams for messaging or chatting to people online

  • Planner

  • Microsoft Outlook for formal email communications

  • Word

  • Excel

  • Powerpoint

You should try and make sure that your documents are saved to Microsoft OneDrive or Sharepoint so that you can access them easily from home and collaborate with colleagues on shared documents where required.

If you try to access an application and can’t access it with an internet connection and your single sign-on details, then try to access it through VPN.

VPN (virtual private network)

A virtual private network extends a private network across a public network, and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.

You only need to use VPN to access certain University systems so you should only use it if you have to. Large numbers of people connecting to VPN put extra loads onto our systems which will slow things down and make it harder for everybody to work effectively.

Examples of some of the systems you will need to use VPN for are:

  • Accessing files that are only accessible on the University’s file storage, your computer or a management system.

If you do need to access VPN you can set up a connection following our guidance on  Setting up VPN on your device

You can use files.bath to access and share your University files from your H Drive.

Most people should not need to map their drives, but if you feel you need to, you can find a guide to mapping your drives here

UniApps and Further Assistance

There is software available through UniApps which you can access through your internet browser and single sign-on details.

Further Assistance

If you require further assistance in setting up your IT as a student, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Contact IT Support

You can get IT Support and Advice through the Service Desk Self-service portal.

Remote access to the Library resources

The University Library team have put together some helpful information on how to access Library resources when studying remotely.

Contact the IT Service Desk for help

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