UCR offers its students fast and safe Eduroam Wi-Fi on its campus since we know that internet is an essential commodity. You can safely access the internet with your laptop and mobile phone anytime and anywhere. You can visit Moodle, our Electronic Learning Environment, and write and store your essays and papers, consult the online library of UU and use all kinds of software for free via the Citrix environment of University of Utrecht.
To organize the use of laptops and mobile phone safely, University College Roosevelt has a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy in place. The list underneath covers most of the questions related to the Bring Your Own Device rules at UCR. If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to ask the Helpdesk.
Specifications and Loan Laptops
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What specifications should my laptop have?
In principle, any laptop less than four years old with Windows 10 is suitable for participation in classes, as long as it features the following basis specifications:
- built-in video camera
- built-in microphone
- a minimum screen size of 15 inch
- 1 HDMI port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 1 SD card reader
- A recent version of a good anti-virus program and an anti-malware program should also be installed on your laptop. This software is available as a package. If you already have a laptop with Windows 10, you will not need to install a new anti-virus/anti-malware program.
For students in Science (except med students) and engineering the laptop should also have:
- 4GHz processor (Intel Core i7 10th GEN)
- 512GB hard disk SSD
- 16GB RAM
- 4GB Nvidia GPU (graphical processing unit)
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Where do I find practical information about working with a laptop?
Practical information about protecting your laptop against viruses and theft, optimizing your battery energy consumption and working with your laptop in a healthy way can be found here. Also, take a look at the information and tips regarding the prevention of complaints of the arm, neck and shoulder (CANS).
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I have had my laptop for a long time, will I need to buy a new one?
We recommend that you use a laptop that is less than 4 years old, in order to work well with the applications you might need for your studies.
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Will I have a problem using a Mac?
No. Most of the software used during courses is available via MyWorkplace (more information under Software). MyWorkplace can be accessed using either an Apple MacBook or a Windows laptop. As University College Roosevelt uses Microsoft products, using a Windows laptop is a little easier. For the Science and Engineering courses a MacBook might cause you to run into difficulties and is not recommended. On the intranet page of the helpdesk you will find the contact details of web shops who provide devices for special student prices, on rental and lease basis.
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Do I have to buy a laptop from a particular supplier?
No. You can purchase a laptop from a supplier of your own choice.
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What should I do if I haven't got a laptop?
We recommend that you purchase a laptop. If you haven’t got a laptop, you can borrow a loan laptop under certain conditions for no more than one working day at a time.
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I've forgotten my laptop. What now?
If you have forgotten your laptop or haven’t got a laptop to use during the course, you can borrow a loan laptop under certain conditions for no more than one working day at a time.
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My laptop is broken. What now?
You are responsible for your own hardware support and any laptop repairs.
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How can I borrow a loan laptop?
You can request to borrow a loan laptop at the Helpdesk. You must be able to show a valid ID at the helpdesk when borrowing a loan laptop. Before the laptop is loaned to you, you will also be required to sign a loan agreement. Pick up the loan laptop from the Helpdesk before your course and return it to the Helpdesk on the same day. You will be given a receipt when you return the laptop.
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What happens if my loan laptop gets damaged or lost?
It depends on the situation. Whether or not you can be held liable for the loss, damage or defect will be assessed in each separate case.
Use of mobile devices in class
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Do I have to take my laptop to the Orientation?
Make sure that you have a laptop available during Orientation. You will be informed at which points in the Orientation you will need to bring the laptop to UCR.
Sessions where you will need a laptop includes the ICT session where you will be shown how to install the Citrix receiver. If you have questions about this afterwards you can contact the Helpdesk. The Citrix receiver will enable you to use your laptop when you take part in courses. If you want to install the Citrix receiver before Orientation, feel free to do so. Detailed instructions can be found at https://students.uu.nl/en/myworkplace.
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How do I know whether I need to take a laptop to class?
Check the requirements in the course outline. In some courses the use of laptops and mobile devices is not allowed at all; in some courses it is optional and in other courses, it is essential. If you are required to have a laptop with you, it will be specifically stated in the course outline or in the Moodle information for that particular course. As a UCR student, you will be able to access practically all study software everywhere free of charge via https://students.uu.nl/myworkplace . Always ensure that the laptop that you bring to a course is fully charged.
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Can I use a tablet or mobile phone to take part in a course?
No, you cannot use a tablet or mobile phone to take part in a course.
Internet and charging
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How is the Internet connection at UCR?
University College Roosevelt has excellent Wi-Fi facilities at the Academic Buildings, where you can connect to Eduroam. As a result, you will be able to make uninterrupted use of your laptop and the teaching application during the course.
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Where can I charge my laptop?
The computer-based courses are scheduled in seminar rooms which have enough connection points for you to charge your laptop. However, always ensure that laptops that you bring to class are fully charged.
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Can I store my laptop safely at the university?
In Eleanor there is a limited number of lockers in which you can safely store your laptop. Some of these lockers have a power source to charge your laptop.
Software
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Do I have to buy the software myself?
Most of the teaching applications are available free of charge via the Citrix application MyWorkplace. A range of other software will also be available to you free of charge during your study program, including Microsoft 365 Pro Plus (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Skype). You can find more information at https://students.uu.nl/en/free-software. To purchase anti-virus and anti-malware programs, please visit www.surfspot.nl.
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Can I access MyWorkplace immediately?
For you to use MyWorkplace correctly, you will first need to install the receiver on your laptop. It is important that you do so before the beginning of the first course.
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Can I install the Citrix receiver myself?
Detailed instructions how to install the Citrix receiver on your laptop are available at https://students.uu.nl/en/myworkplace. New students can also get help installing the Citrix receiver during the Orientation. However, we recommend that you try doing it yourself first.
Contact
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Where can I go if I have any questions about Wi-Fi, MyWorkplace and standard software?
If you have any questions about Wi-Fi installation, MyWorkplace and standard software, contact the Helpdesk during office hours by mail (helpdesk@ucr.nl) or by phone 0118-655545.