Computing facilities on campus

As a student of the University, you can use a wide range of facilities across both campuses. This includes:

computers available in our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) and computer labs.  
a Laptop Loan Service which allows you to borrow a Chromebook for use on campus.

We also offer a range of software applications for general and specialist use. Where licences permit, the University aims to ensure all of these are widely available across all computer labs and the LRCs, allowing you access during your timetabled sessions, as well as in your independent study time.  

All UH students (except those on non-credit-bearing short courses) are given their own Microsoft Office 365 account, which entitles you to download the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint on up to 15 personal devices for free (up to 5 desktops, 5 tablets and 5 phones). You will also be given a 1 Terabyte of cloud storage and Microsoft Teams account, to enable you to work and collaborate with your fellow students. Find out more at Computing and software availability at the University.

If you prefer to bring your own device to campus, you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi (eduroam). You must have an up-to-date virus checker installed. You can make a 1:1 appointment with the Helpdesk to help you get connected.

Buying a Personal Computer or Smart Phone

people sitting down near table with assorted laptop computers

You may be considering buying a personal computer or a smartphone before coming to University. For many this can be daunting with so many options available, not to mention the confusing technical jargon, it’s not always clear which device will best meet your needs. To help find the right device for you, why not take a look at our quick guide to Buying a Computer for Uni. Whatever device you decide to go for it's worth shopping around as you may qualify for a student discount. Take a look at the Shop around page on Ask Herts.

It's also worth checking-in with the Programme Leaders on the programme you are studying to ask if there are any course specific technology requirements. For example, some courses may require a higher computer specification, others may require you to make use of specialist software. Don’t forget you will have access to our computer labs (including remote access) and Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) for all required computer equipment and specialist software.

Having a smartphone is a great way to stay connected to friends and family, but it will also give you access to your course materials via the Canvas app for those who like to study on the go, plus a range of services through the Herts Mobile app, including live bus timetable information, campus maps and our 24/7 search database Ask Herts. We highly recommend your smart phone is a dual band device that supports both 5Ghz band frequency and 2.4Ghz. If you are thinking of getting a new smart phone or if it is due for an upgrade, you may be entitled to student discounts on phone contracts so do shop around and choose the right one for you.

Technology Discounts

As a UH student, you may qualify for discounts with educational technology suppliers.  Edustore and UNiDAYS offer a wide range of discounts for you to take advantage of simply by registering as a student of the University. If a supplier asks you to provide a University email address when purchasing a product, please enter ’username@herts.ac.uk’  (where username is your normal UH login name).  For example, if your user name is 'bs11kjg' then enter 'bs11kjg@herts.ac.uk'. Any confirmation emails about your purchase will be redirected to your personal email address as shown on your student record. 

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