A Quick Guide to IT Services for Students
Your Computer Account
Your student number (the 6-digit number on your student ID card) is also your computer account number. The temporary password for your account is your date of birth (format: dd-Mmm-yy e.g. 09-Aug-76; the first letter of the month is in uppercase). You should change your password as soon as possible.
Changing your password
There is a change password link at http://inet.soas.ac.uk/change-password You will be asked to set up some challenge questions so that you can log in when you forget your password.
Your account number is also your email address (e.g. 123456@soas.ac.uk). You can access your email at http://mail.soas.ac.uk.
Creating an alias
You can customise your email address by creating a friendly address (or alias e.g. jo_smith@soas.ac.uk). To create an alias visit http://inet.soas.ac.uk/friendly
Your SOAS e-mail address is a very important means of communication between you and the school. You should check your mail regularly, or forward your SOAS e-mail to an address that you use regularly, otherwise you may miss some important messages relating to your study.
Internet Access
Internet access is available in all the computer labs. There are sockets are available in the Library Reading Room and Library North Terrace for laptops. You can also connect your laptop or mobile devices to the wireless network in many locations in the school. Please refer to our Using Personal Equipment at SOAS page for instructions on how to hook up to the Internet.
File Storage
Every student is provided with 250MB of file storage space on the network. When you log on to a computer in the labs, the “My Documents” folder becomes your file store, which is on the network. Documents saved in the file store will be available the next time you log on (even to a different computer).
Accessing your files over the Internet
You can also transfer files to and from your file store over the Internet from https://gem2.soas.ac.uk/NetStorage
Backing up your files
You should always back up your files onto removal storage devices e.g. flash drives (memory sticks) or DVDs.
Computer Labs
Open Access Labs
| Lab | Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RB01 | Basement, East Block | College Building/Library opening hours |
| Library | Library L82 (floor F), floor D & E and Reading Room (floor D) | Library opening hours |
| Computer Lab/ Teaching Room L62 | Basement, Main Building | Outside teaching hours; check timetable on the door |
| V123 | 1st Floor, Vernon Square | Vernon Square Building opening hours |
Research and other labs
| Lab | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Research lab R301 | First Floor, East Block | Research students |
| Research lab | 4th floor, 21, Russell Square (access via 22 Russell Square) | Research students |
| Research lab 4430 | Room 4430, College Building | CISD students |
| Music post-graduate lab | Room 511, College Building | Music Research students |
| IFCELS student lab | Room FB17, Faber Building | IFCELS students |
| Multi-media computer lab | L54, College Building | Students taking media related courses. Contact your dept/tutor. |
Special Needs Computer Lab
| Access | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Students Assisted Technology Room | Room D15, Library | Contact the Reader Services Librarian, (readerservices@soas.ac.uk) |
| Students Assisted Technology Room | Room 482; VG21 | Contact Student Services, (student.services@soas.ac.uk) |
Printing
Laser printing is available in most labs provided you have enough print credits on your account. All students are given an annual printing allowance for their course work: 150 pages @ 5p per page for undergraduate students, 250 pages for taught postgraduate students, and 400 pages for full-time research students. Initial printing credits are not transferable or refundable. Once this is used up you can top up your account using one of the Netprint stations (Outside the Library; Library Floor E; Vernon Square foyer). It is important to note that you should only top-up to the amount required, as any remaining balance is not refundable when you finish your course.
Scanning
Scanners are available in the Library Reading Room and Library Floor E. You can also scan on most of the new printer/photocopying machines in the Library and other parts of the School. After you have logged-in to the machine, select the scan option. Your scanned document will be sent to your SOAS e-mail address. NOTE: you can't scan to USB keys on these machines.
Training
IT offers training courses on basic computing and MS Office software in the autumn term. There are also online training courses available through the Intranet. Course Details.
Support
The IT Support Desk is now located in Library Reception (Floor E).
Opening times
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday to Friday
The Support Desk provides computer support and answers general queries. However the Desk does not provide extensive training nor support personal computer equipment.
Contacts: Tel: x4950 (020 7898 4950)
Email: helpdesk@soas.ac.uk
Conditions of Use
The use of the computer system in the school is governed by the “SOAS IT Policy” (http://www.soas.ac.uk/lis/IT Policy) Violation of the code of practice is subject to disciplinary actions (including withdrawal of services).
Further information
This is only a quick guide. More information on all LIS services is available via the links at: http://www.soas.ac.uk/lis
Comments and Suggestions
If you have any comments or suggestions on the School’s IT services, don’t hesitate to contact us at: IT_feedback@soas.ac.uk
