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Preparing yourself to work from home

The steps you need to take to make sure you are set up for hybrid working

Before you start

Ensure 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.

Working using University equipment

You may be able to use University equipment such as a laptop, micro PC or tablet to work from home.

Ensure you have the means to charge any device that you may take home with you and, if you need one, remember to take a mouse or any other items that may help you to carry out your work if you don’t have them at home. If you are able to do this, make sure that you can transport equipment securely from the University to your home and back.

Your University equipment should already have up-to-date security and antivirus protection on it so you should not need to set this up yourself.

Internet Access

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

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

File storage

Ensure your documents are saved to relevant locations so that you can access them easily from home:

  • OneDrive - University of Bath: for personal files that only you need to work on
  • Teams: for files you want to share and collaborate with others

Find out what other types of file storage options are available.

Additional equipment that may be required

The following equipment may be required to support hybrid working:

  • Docking stations for connection to a laptop
  • Displays
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Headset
  • Laptop riser

It is the university’s intention that on campus all workstations will be equipped with at least one screen, keyboard and mouse, and if required a docking station. So, when you arrive at a workstation you can just plug your Micro-PC into the screen, or your laptop and headset into the docking station.

Some workspaces will continue to have permanent desktop PCs and it will be up to departmental areas to decide how best to organise and set up their space.

Up-to-date security and protection

To do any University work on your own equipment you must have up-to-date security and virus protection:

Other security measures

If you share a home with others, make sure your work is secure. You should lock your screen whenever you take a break or are away from your device.

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

Once you have set up your machine and are ready to work from home you will need to be able to access the tools for your job and there are several ways to do this.

Accessing applications using internet access and single sign on

To access the majority of our systems and software you just need internet access and your University account details. Examples are:

  • Microsoft365 apps and tools, including:

    • OneDrive for saving and accessing documents
    • Teams for messaging
    • Planner
    • Outlook email and calendar
    • Word, Excel and Powerpoint
    • And many more!

If you save your documents to Microsoft OneDrive, you can access them easily from home and collaborate with colleagues on shared documents where required.

Visit the University of Bath - Learning Pathways site to discover guidance on using Microsoft 365.

  • iTrent ESS – for booking holidays, closing sickness absence, viewing payslips and managing your personal details
  • AdminDesk

If you are unable to access an application with an internet connection and your University account details, then try to access it whilst connected to the University Virtual Private Network (VPN).

VPN (virtual private network)

A virtual private network extends a private network across a public network, enabling you to send and receive data across both shared and public networks as if they were directly connected.

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:

  • Typecase for updating the website
  • iTrent MSS for managers to view and update information on their teams
  • Agresso
  • UniApps
  • UniDesk
  • Accessing files that are only accessible on the University’s file storage, your office 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 either the H: or X: drives

Most people should not need to map their drives, but if you feel you need to, you can follow our guide on mapping network drives

UniApps

There is software available through UniApps which you can access through your internet browser once you are connected to the University's VPN.

Remote desktop

If you can only do your work by accessing your University computer, contact the IT Service Desk to set this up in advance.

Academic resources for teaching

If you are an academic with questions about teaching resources, there is information about Teaching Online: Options and Considerations available on the Centre for Learning and Teaching's (CLT) Resource Hub.

If you want to record your lecture then you can install Panopto on your University-managed laptop through Self Service and Company Portal.

Assistive technology

The University is committed to supporting all of its staff to work effectively. For those who require assistive technology, the University will continue to provide this.

Staff who have existing portable assistive technology devices are asked to take them between places of work where possible.

You can contact the Assistive Technology Team to discuss your Assistive Technology needs, via the Self Service Portal.

Contact IT Support

You can get IT Support and advice through the Self-service portal.

IT Service Desk guidance on working from home

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