University Services
Once you have fully registered and have settled into your accommodation, you can access other services on campus.
Now is the best time to get organised, and this page provides information on how to begin using some of the most important campus services:
- Library
- Computer facilities
- Student Centre
- Placement and Careers Centre
- Graduate School
- Union of Brunel Students
For more information about the services below as well as all the other opportunities and organisations you'll find at Brunel, see the Campus Life section.
The Library
Brunel University Library is based in the Bannerman Centre, which sits right at the heart of campus opposite the Students' Union. Your student ID card is also your Library card, so after Registration you will be able to use the Library facilities. Simply bring your card into the Library on your first visit and we will set up your Library access.
In conjunction with your academic School, the Library will be running induction sessions during Freshers’ week for all new students. These will be subject-specific and will include information about the Library, study skills, the Computer Centre and u-Link – all of which you will need to use to successfully complete your assignments. For further details, have a look at the Library web pages.
The Library has developed a range of services specifically for Distance Learning students. Access to electronic resources will be available once you have a Brunel Network account.
Computer access
There are three main services to which you will automatically gain access as a Brunel student. Visit the Computer Centre web pages to find out more.
eVision
eVision is the online student portal - you will have used it to complete part one of Registration. You can also use eVision to pay fees, update personal details, find information on your timetable, modules and results, and enrol for subsequent years of your course.
For full details of what you can do through eVision, check your eVision portal.
Brunel Network account
Shortly after you have completed the online Registration task, your Network account details will appear in your eVision portal. These allow you full access to a variety of services and applications including email, printing and the intranet. It’s really important that you keep your password secure, and don’t forget it!
The University and your course tutors will often communicate with you via email, so check your messages regularly - you can access your emails from anywhere in the world via webmail.
You can use your network account details in a number of work areas around campus, many of which are open around the clock. There is a self-service print, photocopy and scan-to-email service available from the work areas. Space is allocated to you in which to save your own work (your filestore). Always save your work to this drive and to backup removable media.
If you have any queries, contact the Computing Support office, on +44 (0)1895 265888 or by email at computing-support@brunel.ac.uk.
u-Link (Brunel's Virtual Learning Environment)
u-Link is Brunel's virtual learning environment, through which your teaching team and School communicate with you, organise activities and make available online module and course-related materials.
Students studying for degrees in the School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics will be piloting Blackboard Learn instead of using u-Link, ahead of a University-wide upgrade in 2012. You will receive the same support from services across campus, and can attend the u-Link Café as described below.
Most course modules have a presence on u-Link, and you will gain access to module information once you have registered on your course. This may take a while during the beginning of the year, especially if you change courses and/or modules.
You can log in via the u-Link portal within 24 hours of obtaining your Brunel Network account details. Further detail on how to log in to u-Link can be found on the intranet or in person from the Student Centre. Students in the School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics students can log into Blackboard Learn within 24 hours of obtaining their account details (from Monday 19 September).
The u-Link Café will run on weekdays from 19-30 September between 10am and 4pm, and then every Thursday from 12-1pm during term time. The Café is designed for students who have questions or problems relating to:
- how to use a particular tool or feature in u-Link
- how to submit assignments in u-Link
- the technical set up of your computer for u-Link
For more information, watch a short video on u-Link.
Connect Service
You may also wish to register with the Connect Service. If you are going to be staying in Halls of Residence, you can connect your computer to the ResNet network. Alternatively, our wireless network is available in many areas on campus. Access to the Internet through both of these services is subject to some usage restrictions but is available 24 hours a day. Register for these services through the Connect Portal once you have your Brunel Network Account details.
