Triangle

We recommend you have a suitable laptop and mobile phone to support your studies. We provide Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams etc.) and specialist software for free. You can access Wi-Fi, computers and printers on campus. 

 

Step 1: Prepare your laptop

  • You should bring a laptop that is currently running Windows 11 (not the Windows S version) with a built-in webcam and HDMI connection. Touchscreens are not required for most courses, but their enhanced capabilities can be useful. We do not recommend using Chromebooks, iPads or tablets.
  • You may also find it useful to bring a keyboard, mouse, and headphones with a microphone.
  • Computer Rooms are available on campus.
  • We offer a laptop loan service but laptops are subject to availability.
  • If you are experiencing financial difficulties, support funds may be available to help you. 

Purchasing a new laptop? 

View the laptop buying guidance for your course: 

For all other courses, contact your school for their guidance.  

 

Access university software for free 

Install Microsoft Edge 

Microsoft Edge is the recommend browser for your university work. If you don’t have this already, you can download it here. 

 

Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot can be accessed using your browser by going to portal.office.com and clicking 'Apps'. Alternatively, you can use this link to install Microsoft 365 applications on up to five devices and view help guides.  

When using Microsoft 365 Copilot, it is vital you use your University of Nottingham IT account, and not a personal ID. Using a personal ID will prevent you from accessing information, systems and meetings. 

 

 

Check your university email

  1. Go to portal.office.com to check your email
  2. Click ‘Apps’, then ‘Outlook’

If you prefer, you can download the Outlook app (part of Microsoft 365). Please note that: 

Create and save your work in OneDrive

  1. Go to portal.office.com 
  2. Click ‘Apps', then 'OneDrive'
  3. Click ‘Create or upload’ to create new files and start working

Please refrain from syncing files to the cloud in OneDrive. Further information can be found on the OneDrive webpage. 

 

Install Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is used for holding online lectures and chatting with other students about your work. We recommend you install Teams on your laptop (part of Microsoft 365):

Microsoft Teams

 

Access specialist software 

We offer a range of support to ensure that our facilities and services are accessible to disabled students and those with a Specific Learning Difficulty, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD: 

View further information 

Some courses require students to use specialist software. All the software you need is installed on university computers, and you may be entitled to install a copy for free on your personal device. Visit the Software Store to find out more.

Engineering students should use the Windows Virtual Desktop to access specialist software using their personal laptops. 

 

 

 Step 2: Prepare your mobile phone

You should install the following apps on your mobile phone using your app store. These apps are free to use - log into them with your university email address and password: 

Apps to install on your mobile phone
Microsoft Authenticator  If you have not already installed this for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), we recommend you use this app to obtain secure codes to use university IT systems. 
MyNottingham You should use this app to access your personal timetable, Hopper bus timetables, university campus maps, your library account and key dates. Follow these steps to install MyNottingham.
SEAtS When you attend lectures, you will be required to register your attendance at lectures using this app. Follow these steps to install and log into SEAtS.
Microsoft 365 Copilot This app will allow you to view and edit your files on your mobile phone. 
Microsoft Teams  This app is recommended for holding online meetings and chatting with other students about your university work.
Microsoft Outlook Use this app to check your university emails and calendar. Please enable notifications from Outlook so that you are alerted to important messages and appointments. 
MealPass This app is used to purchase food and drink on our campuses. Students in catered halls will receive a balance in their account each week for them to spend. Other students will need to upload a minimum of £20. Follow these steps to install MealPass, create your account and log in. 

  
 

Step 3: Staying safe online 

It is important to keep your information secure. Scammers are aware that new students have just received their student loans and will attempt to trick you into paying them. This could be through your personal email, university email or even phone calls.

Useful tips

  • Most phishing attempts start by tricking you into clicking a fake link or website. Don’t click links or download attachments if you are unsure
  • If you are unsure about an email, website, or have a cybersecurity concern, it is best to report this. Reporting emails helps put blocks in place to protect other students, other cybersecurity concerns can be reported by contacting IT Support
  • Be alert to phone fraud. If you have any doubt, hang up or don’t answer the call. Don’t click on links in messages from numbers that you don’t recognise
  • See actionfraud.police.uk for the latest news, alerts and cybercrime protection advice.
  • Secure your accounts and data with strong passwords 
  • Our campuses are open to the public so look after your devices and belongings
  • Check your privacy settings when using social media. It’s great to be social but do you know who is seeing your information? View our Social Media Policy
     

Guidance about staying safe online