Wifi and remote access
Information about connecting to campus wifi and the UWE Bristol Network.
Before connecting to the UWE Bristol network
Before connecting to the network please:
- register with UWE Bristol
- obtain your UWE Bristol username and password
- set up an authentication method on your Microsoft security profile
- access the myUWE Student Portal
- access your UWE Bristol email
- read the information security policies.
Accessing the UWE Bristol network
On campus
eduroam - If you have your own device, you can access the UWE Bristol network and UWE Bristol filestore by connecting to eduroam.
Computer labs - Computers and printers in the computer labs provide access to all of the University’s digital platforms and resources, including:
- the internet
- UWE intranet
- Library online services
- myUWE (the Student portal)
- Blackboard (course materials)
- UWE Bristol email (Student email system via myUWE)
- Microsoft Office 365
- your UWE Bristol homespace and shared network drives (such as H: Drive and S: Drive).
From home
Connect to the internet and use a web browser to access UWE Bristol online resources for access to:
- myUWE (the Student portal)
- Blackboard (course materials)
- UWE Bristol email (Student email system via myUWE)
- New Library Search (for accessing journals and databases etc)
- XA (eXternal Access) for accessing your files saved on the UWE Bristol network (such as H: Drive and S: Drive).
Connect your devices to the wireless network
The eduroam service provides wireless internet access for UWE Bristol students and visitors from participating institutions. See the information and video below for guidance.
UWE Bristol students can also access other universities' eduroam service.
Please note: ensure eduroam is working correctly on your devices at UWE Bristol before visiting other institutions.
Which wifi network to use
| Who are you? | Use this network | Where is it available? |
|---|---|---|
|
UWE Bristol student on campus |
eduroam |
Throughout UWE Bristol |
|
UWE Bristol student at home |
Your home wifi plus eXternal Access (XA) |
From home |
|
UWE Bristol student in residence |
UWE Bristol student accommodation |
|
|
UWE Bristol student visiting other institutions |
eduroam |
More information can be found via eduroam |
eduroam
To connect your device to eduroam:
- Select the wifi network eduroam
- Login to eduroam using:
- Username: your UWE Bristol username followed by '@uwe.ac.uk' (eg an2-other@uwe.ac.uk)
- Password: your UWE Bristol password
If you can't get connected, you will need to configure your device.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that helps to secure your account by ensuring it is you trying to sign in.
Setting up multi-factor authentication
- You will need to use the Microsoft Authenticator app or a valid phone number (mobile or landline).
- Repeat the set up process to add additional methods of verification.
Please note: if you only have one method of verification set up and your MFA device is not available (eg no battery, stolen) you will not be able to sign in to a service that requires MFA.
As part of the setup process, you will also be able to remove devices from your account (lost, stolen or changing personal devices).
Responding to multi-factor authentication notifications
- Mobile app – tap the notification or open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and tap approve or reject.
- Text message – type the code received by text message into the login screen.
- Phone call – answer the call and press the hash key (#) to confirm.
If you haven’t tried to log in but receive a MFA notification, you should either reject it or take no action.
If you receive unexpected alerts often, check whether you have any apps running in the background or on other devices. If you can't identify the source, contact the IT Service Desk for advice.
What to do when changing personal devices
If you use the Microsoft Authenticator app, you will need to remove your UWE Bristol account from the app before moving to your new device:
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator app.
- In the menu options, select Edit accounts.
- Remove your UWE Bristol account.
Now you can download the Microsoft Authenticator app onto your new device and add your UWE Bristol account.
If you do not use the Microsoft Authenticator app, no action is required when changing devices. Authentication using your phone number will continue to work across devices.
XA (eXternal Access)
The UWE Bristol XA service provides access to your personal H: Drive and shared S: Drive.
To access the XA service:
- Go to https://xa.uwe.ac.uk.
- Enter your UWE Bristol username and password.
How to download and upload files with XA
Bookmarked file locations
The following files bookmarks will be displayed for students:
Downloading files
- Click on the Drive to see the files and folders. In this example we are using the H: Drive:
- Find the file you wish to download to your C: Drive and click on the file name. You will be asked if you would like to save your file, click Save.
- Once the download has completed you will have the option to Open folder or View Downloads folder. The file will be within your Downloads folder so click on View Downloads, then you can access the file and save it to your machine:
If you want to download multiple files, you can select several files from the H: Drive screen and then zip them up for ease of downloading. - Add a tick against the file name you wish to download, then click Download:
- Now you have the opportunity to zip your files and download the compressed zip folder:
Uploading files
- When you want to Upload the file back to your H: Drive you will need to click on the Upload Files... button:
Here you can browse to your files:
- Browse and find your file (using the Browse button) and click the Open button to add it to the list of files to upload:
- Once you have selected all the files you want to upload, click the Upload button at the bottom of the screen. This then uploads the files:
- Your files will now be placed in your H: Drive.
UWE Bristol students in residence
If you want to access the UWE Bristol network, you will need to use the UWE Bristol XA (eXternal Access) service, once logged into Glide (wifi).
For information and support on the UWE Bristol residential network, please contact Glide.
Before visiting other institutions
Before connecting to eduroam while visiting other participating institutions, please follow the guidance below:
- ensure your device is correctly set up to work in UWE Bristol on eduroam
- check the website of the institution you are visiting to see if you need to amend any settings (eg network proxy settings)
- read over the policies below.
The eduroam network is available in many places beyond UWE Bristol. More information can be found via Eduroam.
Acceptable use policies
By connecting to eduroam at another institution, you agree to abide by:
- the visited institution's acceptable use policies
- JANET's eduroam policy
- UWE Bristol's information security policies, including the acceptable use policy.