The Student Centre
The Student Centre, located in the Bannerman Centre, provides many of the central student support services and should be your first port of call for any administrative enquiries, including:
- Student Records and general administration, including Registration and enrolment, name and address changes, and travel discounts
- Finance enquiries including tuition fee and accommodation payments and invoices, student loans support, scholarships and bursaries
- The Access to Learning Fund and emergency loan information
- Accommodation enquiries, including information relating to payments, vacating procedures, deposits and refunds
- Student Annual Vehicle Permits to park on campus, including support with permit applications, lost/damaged permits and change of vehicle registration (in the first instance, you should apply online via eVision)
- Student ID cards, including replacement cards and access enquiries
- eVision and u-Link, including logging in, password resets and task activity support
- Student letters and visa extensions, including bank, council tax and student status letters (many of these can also be requested via eVision)
Contact the Student Centre:
Location Ground floor Bannerman Centre, open Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am-4pm and Weds, Fri 9am-1pm
Web Visit the Student Centre intranet pages
Tel +44(0)1895 268268, lines open 10am-4pm
Email student.centre@brunel.ac.uk
Twitter @Brunel_UNi_SC
The Placement and Careers Centre
The PCC, which includes the Job Shop, is your one stop shop for advice, guidance and support when looking for work and planning your career.
How can we help?
- Jobs: part-time, vacation, placements, graduate opportunities
- Events: recruitment fairs, job hunting skills workshops, subject-specific ‘Careers Uncovered’ events
- Advice and feedback: CVs, applications, interviews, assessment centres
- Guidance: career options, postgraduate study
- Information: online and in our careers library
Download our Your employability: your future guide to explore all the opportunities available at Brunel to enhance your employability.
Things to do in the autumn term
- 20 September Freshers’ Fayre
Sign up for email job alerts, and meet some of the PCC team and our Employability Reps for more information about how we can help. - 8 September Employability Rep recruitment day
Interested in joining our team as an Employability Rep? Attend our recruitment day! More details are available on our jobs board or by visiting the PCC. - 5 October Part-time, vacation work and volunteering fair
Meet organisations and teams on campus who are looking to recruit Brunel students for a variety of roles. - 5 October – 30 November Job Hunting Uncovered
A series of workshops covering all aspects of the recruitment process, including specific events for first years looking for part-time work.
Location 1st Floor Bannerman Centre, open Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.45pm
Web Visit the PCC web pages
The Graduate School
The Graduate School is the focal point for Brunel’s postgraduates. Located at the centre of campus, it aims to provide the best possible support for you to make the most of your time at Brunel.
Facilities include:
- 24 hour secure swipe card access, 365 days a year;
- reception staff to assist with enquiries;
- storage lockers;
- a kitchen with microwave, fridge, kettle, snack machine and cold water dispenser;
- a quiet study room and conference room with AV facilities;
- coffee mornings every Tuesday during term time, 10.30am-12.30pm;
- a PG Study Centre in the Library, with 40 workstations, printers and laptop facilities;
- a PG common room with comfortable seating and laptop plug in points;
- laptops available for weekly loan.
The Graduate School also runs a series of workshops and seminars supporting the development of personal, professional and research skills. The full programme will be emailed to you during the first few weeks of term.
Web Graduate School
Tel +44 (0)1895 265935
Email graduateschool@brunel.ac.uk
Union of Brunel Students
As well as organising Freshers' Week activities, the Union puts on a variety of other events and campaigns throughout the year. They co-ordinate clubs and societies, festivals such as One World Week, student representation, an advice centre, bars and clubs and much more! Visit the UBS website for more information.
Advice and Representation Centre (ARC)
The ARC helps Brunel students to find answers to questions and/or problems. They give free advice and guidance on a range of issues including money and debt, housing and academic issues.
The ARC is a free, confidential service for all Brunel University students. You can drop in or make an appointment, and get advice by phone and email.
Find out more on the ARC web pages.
Student Representation
Student Representatives can help with you with academic issues at module, course, and School level, and give you information on how to resolve any other problems you may have. They are student volunteers, elected by you to act as a link between students and academic staff and course administrators.
Find out more on the Student Reps web pages.
