IT services and support for students

The Kingston University IT team is passionate about providing excellent IT services to our students, giving you all the digital resources you need, right at your fingertips, whether at home or on campus.

As soon as you are enrolled as a student at Kingston University, you will immediately have access to many excellent IT services to support your education. In addition, you will also get access to some great offers.

We look forward to welcoming you at the University and helping you to study smarter and be as successful in your studies as possible with all the digital technology on offer.

A guide to IT services and support for students at Kingston University

Computer equipment for students

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available for short-term loan. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses and halls of residence.

Short-term laptop loans

We have a number of laptops available to students for short-term loan.

Printing, scanning and photocopying

There are over 130 Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs) at the University located across the libraries at each campus and other locations. Each device allows you to print, scan and photocopy. There are also wide format printers available for larger format prints.

Please note, there are costs for printing and photocopying.

IT resources for students

Box cloud storage

As a student you get unlimited file storage with Box, the University's official cloud storage service. Box offers simple, secure file sharing and collaboration from anywhere and on any device.

Software

The Kingston AppStore provides all your software needs with access to hundreds of specialist software applications on Windows 10 including Adobe Photoshop and many more. Specialist software for Macs is also available in certain teaching rooms.

WiFi

Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses and halls of residence.

Kingston University App

The Kingston University Mobile App gives you easy access to your timetable, Canvas virtual learning environment, students' union news and activities, Library resources, IT support, bus arrival times and many more, all in the palm of your hand.

Own devices and personal equipment

You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence, or for periods when you are unable to travel to campus.

Recommended device specification

If you do your use your own PC, laptop or tablet, we recommend the following minimum specification for your device:

  • Intel Core i3 (or AMD Ryzen 3 equivalent)
  • 256Gb+ SSD
  • 8Gb RAM
  • 13" + screen
  • Integrated Wi-Fi plus access to the Internet
  • Integrated Camera (720p recommended)
  • Integrated speakers and microphone
  • Windows 10 (though you may choose an Apple laptop running Mac OS)

For specialist courses, higher specification devices may be recommended by the course team.

Free software available for students' own devices

In addition to our standard services, if you prefer to use your own computer, you can take advantage of the following great offers.

Microsoft Office 365

You can download Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel and PowerPoint for FREE on up to 5 of your own devices including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Anti-virus

You can use Trend Micro Maximum Security anti-virus software for FREE on up to 3 of your own devices including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

Upgrade to Windows 10 for Education

While you are a student at Kingston, you can upgrade your home edition of Windows 10 to Windows 10 Education on your home computer.

Discounts and offers available to students

If you haven't got your own device but are thinking of buying one, we would always advise you to shop around. Listed below are some of the offers available to students.

Exclusive discounts on PCs, Macs and laptops

theEDUstore is an online site offering significant savings across a wide range of IT products including Apple products.

Apple Store for Education

Shop at the Apple Store for Education and save up to £270 on a new Mac and up to £93 on an iPad.

Please note, you will be asked to verify your student or staff status with UNiDAYS or via Apple. UNiDAYS offers discounts to students and staff (with a University/College email ending in .ac.uk).

IT support and advice for students

We are here to help you get the most out of the IT Services, so we provide you with IT support face-to-face, via chat or you can call our IT Service Desk.

Access and additional support

We also provide a number of services using specialist IT equipment and software for those with learning differences. We provide access to specialist equipment in the Access Technology Rooms (ATRs) in each library with specialist software and tools for using the computers and reading documents.

Digibytes email service

We have a weekly Digibytes email containing top IT and digital tips to help you study smarter throughout the academic year.

Digital skills training

We have a range of theme-based digital skills training available on the Canvas virtual learning environment including Windows 10, Word, Excel and Cyber Security.