Computing and online services
We offer first class IT facilities and an online learning environment to
complement your work in lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials
Why Essex?
- Plenty of open access computing labs all using the latest software
- Dedicated support team
- Your own e-portfolio and online resources
- Opportunities for IT training
Computer services information for staff and students
Your individual computer account
When you arrive you are provided with an individual computer account,
giving access to computing facilities including e-mail, the web, learning
materials, and personal online file storage.
You can access most online services and information anytime, anywhere
through the student web portal: myEssex. This also gives you access to
information about your course, together with learning materials and
supporting information.
Your own e-portfolio
A key area of myEssex is the e-portfolio, myLife, which is your own
personal online space. You are encouraged to use this to record and reflect
on your many experiences and achievements, not only academic but also
relating to your personal development and career planning during your time
at Essex. You can share parts of your e-portfolio with tutors, friends and
future employers to gain valuable feedback and to showcase your skills and
achievements.
Our PC laboratories
There are more than 600 modern Windows PCs available in our central open
access PC laboratories on the Colchester Campus and 100 available on our
Southend Campus.
Assistive technology and specialist support software is available in all
open access labs. At our Colchester Campus, laboratories are available seven
days a week with over 100 PCs accessible for 24 hours a day; the IT pods for
group work in the Orangery are also available for extended hours. At our
Southend Campus, laboratories are available during The Gateway Building’s
extended opening hours.
Connect to our network
You can connect your own laptop or PC directly to our University network
via the connection point in every University-managed student accommodation
and by using the extensive wireless (wi-fi) service available at both
campuses.
At our Colchester Campus this includes our Library, teaching centre,
cafés, Students’ Union facilities, and some areas of Wivenhoe Park.
At our Southend Campus this includes teaching rooms, the open study area,
social spaces and Students’ Union facilities within The Gateway Building.
Here to help you
You are given a printed IT guide when you arrive at Essex and there is
online guidance available, but if you need more help our IT Help Desk staff
at the Colchester and Southend campuses can offer personal help and advice.
Information for staff and students about our IT Helpdesk teams
The Colchester Help Desk also sells popular IT equipment plus PC and
printer accessories. Outside working hours, student IT assistants at the
Colchester Campus are in the open access PC labs to offer you help or
advice.
Get an international qualification
We provide online training to teach the basics of Windows and Office up
to the level required for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
computer qualification. We are a registered ECDL test centre and you may
decide to take the test to gain this internationally recognised
qualification.