"What IT Services do I need?"
DTS Student Hub
A page dedicated to helping new students get the essential IT services from DTS.
Click the buttons under each section to be taken to the relevant DTS webpage.
Essential DTS Services
Enrolment and Username
The University asks every student to complete an enrolment process, during which you can confirm or correct your personal details, your academic details and your fee payment details.
After you have completed enrollment you will be given your University username. You will need your username to access important digital services like Wi-Fi, Email and Printing.
How do I reset my password?
Click the link below to be taken to the DTS webpage on resetting and changing your password where you will find step by step instructions accompanied by helpful images to assist you along the way.
How do I create a strong and secure password
Passwords are the keys that open the doors to your own and your organisation’s information and should be treated with care.
Click the link below to learn more on creating a strong and secure password.
You will be asked to complete a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before you can use many of our apps and services, including ‘Me@Reading’ and ‘Microsoft 365’ apps.
Why do I need MFA?
Most University internal services now require additional security verification via Multi Factor Authentication to access them. This page guides you through setting up the Multi Factor Authentication (MFA), using Microsoft Authenticator, to access these services.
There are two ways of setting up MFA, using the mobile Authenticator app or your mobile telephone (via text message or an automated phone call).
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at the University is called ‘eduroam‘. Once you have your IT username and set up your password you can connect to eduroam. Click the button below to be guided through the process of connecting.
Getting connected
Here’s a quick guide to get connected to eduroam
- Go to the website eduroam.reading.ac.uk on the device you want to connect
- Log in using your IT username (which looks like ab123456@reading.ac.uk) and your password you’ve just set up.
- The webpage will automatically select the correct profile for your Operating System (e.g. iOS, Windows, Android).
- Click on the download link to download the installer and follow the onscreen instructions
We have step by step instructions at reading.ac.uk/wifi or you can get help at the IT Counter on the First Floor of Whiteknights Library.
Wi-Fi in your Halls of Residence
There’s a different Wi-Fi network in student Halls of Residence (called Glide). Check your arrival information or ask your Hall Reception for details.
Printing
Multifunctional devices (MFD) which can print, copy or scan are available around campus. Send your printing from any PC and pick it up on any MFD across campus by logging in using your Campus Card.
How is printing and copying paid for?
Students pay for printing and copying via their Campus Card account.
How does scanning work?
Documents can be scanned and emailed to your University email address. After logging in an MPS device, press the Scan button to get the scanning options.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft’s 365 suite (M365) combines your email, calendar, OneDrive file storage, Office Online apps, SharePoint, Teams and now Copilot AI.
Email & Calendaring
- 50GB storage
- Available online or via Outlook (other email clients are available)
OneDrive
- 500GB storage (for students).
- Ability to share files/folders with others. Be mindful that any documents shared will need to be moved should the owner of the document leave.
- Note: Ensure there are no contractual restrictions on use of Cloud Storage for the work you wish to store in OneDrive. Please read the University of Reading’s usage requirements regarding OneDrive.
Teams
- Instant messaging (chat)
- Online meetings
- Document collaboration
Other services
- Office applications (such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel) online
- Installation of full versions on personally owned PCs/Laptops, Tablets and Phones (up to five installations per device type).
AppsAnywhere
AppsAnywhere provides access to curriculum software such as ArcGIS, EndNote, Matlab, Mendeley, Nvivo, SPSS and Stata. It also hosts Group Manager, and Virtual Desktop environments which Mac devices can connect to and stream from.
The service provides around 180 applications used for teaching, with most apps also being available on personal devices as well as University devices. Availability of applications depends on factors like licensing restrictions, device type, operating system and location. You will see different apps are automatically shown as available\unavailable depending on whether you or your device meet the app requirements to be able to use it.
LapSafe Loan Laptops
Students can borrow laptops from the self-service LapSafe lockers in Whiteknights Library. The process is quick and simple, allowing easier access for students to borrow laptops for a short term for University work.
What do I need to borrow a laptop?
The lockers are self-service, you do not need to contact the IT Service Desk. In order to borrow a laptop, all you will need is:
- Your student Campus Card
- Your Campus Card PIN
You can find your Campus Card PIN by logging into your account at: The Student card finance webpage.
PC Labs/University Computers
The bookable PC Lab facilities on campus are available to all. Computers in Whiteknights Library can be used by anyone with a valid University of Reading username and password.
Buying a laptop for University use
Is the service I want up and running?
Need Help or Support?
Contact Us
The IT Service Desk is the first point of contact for all IT fault reports and service requests. Support is available in several ways:
- Online through the IT Self Service Portal
- Telephone 0118 378 6262.
- Emailing dts@reading.ac.uk.
Answers to many common questions and detailed self-help documents can be found via searching the Knowledge Base within the IT Self Service Portal
Come and see us
In person, you can visit the IT Service Counter on the first floor of the main Whiteknights Library.
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00 (08:30-17:00 vacation)
- Weekends: 09:00 – 17:00 (closed vacation)
Common FAQs
How do I find out about using Blackboard and other learning technology?
Visit the TEL webpage on TEL Support for Students – Technology Enhanced Learning Support for Students for more information.
How do I set up a wired connection in a Halls of Residence?
Info on who students should contact for support (Glide):
- Online
- Email: studentsupport@glide.co.uk
- Phone: 0333 123 0115
How do I get a hardship laptop loan?
Students apply via DAS or the Student Financial Support Team. Once approved, they collect the device from DTS at the Library Counter, with help setting up. Short-term laptops are available from LapSafe lockers.
- DAS: disability@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 4202 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00)
- Hardship: studentfunding@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 5555
- DAS website
- Financial Support website
How do I get support when the Service Desk is closed?
- Telephone 0118 378 6262 for support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including weekends and holidays. We have an out of hours support team who can help with general IT support or log a ticket for you to be picked up the next working day.
Can I connect my laptop to the Library monitors?
We’ve got some new hub monitors which you can connect your device to using the USB-C cable. As well as being a monitor, hub monitors provide power to any device connected.
Windows display settings: Start menu > Settings > System > Display
Mac display settings: Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays
How do I stay safe when using Digital Services?
IT security breaches can be extremely costly in reputation, financial loss, lost business productivity and unavailability of IT services.
DTS have a suite of technologies and measures to counter both internal and external cyber threats – but we all have a part to play in reducing the risk and impact of cyber-attacks.
Learn more about Cyber Security on the DTS Cyber Security webpages.