7 digital tools every student needs to know about

Student using a mobile phone

With an Internet connection you can access our services from your own PC, laptop, mobile or tablet wherever you are, on or off campus.

Here’s our essential list of the top digital tools available to you as a University of Liverpool student.

1. My Liverpool App

My Liverpool is the official University of Liverpool app, providing everything you need to live and learn on campus.

The app is designed to enhance your experience whilst studying at the University of Liverpool. It allows you to view events, create a personalised planner, and access information and support.

There is also contains a library section that ncludes your library ID card, allowing you to pass through our entry and exit barriers by scanning your phone. Any books you have on loan will be listed, so that you can see due dates and can renew books directly from the app.

New for this year, there’s also a digital version of your student ID card available within the app – handy if you’ve left your physical card at home!

Kickstart your student experience by downloading My Liverpool from the App or Play Store.

2. Your OneDrive (and Office 365)

Once you have activated your student computing account you will have access to Office 365  and your University OneDrive for Business file storage space.

You should save your files to your OneDrive so that they are:

  • Available from anywhere, on any device, at any time – just log in
  • Secure
  • Backed up regularly

OneDrive is part of the Office 365 offering which is available free to all students – bringing together traditional Office applications, such as Word and Excel, with a range of online apps.

3. Student Intranet

The Student Intranet provides you with access to all the latest student news and announcements as well as a wide range of tools. When you log onto a Managed Windows Service (MWS) computer on campus, your web browser will open to display the student intranet page.

This gives you immediate access to the services you need:

  • Email
  • Timetable
  • Modules and assignments in VITAL (the University’s virtual learning environment)
  • Student record in Liverpool Life (the student portal)
  • Printing account
  • Library record

From this site you can also access a wide range of other services and tools, such as the IT Services Desk, Handshake, and Study Support.

4. Canvas Virtual Learning Environment

The University’s virtual learning environment, Canvas, is used by lecturers to make course materials, assessments and other resources available to you wherever you might be.

You may be required to submit assignments via Canvas and to participate in collaborative activities such as discussion boards and group assignments.

Once you have activated your account, you can log in to Canvas by visiting liverpool.instructure.com.

5. Handshake

Handshake is your online platform for everything careers and employability related.

Its networked approach to connecting students, employers, and universities helps you to benefit from:

  • Exclusive jobs from employers who want to hire Liverpool students
  • Access to on-campus and online careers events
  • Making Connections directly with employers
  • Career guides and resources, helping you to explore, connect and apply
  • Access to the Career Studio ‘send a message’ service

Every University of Liverpool student has access to Handshake – and if you activate your account and follow 5 simple steps before Wednesday 25 October you’ll also be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a bundle of tech prizes worth £1,000!

6. PC Finder

Need to find an available PC in a hurry? PC Finder shows live data on how many computers and loan laptops are available in each building, how long for, and how to find them.

You can also filter results based on installed software that you might want to use, or even PCs which are adjacent so that you can work next to a friend.

If you’re looking for a free PC on campus to use, make sure to use the PC Finder tool and save time.

7. Accessibility Support

The University provides a wide range of accessibility software and hardware to support students with a disability.

Accessibility software is pre-installed on all PC Centres managed by IT Services. It can help everyone make the most of their technology, reducing levels of anxiety and giving every user a first-class digital experience.

Accessible software can be used in a variety of ways and enhance your learning experience in more ways than you thought possible. From text-to-speech software which can assist with reading and writing to EquatIO which can help you with equations and formulas, and from software that helps you take class notes and to mind mapping tools which support you with organising data, and the many more assistive technology features we offer, there’s something that can help you with whatever you’re studying.

Specialist hardware items, such as hearing loops, laptops and dictaphones, among others, are also available for loan to students who may require them, subject to approval from the Disability Advice and Guidance team.

For more information email atsupport@liverpool.ac.uk to speak with Ste our Assistive Technology Specialist.