Welcome to Cal! Whether you’ll be on campus or taking classes online, here are some strategies for making your first semester at Cal go as smoothly as possible, technologically. Be sure to also check out these tips for Black students, EOP students, graduate students, and students with disabilities if applicable.
1. Prepare Device(s), Software & Apps
Identify the Device(s) You'll Need
- Look at your class syllabi to see if you’ll need any required devices (laptops, tablets, iClickers, etc.).
- Think about your note-taking and study preferences. Do you study most effectively with a laptop, a tablet, or paper and pen? Obtain the tools that work best for you.
Borrow a Laptop, WiFi Hotspot, or iClicker
- Check out the Student Technology Equity Program, which lends laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other hardware to eligible students.
- You can borrow a laptop, chromebook, or iClicker for free from our campus libraries or student lending programs depending on your eligibility
Use Student Discounts on Device Purchases
- Make sure to take advantage of student discounts from major retailers like Microsoft, Apple, and Dell when making device purchases.
Download Free Software
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Check your course syllabi to see if you'll need any required software.
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Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and many other popular software programs are free for students to download through Software Central. Check your eligibility and download software here
Download Free Student Apps
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Canvas Student: access your course documents, grades, and other bCourses materials easily. Download for iOS and Android.
- UC Berkeley Mobile: access campus maps, directories, news, the Arts Passport and more! Download for iOS and Android.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi
Off-Campus
- A stable and secure personal Wi-Fi connection is important for attending classes remotely. If you do not have access to reliable Wi-Fi, check out these off-campus internet resources
On-Campus
- Eduroam is the main Wi-Fi network used on campus by students and staff. You can set up your access before you get to campus here
In University Housing
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Residence hall, campus apartment and University Village residents use the Eduroam Wi-Fi network, available via the wireless access points installed throughout campus housing.
- Learn more about your options here
3. Secure Your Devices
Keep your devices safe by using CalNet 2-step verification, updating your operating system and software regularly, and installing anti-malware.
We recommend anti-malware by Avast, which is available for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS for free. Get Avast at avast.com.
Learn more security tips here.
4. Receive Free Tech Support
Student Technology Services
We offer free tech support in-person, over the phone, and by email! Find our contact info and hours of operation here.
Assisted Learning Support
Our campus offers ADA computer systems equipped with Assistive Technology Software and scan stations for DSP students. Grants for assistive educational technology are also available.
Printing & Scanning
Explore Your Professional & Creative Interests
On and Off Campus
- LinkedIn Learning: access thousands of online business, creative, and technology courses for free as a UC Berkeley student, through the Student Technology Fund. Log in to LinkedIn Learning with your CalNet ID
On Campus Only
- Moffitt Makerspace: a free, open access, student-run makerspace on the first floor of Moffitt library giving students the opportunity to work with new technologies like 3D printing, Virtual Reality, and more (including educational workshops for beginners!)
- Check out the other makerspaces on campus here by clicking on the 'Makerspaces' tab.
iClicker (Classroom Response & Attendance Tool)
- Some instructors at Cal use classroom response systems to keep track of attendance and/or administer polls and quizzes. Physical iClicker remotes are the most commonly used tool at Cal, but there are also mobile and web app versions of iClicker.
- Check your class syllabi to see if you'll need to set-up and/or purchase a version of iClicker. You can learn more about iClickers and where to borrow or purchase them here.
Tech Jobs for UC Berkeley Students
On & Off Campus Students
- Handshake: learn about remote tech and non-tech related work opportunities through Handshake, the Career Center's recruiting platform for students and alumni. You can connect with employers, apply for jobs and internships, find job fair event information, and more here.
On Campus Only
- Campus Tech Jobs Guide: Student Tech Services put together a guide for all the student tech jobs on campus, including our own! Many positions welcome students who may be new to working within an IT setting and provide on-the-job training for new staff around technical concepts, troubleshooting strategies, and customer service skills. View the guide here.
