Find out about the digital platforms and services used at Bangor, and the purpose of each.

At university you will need to use a range of online and digital resources. In this article you will find information about the main digital resources used at Bangor University.

Being able to use the digital resources at university will give you access to the information you need about your modules and other aspects of university life. Bangor University uses email for all communications, and stores module information in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Blackboard.

Practice checking and dealing with your emails on a daily basis (e.g. replying, filing, deleting).

Practice using MS Outlook for your emails, so that it is familiar to you when you start at Bangor University.

Practice using the Outlook calendar, so that the interface is familiar to you when you start at Bangor University.

Practice using the other packages in the MS Office suite of software, particularly MS Word.

How can I create a routine to ensure I check and deal with my emails on a daily basis?

How do these resources differ from what I am used to? Have you used a VLE (e.g. Moodle) at school or college?

What other resources might be useful during my time at University? e.g. the library catalogue

The digital resources listed below are a core part of life for students (and staff) at Bangor University. This guide will help you understand what each one is for, and why it is useful.

Note: links to the sites are included so current BU students can easily find these resources. You will not be able to access them without a Bangor University username and password.

MyBangor:

This is the default homepage for all students and staff at the University. It includes links to all the digital resources you will need, including your timetable, MS Office 365, Blackboard and the Request Centre.

Microsoft Office 365:

As a student you will have access to the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook. At Bangor, your timetable will automatically appear in your MS Outlook calendar and will include information about where your classes are and who will be teaching them. The university uses email for all communications, so if you aren’t already familiar with MS Outlook it is useful to practice using it before your start your course.

Blackboard:

This is a virtual learning environment. It is an online space you login to with your Bangor University username and password. Your Blackboard site will have an area for each of the modules you are studying, where you can find the module handbook, reading list, slides and recordings of your lectures, and the assignments you have to do. You will usually be asked to submit your work via the module’s page on Blackboard.

Request Centre:

The Request Centre is a kind of admin hub – you can update your phone number and address, request deadline extensions, apply to swap modules, and if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity for a year abroad the Request Centre is used for things like requesting travel permits etc.

The article was written by Stephanie Horne, Disability Adviser, at Bangor University.