Here at the RAU, we know IT is an integral part of our students’ lives, both for learning and research, and also for relaxing and communicating with family and friends.
IT facilities on Campus
There are Windows Desktop PCs available in the Library as well as two computer rooms, one open 24 hours a day, year round (Atrium). There are colour printers available in the Library Foyer and the Atrium computer room, with photocopying and scanning ability.
There are also two communal areas equipped with screens for collaborative working, and Wi-Fi access is available throughout all University buildings.
Once you’ve completed your registration process, you’ll be able to install Microsoft Office 365 free of charge on up to five of your personal devices.
All our PCs have Microsoft Office 365, Genstat, SPSS, Read and Write 12, Mindgenius and SensusAccess (to name but a few applications), as well as a provide a wide range of specialised software, including geographical information systems and agricultural management packages.
All lecture presentations and other teaching resources are available on Gateway, our virtual learning environment, which students can access remotely, at any time of the day or night. Students also have access to support from a dedicated IT Service Desk.
IT facilities for disabled students
The University provides a range of facilities for students that need extra support. We provide the following assistive software packages on all of our university PCs:
Once you’ve completed your registration, you’ll be able to access detailed information on all of these products, and other services we provide to help our students, in Gateway, our online learning environment.
IT facilities in residences
Wi-fi is available in all accommodation areas, and all residential rooms on campus have a network socket.
Students using their own IT equipment and mobile devices
All students can bring their own laptops, tablets, and smartphones and use our network for academic purposes and for personal internet access.
We recommend either a Windows or Apple Mac laptop with the following minimum specification:
- I5 processor or equivalent
- 256GB SSD hard disk
- 8GB RAM
We strongly advise against relying on Chromebooks, iPads and other tablets as your primary device, as these won’t support the additional teaching and learning software that we provide free of charge.
We also strongly recommend a headset for online interactive sessions.
Staying safe online
You must, for your own safety online, make sure that you have up to date anti-virus software installed on your computer.
While we cannot recommend a specific anti-virus package, there are many sites which compare the different packages available, such as this one:
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/antivirus-software-packages/article/how-to-choose-the-best-antivirus-software
Whichever package you choose, you must make sure that you continually keep it up to date.
IT training
A full range of ‘how to’ guides are available to help everyone get started.
IT support
Our IT Service Desk is located in the Library and is open from 8:30 to 5:30 every weekday.
