IT Student Orientation

IT student orientation is the period before the start of the academic year at university where a variety of information will be available to welcome and acclimate new students.

ORIENTATION VIDEO & BOOKLET

Students may access our IT Orientation video here. You will also have access to the downloadable PDF if the need arises. Welcome prospective 2021 student, please follow the information below to acquaint yourself with the IT information.

STUDENT LAPTOP REQUIREMENTS

Please note, if you are not a bursary student, and do not receive a laptop through your bursary, you can use the following guide to purchase one of the following suggested computers. Click to view the laptop specs for students.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Follow the information below to set you on your way.

REGISTRATION

You are automatically registered on the NWU network and provided with a NWU IT account after you have successfully registered your course and modules through the Academic registration process.
When you log into the NWU network for the first time, your User ID will be your NWU number and your password will be your RSA ID number or passport number if you are an international student.

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MANAGE PASSWORD

When you are new to the NWU and receive your NWU number, your password is set to your RSA ID number@Nwu, or in the case of international students, your passport number@Nwu eg 1234567890123@Nwu. After your first login you then have to change your password.

Your password expires every 90 days. This is the password you use in conjunction with your NWU number to gain access to the majority of IT services.

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COMPUTER LABS

Several computer labs are located on each campus for general use by students.
All computer labs are networked and have a standard computer lab image with software applications available, including standard office applications as well as course-related software. Simply use your NWU student number to log onto the PCs in the labs.
Additional Covid restrictions include that computers must be booked before use and is only available for certain times.

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WIFI AND RESIDENCE NETWORK

The wireless network (WIFI) service provides you with access to the NWU Network. Wifi is installed in all buildings including residences and surrounding areas. You will use your NWU student number and password to log onto the NWUWifi, find out more.

All residence rooms are equipped with pre-installed network points. This service enables you to access the NWU Network, view more information.

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ACCESS TO IT SERVICES

The information below will assist you to access services frequently use in your student life.

MICROSOFT EMAIL

As a registered NWU student you have access to the Microsoft 365 subscription (by means of your Microsoft email address), which includes Office 365 Pro Plus (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access (PC only)) and Publisher (PC only). Services like Teams and OneDrive are also part of the Microsoft 365 subscription.

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GMAIL

You will be issued with an NWU Gmail address upon registration with the university. This email address may be used for communication with the university.

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eFUNDI

This is the NWU web-based eLearning, collaboration, and research management system. You will use this service for your academic activities. You will use your NWU student number to log onto the eFundi system.

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PRINTING

You have access to printing facilities that are widely available in computer labs and the libraries across the campuses

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DESKTOP VIRTUALISATION

The Desktop virtualisation provides you with full on-campus Desktop experience wherever you are using a computer or mobile device capable of launching a browser or installing apps. The current Desktop being delivered includes software installed on a computer lab desktop software.

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SECURITY

Keep your device safe from viruses by regularly installing updates for your operating system. Be aware and guard against phishing attacks.

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COMPUTER ROOM WORKSTATION BOOKINGS

Bookings depend on the availability of workstations and computer room availability. Formal scheduled classes receive the highest priority.

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STUDENT ELIGIBLE SOFTWARE

NWU pays for a number of software packages to be used under site licences. This means that you are allowed to use the software for as long as you are a student and that you’ll need to remove it once you leave NWU. In addition to site licensed software, the IT Service and Software page offers other useful free software.

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