Essential IT
Welcome to the Essential IT starter guide for new students and staff. The following are the essential things you’ll need to know to use the University IT facilities throughout your studies or work.
Getting started
To access the University's library and computing resources, you'll need to log in and set up your new password.
You should do this as soon as you've enrolled and received your student ID card.
Setting up your new password is simple:
- Go to https://password.westminster.ac.uk
- Enter your username, which is the letter "w" followed by the first 7 digits of your student ID number (found on your student ID card).
- Enter your password, which is your date of birth in the format ddmmyyyy, eg if your birthday is on 24 March 1992, your password will be 24031992.
- Follow the instructions and close your browser when you've set your new password.
Passwords can take up to an hour to start working, so don't worry if you can't log in immediately with your new password.
For security reasons, passwords expire every 180 days – you'll receive an email, in your University email account, prompting you to change your password.
Disabled students
Computers with assistive technology are available at each site. Each library has a Disability Support Librarian to offer advice and assistance.
The University's Disability Learning Support team also further provide help, support and guidance.
Your University email account is provided by Google Mail.
Go to SRSWeb to choose your username. Then visit mail.my.westminster.ac.uk and log in with your chosen username and network password.
Want more information on your student email account?
Never respond to any emails asking for your username and password. Visit our Secure IT page to find out how to keep your computer and online personal details secure.
IT support
Online at fixitcentre.westminster.ac.uk
Over the phone on +44 (0)20 7915 5488
Face-to-face at our Drop-in Centres, located at each campus.
Printing and photocopying
Printers and copiers are available at all campuses.
Your ID card contains your ‘UNIpurse account’. Any printing and copying costs will be deducted when you use your card to collect it.
At the start of the year the University will automatically add credit to your account. When the credit runs out you can top up online via ‘E-top Up’ or at one of the Value Loader kiosks.
Want to find out more about printing and photocopying?
Saving your work
You can store your documents on Google Apps via your mail account.
You also have a secure ‘home area’ that is backed up daily.
When you are working on a University computer, your home area is the H:Drive.
To access your home area while off campus, visit https://filelinx.westminster.ac.uk
Student IT training
Student IT training sessions are provided throughout the year. View the Training Schedule.
You can also contact your Academic Liaison Librarian for library and subject specific training.
Wireless
Wireless access is available everywhere across campuses. You can also get internet access at other universities.
