Welcome to the University of Leeds. Almost every element of your studies at Leeds will involve the use of IT, so to help you get a head start we've drawn together some essential IT advice. If you need IT help, our IT Service Desk is there to support you.
If you are new to the University, the best place to start is by completing the online IT induction.
Check your personal email for an email from do-not-reply-identity@leeds.ac.uk which will contain your username and the instructions to follow to set your password.
Duo is a two factor authentication system. You will need to register with Duo before you can use University systems. Log on to microsoft365.com with your University username (username@leeds.ac.uk) and password and you will be prompted to register.
The next thing you should do is register with our self-service password reset system so you don't get locked out of your account if you forget your password. During this process you will be asked to change your password - choose a strong password which is easy for you to remember, difficult for anyone to guess, and different to passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.
Your username will be 7 to 10 characters long. Some of our systems will ask you to login with your username, while others will ask you to enter your username in the format username@leeds.ac.uk
Unfortunately the University is a tempting target for hackers and we get a lot of phishing attacks that try to trick people into giving away their username and password details. Don't get caught out - learn how to spot phishing attempts and be vigilant.
Microsoft 365 is free for the whole of your time at the University, and you can install it on 5 devices. Go to microsoft365.com and login with your University username (in the form username@leeds.ac.uk) and password then click Install Apps.
You can use the UniLeeds app to access your timetable, campus maps, find available computers, search the library and much more. Download the UniLeeds App for iOS or Android.
At the University you can use the computer clusters (large, dedicated study areas with PCs) that are available on campus, but you may want to bring your own computer. If you are wondering what sort of computer to bring with you, read our advice.
If you have any difficulties accessing the online or digital aspects of your learning please contact your Academic Personal Tutor and / or your Student Support Office for further assistance.
The University uses the eduroam WiFi network which is available across campus. It’s fast, secure and works at other universities too. For connecting in the halls of residence, read this guide. Each bedroom in the halls of residence also has a wired network point (to the ResNet network).
Note - you will not be able to get onto the internet through the wired network if your device has Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software installed. If you use any torrent file sharing software or you have a game installed that uses P2P for software updates you will need to disable these.
There are a number of study spaces on campus which you can work in. Some of these you will need to book, others are drop in. Find out the latest news on the student website.
There are also computer clusters you use on campus. You can find out more from the cluster webpages.
Most of the University’s services can be accessed through a web browser or using the Microsoft 365 apps. You can install Microsoft 365 on up to five devices.
AppsAnywhere gives you access to a wide range of University software. It's like an app store for software. It’s available anywhere, anytime on a Windows device or using the Windows Virtual Desktop (see below).
The Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) gives you access to other services that normally only available on campus. Use it when the services or software you need are not available through a web browser, Microsoft 365 or AppsAnywhere. Remember to log off the WVD when you no longer need it.
On some courses you may need to use other specialist remote access methods, and your tutor will tell you if you need these.
The start of the academic year is always a very busy time for the IT Service Desk. Please help us to help you:
If you can't find the help you need, you can use the self service forms on the IT website to log an incident (if something is broken or you need help) or submit a request (if you need something new).
You can also book an in-person appointment with the IT Service Desk. Please note you must book an appointment before visiting Service Desk.
For service updates and useful tips you can follow the IT Service Desk on Twitter @ITServicesUOL.
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform which you can access anytime, anywhere. It contains over 15,000 video-based, professional courses in a wide range of areas such as technology (including Microsoft 365), business and professional, and creative. As a member of the University you have free access to all LinkedIn Learning courses, allowing you to develop your skills and support your personal and career development. There is more information on how to get started with LinkedIn Learning on the IT website.