Are you digital ready?

Starting at Cambridge means using technology every day, from accessing your course materials and collaborating with other students to completing assessments and exams.

Use this guide to make sure your devices, accounts and software are ready before you need them.

Your quick digital-readiness checklist

Before you start your course, make sure you can tick these off:

  • You have a suitable laptop and charger
  • Your operating system is up to date
  • You have a reliable internet connection
  • You have set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Your University account works
  • You can access Moodle and CamSIS
  • You know which software your course requires
  • You know how your exams will be delivered
  • You have practised using your exam platform

Not sure where to start? Work through the sections below — you don't need to do everything at once.

1. Check your equipment

Your laptop

You should have a laptop that you can take to lectures, supervisions and, where required, digital exams.

Tablets, smartphones and Chromebooks may not be suitable for all University assessments.

We recommend:

  • A laptop running Windows or macOS
  • The latest available version of your operating system
  • A charger that you can bring with you
  • Enough free storage for your course software and files

If you don't have a suitable device, speak to your College Tutorial Office as soon as possible.

Your internet connection

A reliable internet connection is important for studying and completing online assessments.

We recommend a minimum connection speed of 10 Mbps.

You'll also have access to University Wi-Fi through eduroam and other University wireless services.

Set up eduroam → Connect to eduroam wifi | IT Help and Support

You can see full details of where Wi-Fi is available.

2. Secure your University account

Set up multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security to your University account.

You'll need MFA when accessing many University services, so set it up before you need it.

Set up MFA → Setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) | IT Help and Support

Keep your device secure

Make sure that:

  • Your operating system is up to date
  • Your antivirus software is installed
  • Your firewall is enabled
  • Your device is protected with a strong password
  • Your important work is backed up

Get antivirus software

The University provides antivirus software for students and staff.

3. Get familiar with your essential tools

You'll use different digital services during your time at Cambridge. Your Department will tell you which ones are relevant to your course.

Moodle

Moodle is the University's virtual learning environment. You may use it to access course materials, submit work, collaborate and complete assessments.

Go to Moodle → Dashboard | Moodle

New to Moodle?

CamSIS

CamSIS is the University's student information system.

You'll use it for important student administration, including managing your student record and, where applicable, enrolling for exams.

Go to CamSIS → Home | CamSIS

It is a student's responsibility to ensure that their record is accurate. 

Manage your student record → manage your student information

Other useful services

You may also use:

Your department will advise you about the tools you need.

4. Get ready for digital exams

First: find out how your exams will work

Not every Cambridge exam is online. 

Departments decide the mode of assessment for their exams. Check your department's course information or speak to your Faculty if you're unsure.

Check your exam guidance → Student Exams SharePoint site 

If your exam is online

You'll normally need:

  • A suitable laptop
  • Your charger
  • Your University account
  • Your MFA device
  • The required exam software or platform
  • A reliable way to connect to the internet

Arrive with your laptop fully charged and bring your charger. Power will be available in exam rooms, but spare charging cables are not provided.

5. Practise before exam day

Don't wait until your first exam to learn how the platform works.

Before your exam, make sure you know how to:

  • Log in
  • Navigate between questions
  • Enter or upload answers
  • Save your work
  • Submit your exam
  • Deal with common technical problems

6. Which exam platform will you use?

Moodle exams

Moodle is used for some online and remote exams.

You don't normally need to install additional exam software to use Moodle.

Before your exam, you can practise submitting a document using the practice area.

Practise submitting a file → practice area for submitting documents (must contain at least 20 words and be PDF)

Read Moodle exam guidance → How to use Moodle for exams

Tip: If you need to submit handwritten work, check the requirements in your exam guidance. Handwritten work submitted to Moodle should be in PDF format.

Inspera exams

Some in-person digital exams use Inspera.

If your exam uses Inspera, you'll need to install the Inspera Integrity Browser before exam day.

You should also practise using the platform before your exam.

Install Inspera → Inspera Integrity Browser. 

Read Inspera exam guidance → Using Inspera for your Exams

Try the Inspera demo → Inspera Assessment 

ALL Inspera exams require a portal code qi8982

7. Know where to get help

Having a technical problem doesn't mean you're on your own.

University IT Service Desk

The IT Service Desk can help with issues such as:

Contact the Service Desk → Contact us | IT Help and Support

Live Chat → available 24 hours a day - live chat. 

You can also contact your local IT team in your Department or College.

If you have a problem during an exam

Follow the instructions provided for your particular assessment and contact the appropriate exam or technical support team.

Read your exam guidance before exam day → Policies and Guidance for Students

8. Make technology work for you

Digital readiness isn't only about exams.

You can also improve your study experience by learning about:

  • Accessibility features
  • Secure file storage and backups
  • Cyber security
  • Productivity tools
  • Online collaboration
  • Data management
  • Digital research skills

Accessibility

You can adapt many devices to make them easier to use.

AbilityNet provides practical guides covering features such as changing text size, improving accessibility settings and adapting computers, phones and tablets.

Explore accessibility guides → Simple 'how to' guides to make your device easier to use | My Computer My Way

Your final check

Before your first assessment, ask yourself:

💻 Equipment

Do I have a suitable, charged laptop and its charger?

🔐 Security

Is my University account protected with MFA?

📶 Connectivity

Can I reliably connect to the internet?

📚 Study tools

Can I access Moodle, CamSIS and the services my course uses?

📝 Exams

Do I know how my exams will be delivered?

🧪 Practice

Have I practised using my exam platform?

🆘 Support

Do I know who to contact if something goes wrong?

If you've answered yes to all seven, you're well on your way.

Need help?

IT problem? Contact the University IT Service Desk. Contact us | IT Help and Support

Question about your course or exams? Contact your Department or College.

Don't have a suitable device? Speak to your College Tutorial Office.

Develop your digital skills

You don't need to become an expert in every digital tool.

Cambridge offers a range of training and resources to help you build skills that will support your studies and future career.

Explore: