The 2023/24 IT checklist for new students
1. Collect your ID card
If you’re staying in Halls of Residences, your card will be available for you to collect on your arrival.
If you’re staying in private accommodation, collect your card from the Gateway building from Saturday 2 to Thursday 7 September from 9am to 5pm and Friday 8 September from 9am to 2pm. From 3pm on Friday 8 September, pick up your card from the IT Help Point in the Main Library.
2. Activate your account
You’ll receive an email once you’ve been accepted to the University advising you to do this.
Once you activate your account, you’ll be able to log on to MySaint to choose your modules and use University facilities, like the printers.
3. Make sure you only pack electronic devices which can connect to eduroam wifi
What devices to bring with you
On arrival weekend the IT help team will be virtually on hand to help you to connect your:
- iPhones running iOS 16 and above.
- iPads running iPadOS 16 and above.
- MacBooks and iMacs running MacOS 12 (Monterey) and above.
- Windows devices running Windows 10 or 11 with latest updates.
- Android 12 and above.
Windows phones and Chromebooks can connect to eduroam but you might need some help with the settings.
If your device needs an Ethernet cable, ask your Residential Services Manager for one.
What devices to leave at home
If your device can’t download the certificate via a web browser, it won’t be able to connect to eduroam.
This includes:
- wireless printers
- ebook readers (like Kindles)
- smart speakers
- smart TVs
BT wifi is available but you need to pay for it, unless you’re already a BT customer and it’s included in your plan.
Time-saving tip: connect before you get here
Did you know you can set up eduroam wifi on your device before you get here? This means you can get online straight away when you arrive in St Andrews.
- Visit https://cat.eduroam.org on your device
- Download the eduroam installer for the University of St Andrews (make sure you’re connected to the internet). Android devices should download the eduroam CAT app from Google Play Store instead.
- You’ll be asked to enter your University email address and password.
Read more about this on the IT Services blog.
Gaming
Ethernet sockets are provided in your bedroom which may work with your gaming console.
The network is provided for academic and research related purposes during your time at University, so we can’t guarantee that all games or consoles will be able to connect.
4. Download Microsoft Office for free on up to five devices
As a student at the University, your subscription to Microsoft 365 gives you:
- Five free copies of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) to download to your personal device.
- 1TB cloud storage in OneDrive;
- Office apps, like Teams, Forms and Sway;
- Online collaboration in Office web apps.
5. Set up AppsAnywhere to get software
AppsAnywhere is a web portal which delivers software applications to University PCs and personal devices. Try it out ahead of term and contact the IT Service Desk if you have any issues.
6. Download free antivirus
Get WithSecure for Windows and Mac for free from AppsAnywhere, the University app store.
7. Ask for IT help if you need it
Send us an email, phone us, or visit us in person at the following locations:
| IT Service Desk in Main Library | David Russell Apartments and Agnes Blackadder Hall |
Gateway Building | |
| Saturday 2 September | 1000-1800 | 1000-1800 | |
| Sunday 3 September | 1000-1800 | 1000-1800 | |
| Monday 4 September | 0900-1800 | 0900-1700 | |
| Tuesday 5 September | 0900-1800 | 0900-1700 | |
| Wednesday 6 September | 0900-1800 | 0900-1700 | |
| Thursday 7 September | 0900-1800 | 0900-1700 | |
| Friday 8 September | 0900-1800 | ||
| Saturday 9 September | 1000-1700 | ||
| Sunday 10 September | 1000-1700 |