"What IT Services do I need?"
DTS Student Hub
A page dedicated to helping students get essential IT services from Digital Technology Services (DTS) at the University of Reading.
Click the buttons under each section to be taken to the relevant DTS webpage.
IT Essentials
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 enrolment you will be given your University username. You will need your username to access important digital services like Microsoft applications, Wi-Fi, Email and Printing.
Your password
You will also need to set up a password to go with your new username. Passwords should be treated with care. Click the links to learn more:
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 services 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.
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.
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 (format is ab123456@reading.ac.uk) and the password you’ve just set up for it.
- Check the webpage has selected the correct profile for your Operating System (e.g. iOS, Windows, Android, Linux).
- Click on the link to download the Marvis Client onboarding installer and then follow the onscreen instructions to get the UoR network profile.
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 (such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint), Teams and now Copilot AI.
Email & Calendaring
- 50GB storage for emails and attachments
- Available online or via Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail
OneDrive
- Ability to share files/folders with others.
- 500GB storage (for students).
Be mindful that any documents shared will need to be moved should the owner of the document leave and 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.
Other services
- You can also install M365 onto your own PCs/Laptops, Tablets and Phones (up to five installations per device type).
Uni software: AppsAnywhere
AppsAnywhere provides access to curriculum software such as ArcGIS, EndNote, Matlab, Mendeley, Nvivo, SPSS and Stata. It also hosts a Virtual Desktop environment for Mac devices to stream applications 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, Palmer Building, Agriculture and at London Road. 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
What should I get?
Either a Windows or Mac device is fine. We don’t recommend Chromebook, or other netbooks, or an iPad as your only device because they usually can’t run the software required for many degree programmes. Whatever you buy, make sure it has a built-in webcam and microphone so you can participate in any online sessions. You will also need a good capacity battery that will give you ideally a whole day’s usage, and Wi-Fi connectivity so you can use our free Eduroam network.
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 Ask Us A Question
- Telephone 0118 378 6262
Answers to many common questions and detailed self-help documents can be found via searching in Ask Us A Question.
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
What do I do if I cannot see my timetable, or my timetable is wrong?
Use the Timetabling FAQ’s here – Your timetable for support. If the answer is not in the FAQ’s, raise a query on the ‘Ask a Question’ portal and it will be directed to the Timetabling Team.
How do I find out about using Blackboard and other learning technology?
Visit the TEL webpage on Technology Enhanced Learning Support for Students for more information. If you have an issue with Blackboard, log a query via Ask A Question and the team will get back to you.
What do I do if I can't log in, I've forgotten my password or I'm locked out?
If you can’t use Ask A Question to ask us a question, then you can call 0118 378 6262 or visit the IT Counter in the Library.
How do I get a longer term laptop loan?
Short-term loan laptops (up to 8 hours) are available from our LapSafe lockers. For longer term loans, these are dealt with via Disability Advisory Services (DAS) or the Student Financial Support Team. Once approved, they collect the device from DTS at the Library Counter, with help setting up.
- DAS: disability@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 4202 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:00), DAS website
- Hardship: studentfunding@reading.ac.uk | 0118 378 5555, Financial Support website
How do I get IT 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 have some new hub monitors which you can connect your device to using the USB-C cable attached. Hub monitors also provide power to any device connected.
Windows display settings: Start menu > Settings > System > Display
Mac display settings: Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays
Do you have information about how to stay safe online?
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.