Develop Your Digital Skills

To log in and out of a campus PC confidently, start by locating your university username and password. These details are automatically created upon enrolment, and you should have received an email with this information. If you encounter any issues logging into the University system, contact the IT Service Desk  or visit one of the IT Service Support Hubs. 

Here are a couple of helpful guides to get you started: 

• Logging in and out of campus computers and accessing your university email
• How to keep your password safe, change your password, and register for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

You can connect to campus Wi-Fi and network points in hall bedrooms using your university credentials, but if you’re experiencing issues, help is available from NUIT: 

• Visit the NUIT information webpage for guidance on connecting to Wi-Fi and the network.  
• The free Wi-Fi Connection Clinic is available to all students and staff to help connect personal devices to the network and access University IT services. 
• The Connection Clinic is available at NUIT’s Support Hubs, open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 16:00. You are encouraged to book an appointment. 

When choosing an internet browser, make sure it works well with your operating system and the websites you visit often. Find out more about different browsers with the links below: 

• Microsoft Edge, the default browser at Newcastle University.
• Google Chrome 
• Safari
• Firefox

If you would like something more secure, you might want to try DuckDuckGo (blocks 3rd party trackers, cookies, and app trackers), or private browsing modes such as Incognito (Google Chrome), and InPrivate (Microsoft Edge). 

Bookmarks (sometimes called favourites) are a great way to keep track of important links and webpages. If internet browser bookmarks are new to you, you can learn more in our quick guide: How to set up bookmarks in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

All Newcastle University students and staff have an Outlook email account hosted by the Microsoft 365 service. Regularly checking your Newcastle University email is essential for staying updated with important information related to your studies, and it will likely be your primary means of communication with University teaching staff.  

You can access your Outlook email, calendar, and contacts online from virtually anywhere.

For more on Outlook, explore these links: 

• How to access and organise your Newcastle University email
• How to set up Outlook on your device

The Student Portal streamlines your daily interactions with the University. Through the portal, you can access your timetable, update personal information, check your Library account, submit a PEC (Personal Extenuating Circumstances) form, request an absence, and more.

Explore Student Portal guidance on the Student University homepage or learn more with our quick guide on How to access and navigate the Student Portal.

Canvas is central to your learning at Newcastle University as it’s where you access all your module materials. Get started with the Canvas orientation guide on the Academic Skills Kit or find out How to download the Canvas app for quick access on your mobile device.

When it comes to finding the right resources for your studies, the Library is one of the best places to start: 

• Visit the Library website to find a wealth of online resources and support. 
• For top-quality information for your assignments, use Library Search, our Library catalogue, which is an excellent alternative to Google. 
• Find subject-specific support through the Library’s Subject Guides. 
• Explore the Academic Skills Kit to develop essential academic skills around assessments, academic writing, and study techniques.  
• Enrol in our Teach Yourself Information Skills Canvas course to build your information literacy skills. 

Being able to set up and access the online accounts you’ll need for your studies is an essential skill. Remembering how to log in to University systems can be tricky, but as a general rule:   

• For internal university systems (e.g. logging into a Campus Computer) your short username (something like c1234567) and your password.
• For external systems (e.g. Canvas or Microsoft 365) use the longer format that looks like an email address (c1234567@newcastle.ac.uk) with your password. 
• Anywhere you see Single Sign-On (SSO) as an option, you are using your university login - short username (something like c1234567) and password. 

This guide will also get you started with some basic online accounts: How to set up online accounts with Outlook, Gmail, and Netflix. 

As a university student, it's important to know which programs, apps or pieces of software are required for your degree, where to find them, and how to access them on your device or a campus P.C. The tools you need will depend on your discipline, but the guide below will introduce you to the basics of how to download and install university-approved software safely, along with tips for checking the security of external downloads. 

• How to download and install Office 365, access other university software, and how to download external software safely. 

Being able to create, upload, and save documents in OneDrive will help you to keep your files accessible, secure, and shareable from any device. Learning these skills is well worth the effort because it helps you develop effective file management habits. Explore these useful guides to help you make the most of OneDrive: 

• Getting started with OneDrive
• Create a document from OneDrive for work or school
• Upload and save files and folders to OneDrive
• Manage your files from anywhere with OneDrive
• How do I turn on AutoSave?

Understanding different file formats and how to convert files between types is important as it ensures your files are compatible with various devices and software, making them accessible and usable.

Microsoft has some helpful guides for converting some common file types: 

• From Word to PDF
• Save a picture or other graphic as a separate file

Being able to send or share files with others is an essential skill. These resources will help you get started: 

• How to share files via email
• What do I store where in Office 365?
• How to share OneDrive files and folders
• How to share SharePoint files or folders

Whether you're unsure about using AI at university, exploring how it can support your studies, or already consider yourself an AI enthusiast, it’s essential to approach these tools with integrity and sound judgment. Developing your Artificial Intelligence literacy is crucial for engaging with AI critically and making informed decisions about its use. 

Explore the Artificial Intelligence and Your Learning pages on the Academic Skills Kit and our short AI for Learning Canvas course, which you are automatically enrolled in, that is designed to build your AI literacy and help you make the most of popular AI tools. 

Being able to change how you communicate with different people is important for clear and effective interactions. These skills are key to doing well at university, growing professionally, and building strong personal relationships. Read Digital communication: a guide to connecting effectively at university for advice on how to adapt your communication style for different audiences. 

Knowing how to schedule an online Teams meeting and join one from an invitation is essential for effective communication and collaboration, enabling you to connect with classmates, academics, and colleagues. If you're new to Teams, this short video, Teams meetings: how to schedule or join an online meeting, will guide you through the basics. 

Understanding cybersecurity is an essential digital skill. It helps protect your personal data, your peers, and the University’s IT systems. Learning to spot threats, secure your devices, and stay safe online can prevent identity theft, data breaches, and other cybercrimes.

Here are some basics to help you get started:  

• Top tips for staying secure online 
• Microsoft security help & learning guidance
• General Cybersecurity Guidance 

Spotting security features and suspicious links is vital at university, in the workplace and in everyday life. As cyber threats grow more advanced, staying up to date with security practices is key. Learning to identify red flags like odd URLs, unexpected attachments, or requests for personal information helps keep your data safe. Explore Newcastle University's IT Service guidance on information security. 

For a more in-depth look, you can take this short course on online security. 

Your online activities, especially on social media, can reveal more than you intend and may lead to embarrassment or harm. To protect yourself: review privacy settings, think before posting, limit personal information, be cautious with photos, and regularly audit your accounts. 

Discover more about managing your online presence in this great introductory short course or find out about your digital footprint in this short video: What is a Digital Footprint?