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Step 1: Get ready for coursework and campus life

iSolutions is your University of Southampton IT support team. Our job is to make sure you have the systems, software and services in place to get the most out of your time at university.

Hopefully you have successfully set up your University IT account. If not, you will find instructions in your email confirming your place. You will need those login details to access some of the links below. Please remember that once you have set up your IT account it can take up to 24 hours for the University’s other systems and services to become available to you. This includes your email, ID card service and enrolment services.

On this page you will find five key bits of information that will help you prepare for coursework and campus life. Please check this carefully and complete any recommended steps.

Always remember that you can access additional support and advice via ServiceLine or our Tech Hubs. Find out more at: Getting help | iSolutions | University of Southampton

We are aware of a number of current scams targeting international students. Please be alert and check Student Safety: Scams aimed at students for advice. If you are unsure, you can contact the Student Hub to check whether something is an official message from the University.

Buying a computer

Someone using a laptop, one hand on the keyboard and the other on the trackpad

It’s not essential to have your own device at university. You will have access to approximately 2,000 computer workstations across all campuses and in most halls of residence. There is also a laptop loan service available for students to use.

If you are planning to buy a computer before you arrive, please consider carefully which is the right device and spec for your subject area:

The file size and applications you use will determine the best device to support your studies. For example, processing power, local memory and storage capacity.
Many applications are Windows only, while applications for some creative-led subjects work better on Macs. So please think about which operating system you need (Window / Mac / Linux) before purchasing a new device.
Please be aware that we don't recommend Chromebooks. These have limitations which can cause issues accessing certain teaching applications and services.

You may have already had advice from your school but if not, there’s no rush. You can always ask your tutor when you arrive or visit one of our Tech Hubs for guidance.

We recommend you shop around to get the best deal. It's worth checking out the deals and discounts available to students through the following university-approved suppliers: Staff and student deals and discounts | iSolutions | University of Southampton

🔒 Cyber security tip: If you are buying a second-hand device, please make sure it is from a reputable supplier to minimise the risk of malware or other cyber security issues. We also recommend you do a factory re-set and install any required updates. In Windows this is the ‘Remove everything option’ in ‘Reset this PC’.

Using a personal device

There are several systems you will use during your time at university. You will be able to access many of these through the internet browser on any device. Some services require a secure connection to the university network and you can set this up when the time comes. Full information on what to access and how is available at: Away from campus | iSolutions | University of Southampton.

🔒 Cyber security tip: We all need to be extra vigilant to cyber risks when working remotely. Check out these top tips for working securely away from campus.

Microsoft 365 applications

Logos for a variety of Microsoft Office 365 apps, including Teams, Word, Onedrive, Excel, Outlook, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint

Microsoft 365 is available to all students for free.

This will give you access to a range of Microsoft applications to support your studies, including:

Teams, which is used for most courses across all faculties at the University.
Email: Please check your emails regularly. The University will send important information via this email address. For example, information about your course, fees and accommodation.
OneDrive, for secure file storage.
Other Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

Once you have set up your IT account, you can sign into the Microsoft 365 apps online or visit this link to download Microsoft 365 apps to your personal devices. You can find guidance on how to do this in the Knowledge Base and can install it on up to five devices.

For full details on how to use OneDrive file storage, Teams, Outlook and more please check this Microsoft 365 information specifically designed for new students.

Please note, if you already have a Microsoft 365 license please don’t uninstall it. Visit one of the Tech Hubs to discuss the best set up for you.

🔒 Cyber security tip: Email phishing is a significant security risk. Phishing attempts are getting harder to spot, and some will still get past even the most observant users. Make sure you know how to spot them and what to do: Phishing emails - how to spot them and what to do (sharepoint.com)

Key University systems

A view of Highfield campus with trees in the foreground and Garden Court in the background

Here’s a brief overview of the key systems you will use during your studies. We’d recommend you bookmark or favourite these now so you can access them easily in future. You log in using your username (e.g. ab1c15@soton.ac.uk) and password that you created during the subscribe step on the welcome page.

SUSSED is the university’s web portal. Use the icons on the homepage to access a number of services, including your student email account, Blackboard, faculty webpages, university news and services.
Blackboard is the University’s virtual learning tool, which provides access to course materials, online lectures, and can be used to communicate with tutors. It has enhanced features to make sure resources are accessible. Please check that you can use Blackboard by typing the following into your web browser: https://Blackboard.soton.ac.uk
MySouthampton is the University's official app and gives you access to your timetable, course information, campus maps and much more. You can download the MySouthampton app from your device's app store. Further information about MySouthampton can be found here.
Other software: Whilst you are studying here, you will have free access to download a wide range of software. You’ll find out more about what you need once your course gets underway.

🔒 Cyber security tip: Only download software or programs from a legitimate source. Access more helpful cyber tips on protecting your device.

✔Accessibility information: We strive to make sure our learning platforms, resources and other digital content is as accessible as possible. More information is available at: Accessibility – eLearning Support and Resources (soton.ac.uk). Assistive technology is also available. For more information visit: Assistive technology software

IT skills

Students start university with varying levels of IT experience. So, to help prepare you for your first day we have developed this learning pathway. From navigating Outlook to using email effectively – check out this resource before you start your course. Student IT skills induction 2023-24

You will need to login to LinkedIn Learning using your university credentials. LinkedIn Learning is a platform you’ll find very useful whilst at university for training and future career activities. When you set it up you will be asked to choose certain topics you are interested in. Find out more about setting it up.