Study from off campus

Some services are available via your internet browser without needing to log in; others require you to install and use the Kent VPN which lets you access the Kent network from off campus.  

Find out how to access what you need below.

Use these services from anywhere with just an internet browser.

• Email: outlook.office.com
  
• OneDrive: save files in the cloud
• LibrarySearch
  - E-resources
  - Your digital library
• Microsoft Teams
• Moodle – including KentPlayer and Turnitin
• Print credits
• Reading lists
• Kent Vision
• Target connect
• Your timetable

To connect to the services below, you'll need to install the Kent VPN which lets you access the Kent network from off campus.

• Your files and folders on the Kent network: your Home folder and school/departmental shared folders
• Web print: send print jobs to campus printers from your laptop
• Mailing list system (Sympa) (student societies) 

Get Microsoft Office for free or at a discounted rate, and find out what other software is available for your personal use.

• Go to desktop.kent.ac.uk
• Either install the VMWare Horizon client or carry on with web browser access
• Log in with your Kent IT Account 
• Select ‘student desktops’

You'll be directed to a virtual student PC, which includes all of the specialist teaching software and Microsoft Office.

You need your own laptop or desktop

Advice for buying a laptop/desktop and any other tech you'll need

Desk and computer layout

• If you need to work for hours on a laptop, to avoid repetitive strain use a separate keyboard, mouse and monitor (or use a laptop riser, which enables you to use your laptop screen in the correct position).
• Set your screen so that it's level with your eyes and an arm length away. Its height and position is important to reduce neck strain. Adjust the screen angle to reduce stretching your neck and avoid  glare or reflections
• Find a setup that enables a posture where you can keep your wrists straight (neutral, in line with your forearms), your shoulders relaxed and your back supported, and in which you feel comfortable
• Align your computer centrally with your body – don’t twist round to use it
• Position your mouse close enough so that you're not working with your arm outstretched (your elbow at a 90 degree angle)
• Change your position regularly to keep your muscles relaxed
• Don't work at the screen for too long before taking a break

Tips to maximise your internet connection speed

• For the best reliability and speed use a wired connection between your desktop PC or laptop and broadband router if possible
• If you need to use Wi-Fi, have the laptop in the same room as the wireless router, or as close as possible
• The wireless router will work best if on a desk or shelf and away from items like printers, books or papers that could shield the signal.
• Are you sharing the internet with others? Can you stagger activities between you to avoid overloading the connection? If you have an important voice or video call, ask others in your home to minimise their internet use if you can
• Neighbours’ Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with yours. You might be able to change the channel on your Wi-Fi router to reduce interference. Free apps on Android (such as Wi-Fi Analyzer) and iOS (Wi-Fi SweetSpots) show you which channels are in use and if neighbouring signals are strong.

Find out all the ways you can get in touch: