Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provides all of the central IT systems across Imperial College London and we are here to help you in your new role.

If you need help getting set up or using our services and systems, please contact the ICT Service Desk.

You need to familiarise yourself with the Conditions of Use of IT resources as misuse and abuse can result in a ban from the College network, dismissal or civil or criminal action being taken against you.

Services for new staff

Get a computer

When you arrive at Imperial College, you may already have a computer on your desk. If you do, contact the ICT Service Desk to set it up and register the machine in your name. Find out more: Access the wired network.

If you need to buy a new computer, go to Get computers and devices for more information. When your new computer is delivered, contact the ICT Service Desk to set it up for you.

Activate your College account

Your username and password will enable you to access IT services across College, from the HR and finance system (ICIS), to email and WiFi.

When you become a College employee your College account is created automatically. Before you can use it, you must activate your College account.

For more information, visit our User accounts and passwords web pages. 

Set up and use email

Your College email account can be accessed via Microsoft Outlook on any PC in College or via a web browser by logging in to Office 365

You can also add your email account to your personal computer or mobile device. Find out more by visiting our email web pages

Add the printers

Shared scanning, photocopying and printing services are available in offices across College. Printing will be charged to your department when you use your College campus card to log in.

Order and use a College telephone

We handle the provision, management, configuration and development of telephone services in Imperial-owned buildings on campus, including the medical campuses.

Connect to WiFi

You can use the Imperial-WPA wireless network in public areas and throughout many buildings on campus. To connect to the WiFi, use your College username and password.

Save your personal documents in OneDrive for Business

For your personal files, we recommend saving them to OneDrive for Business. OneDrive for Business is part of Office 365 and allows you to save your files securely and conveniently. You will also be able to access your files from anywhere and at any time – all you need is access to the internet.

Shut down your computer or set it to 'Sleep' when away from your desk

Six thousand staff members shutting their computers down outside of working hours would save the College up to £0.5 million and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3,000 tonnes annually, cutting 3% off of the College carbon footprint.

  • All College PCs have a 'Sleep' option accessible from the Windows Start Menu (MacOS and Linux users can use equivalent 'sleep' functions for these operating systems).
  • Please use the 'Sleep' button to save power before going for lunch or for long meetings.
  • Applications can be left running and documents left open.
  • You can continue work as soon as the computer is re-awakened by pressing CTRL-ALT-DELETE.
  • Always save documents before Shutting down or putting your computer to Sleep to make sure the latest version is stored on your home network drive (e.g. H:) which is backed up overnight.
Working off campus

Accessing the network via Remote Desktop Gateway or by setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will allow you to access files stored in your College directories via a secure connection.

Be Secure (IT Security)

It is your responsibility to keep passwords private and College and personal data safe. Our Security Team works to keep College networks safe and secure, filter spam, tackle scam emails and offering guidance. Our Be Secure (IT Security) web pages explain how best to keep yourself and the College protected whilst at the College and in everyday life. 

If you have any IT Security concerns, please contact the ICT Service Desk.

Access and use the HR and finance system (ICIS)

Use ICIS to check your personal information, view monthly pay slips, manage your job applications and order products, services and training.

Use tools to collaborate

We provide a variety of collaboration tools to aid you in communicating with your colleagues, including Microsoft SharePoint.

Get free and discounted software

A range of software is available for free or at a discounted rate for College staff. View our staff software pages for more information.

Use Teaching and Learning tools

We offer a wide range of online Digital Education Platforms, tools and services that support teaching and enhance the student experience. The tools on offer include a virtual learning environment (Blackboard), a lecture recording tool (Panopto) and a text matching service (Turnitin).

Access research support systems

We offer a variety of systems to support research, including High Performance Computing (HPC).

Get AV support for teaching

We provide you with audio visual hardware and software, such as the lecture recording tool Panopto, in teaching spaces across College.

Timetabling

For information on Timetabling, including viewing your calendar and booking rooms, please visit the timetabling page.