Prepare for your course
Congratulations and a very warm welcome to the Department of Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences. We are looking forward to meeting you soon. As a new member of this vibrant community you will be taught and supported by leading academics and industry professionals who are committed to inspirational teaching. We hope you have an excellent experience during your degree. If you are unsure about anything in these early weeks do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help from staff.
Please make sure you engage with the Welcome Week activities because they will outline some very important features of the course. And remember, we send all our official communications via email and Microsoft Teams so you should get used to checking them at least a couple of times every day, or you might miss important announcements!
IT Equipment
Is your device suitable for learning at the University of Nottingham?
Most importantly do not rush out and get a new shiny laptop before reading this!!!
It is rare for you to be given printed handouts in your lectures, so it is important for you to have your own system for keeping on top of all the files that are shared with you alongside any notes that you make. Digital inking with notetaking apps, such as OneNote, can be an excellent way to keep your notes and electronic resources organised. This method gives you the option to import files from the lecture and annotate them electronically. Tablet devices (such as a Microsoft Surface) can be used for managing your notes in this way, but if you intend this to be your only device, you need to choose carefully to ensure it has sufficient functionality to handle all the demands of your course. Does it have a detachable keyboard and mouse for writing reports? Can it run the majority of the software you will need for your degree?
Some general guidance on buying a Windows laptop is here but remember software requirements change all the time and we cannot guarantee this device will run all the software you need for the duration of your time here. We would also strongly suggest your device should have a microphone and webcam to interact with staff and students during online support sessions and tutorials.
In theory you can use any device to learn with as we have a virtual desktop which you can run in any browser so do not go rushing out to buy the latest expensive device. We also have a Laptop Loan service, so you may not need to actually buy a laptop at all, these are on a first-come first-serve basis (although we have quite a few). All students who might struggle with financing IT equipment can apply for support via the Hardship Fund.
You do not need to purchase any software; Microsoft Office is available to download free of charge to all students for the duration of their studies and specialist engineering software is available in our on-campus computer rooms and through a remote desktop connection.
For engineering students we offer the following advice: iMacs and Macbooks can run all Microsoft Office software but some of our engineering software requires a Windows device so they may not be the best device to use. Do not purchase another device if you have a Mac already as you can use the virtual desktop but if you are buying a new device then strongly consider a Windows laptop.
Final thoughts
Finally, please keep in touch with the admissions tutor for your course and if you are going to buy a new device and are still not sure after reading this information contact the admissions tutor.