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FAQ Mobile Devices

UCR has a Bring Your Own Device policy for safely using mobile devices. These are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers.

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

  • What specifications should my laptop have?

    You should bring a Windows laptop or a MacBook, not a Chromebook. The laptop/MacBook should:

    • have been produced within the last 4 years
    • run Windows version 10 or higher or a recent macOS
    • have a built-in video camera and built-in microphone
    • have a USB-C port (or adapter USB-A -> USB-C)

    Important: if you plan to major in Engineering or Science a Windows laptop is recommended, a MacBook is not recommended. Your laptop should then also have at least:

    • a 3.5 GHz processor
    • a 512GB solid state drive (SSD)
    • a 16GB RAM
  • Where do I find practical information about working with a laptop?

    Take a look at the information and tips regarding the prevention of complaints of the arm, neck and shoulder (CANS).

  • 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.

  • Will I have a problem using a Mac?

    Possibly. 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 easier. For the Science and Engineering courses a MacBook will likely cause you to run into difficulties and is not recommended.

  • Do I have to buy a laptop from a particular supplier?

    No. You can purchase a laptop from a supplier of your own choice.

Use of mobile devices in class

  • 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.

  • 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.

Software

  • 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 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Skype). You can find more information at https://students.uu.nl/en/free-software.

  • 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.

  • 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 and more information

  • 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 +31 (0) 118-655545.

  • More information for current students

    If you have any other ICT issues, please check the ICT page on the intranet (only for current students)