Getting started with IT

Here are the next steps to be completed to enable you to access and enjoy the University’s IT facilities available to you.

On this page:

Obtain your account’s login details

As a member of the University, you have been allocated an account to access the University’s IT facilities. This includes access to email, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Library resources and Wireless Internet Access (WIA). Your account is individual to you and can only be accessed with your login details.

Details on how to access and retrieve your login details will have been emailed to you a few days before your day of registration. If you have not received these details, please either contact your school of study or visit IT Services on your day of registration.

If you are a new member of staff, your account login details will have been prepared by Human Resources and provided to you on your first day of employment. If you have not received these details, please contact your line manager.

If you are a current student or member of staff and unable to locate your login details, please contact the IT Services Helpdesk so we can look into this with you.

Accept the IT usage policies

The University encourages the proper use of its IT facilities. Please ensure that you read the Use of University Computers and Data Networks (including Email Policy), part of the Regulations Handbook.

By logging into your account you are confirming that you have read and agreed to be bound by the University’s policies.

Change your password

We require that you change your password from the password that you have been provided with. You can change your password using one of the following methods:

Log on to any student PC on campus (located in the libraries and computer rooms) and use CTRL+ALT+DEL, followed by the “Change a password” option.

  • Visit the Office 365 Portal and sign in using your University email address and current password.
  • If prompted to provide additional security information, follow the onscreen instructions to add your security details. This will mean installing the Microsoft Authenticator app (iPhone, Android) on your smartphone and registering a telephone number (to be used to reset your password if forgotten). The How to register for Multi-Factor Authentication video provides helpful information about this.
  • From your office portal, click your name on the top-right corner of the page and select “My account” and complete the following:
    • Select “Security & privacy” from the left menu and select “Password”.
    • Enter and submit the requested details.

Please remember that your password must contain a minimum of 12 characters. It is advisable that your new password is complex; it can contain UPPERCASE and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t use your username, any part of your name or an old password.

Update Your Office 365 Profile

Once you can access your University account, please check and update your Office 365 security information via the My Profile System. You will need to use this information to reset your password and unlock your account without having to contact IT Services or be on the University’s network.

If you have not accessed your Office 365 portal yet (e.g. to access to your University mailbox), you will be prompted to provide more information the next time your login to Office 365. Please follow the onscreen instructions. Please see the How to register for Multi-Factor Authentication video by Microsoft as it demonstrate this process.

You can also register and update your security details by carrying out the following simple steps on any computer connected to the Internet:

  • Using a Web browser, visit myprofile.microsoft.com
  • Sign in using your University email address and password
  • Visit the “Security info” section to check and updated your details
  • This will entail installing the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device (download for iPhone or Android) and registering a mobile telephone number

Please remember to register on the system now before you need to rely on it.

What’s next?

Below are our recommended next steps now that you’re a member of our community:

We would also like to recommend the following best practices to optimise your use of the IT facilities:

  • Look after your uCard
  • Do not share your password
  • Always save and back up your work
  • Watch out for emails asking you for your login details. Remember: IT Services will never ask you to reveal your password
  • Delete unexpected emails
  • Never send passwords via email
  • Never click on unexpected links
  • Log out when you are no longer using a computer

Need help with IT?

Please do not hesitate to contact the IT Services Helpdesk should you require assistance.