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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. 

 

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 

How to access software using your laptop. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot

Including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams

Follow these steps to access Microsoft apps: 

  1. Go to portal.office.com
  2. Sign in using your university IT account (username is your email address)
  3. Click 'Apps' on the left to access applications using your web browser
  4. To install Microsoft apps on up to five devices, click 'Install apps' and select the relevant app
  5. Please ensure you install Microsoft Teams. This is used for holding online lectures and chatting with other students about your work 

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. View further Microsoft 365 Copilot guidance here. 

 

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: 

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. 

  

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. 

 

Access specialist software 

Disabled students and those with a Specific Learning Difficulty

Our facilities and services are accessible to disabled students and those with a Specific Learning Difficulty, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD - view further information.

Engineering students

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

Students studying other courses

You will find specialist software on university computers, or use the Software Library to install it onto your personal laptop. 

 

 

Install these apps on your mobile phone 

You should install these free apps on your mobile phone using your app store. Log into them with your university email address and password. 

MealPass is used to purchase food and drink on our campuses, and obtain discounts. 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 the relevant sign-in guidance, depending on whether you are a catered or non-catered student. 

MealPass

If you have not already installed Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), we recommend you use this so you can obtain secure codes to use university IT systems:

Microsoft Authenticator

Use Microsoft Outlook to check your university emails and calendar. Please enable notifications from Outlook so that you are alerted to important messages and appointments.

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams is used for holding online meetings and chatting with other students about your university work:

Microsoft Teams 

Use MyNottingham to access your personal timetable, Hopper bus timetables, university campus maps, your library account and key dates.

MyNottingham 

Use SafeZone to instantly:

  • Alert the Security team if you feel unsafe or see someone in trouble
  • Request medical assistance for accidents or injuries on campus
  • Access mental health resources
  • Share your location with the Security team for extra safety when studying alone or out of hours

SafeZone

When you attend lectures, you will be required to register your attendance at lectures using the SEAtS Mobile app:

SEAtS Mobile

 

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