IT support and requirements
Welcome to Plumpton College!
Ahead of starting your course, please take some time to read the information below. This will help you get started with the College’s IT systems and ensure you are already logged into systems and the WiFi before your first day.
IT Inductions
Welcome to Plumpton College!
Ahead of starting your course, please take some time to read the information below. This will help you get started with the College’s IT systems and ensure you have already logged into our Microsoft Office 365 environment and the WiFi before your first day.
It’s really important to follow these steps in order as your password is the same for both Microsoft Office 365 and the WiFi. If you connect to the WiFi before you change the password, it won’t work on your first day!
IT Inductions
Login Details & MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) Setup
To sign in for the first time, go to plumptoncollege.sharepoint.com.
You will then be asked to sign in.
Your email address:
Use your 8-digit student number followed by @plumpton.ac.uk
Example: 99999988@plumpton.ac.uk
You can find your student number on your enrolment confirmation.
Your password:
New students - your password will be Plumpton followed by your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
Example:
If you were born on 1st January 2000, then your password would be Plumpton01/01/2000
Returning students - your password will the same as the previous academic year
All students, after you first sign in, you will be asked to change your password to something of your choice, please note this needs to be a minimum of 12 characters.
Choose something secure and do not share it with anyone.
MFA (Multi-factor Authentication)
After you change your password, you will be asked to set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA).
What is MFA?
MFA is an extra security step to help keep your account safe.
It helps protect the college from cyber-attacks and stops other people from getting into your account without permission.
What does this mean for me?
At times when signing in you will not only be prompted for your Plumpton email (e.g.12345678@plumpton.ac.uk) and password when you log in to our Microsoft Office 365 platform, you will be prompted to enter a code that will be generated via an app on your smartphone - many of you will already use this when doing online banking.
You won't, however, be prompted when signing in on campus at Plumpton or One Garden Brighton.
How do I setup MFA?
Setting up MFA is simple, and you only need to do it once (unless you change your phone) The instructions below should guide you through the process.
Login and MFA Setup Video
MFA Set-up tutorial:
WiFi
To use the WiFi at the college you will need to pre-configure your device ahead of coming on-site for the first time, this can be done from the comfort of your own home and we strongly recommend you do this before you come on-site to save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
To remotely connect your device to the college WiFi ahead of time, please follow the instructions below for your relevant device:
- How to On-Board your Android Device
- How to On-Board your Windows Device
- How to On-Board your Apple Device
Eduroam for Android | Eduroam for IOS |
Student Intranet
The college uses Microsoft SharePoint for our student intranet – this website will allow you to keep up to date with all the college news as well as provide links to access all the systems and services you will need while at the college on-top of having information about your course from your teachers.
To access the student intranet, visit plumptoncollege.sharepoint.com and sign in with your college login details.
Important Apps to Install
As a Plumpton College student you can download the Microsoft Office 365 apps, on up to 5 devices you own for the duration of your studies. Many courses will have theory elements and installing these apps with provide you with the tools required to complete your theory work and assignments.
Installing Office 365 Apps
We also recommend installing Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft SharePoint on your mobile devices (available from both the Google Play and Apple App Stores), this will allow you to quickly stay up to date with important information that will be shared by the college over the course of your studies.
IT FAQs
Find out what you need and what we recommend for you to return in September.
Plus more information on the Dell Student Discount Promotion.
What device will I need?
We would recommend that you purchase and use your own device for college.
All modern mobiles, tablets, Chromebooks and laptops will be compatible with the systems we use at college. However, for the best experience, and maximum compatibility, we recommend a modern Windows 11 laptop.
If you’re struggling to find a good machine, we highly recommend Dell laptops due to industry leading quality control and reliability.
Our recommended models are located here.
We have partnered with Dell to offer student discounts of up to 20% on a range of Dell consumer products - see the offer here.
We would recommend that your laptop would have the following as a minimum:
- A multi-core processor
- 8GB RAM
- SSD hard drive storage
- Wi-Fi
- Windows 11 Home or better
What software will be supplied?
The College can supply the Microsoft Office 365 Package free for up to 5 devices that you own, for the duration of your course.
The package comprises of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, OneNote and OneDrive. These apps can be installed on laptops, smartphones and tablets.
We recommend having an antivirus software installed on your computer, if you are unsure which one to use Sophos Home will provide sufficient protection.
Some course may require access to other software; your teaching team will provide you with any instructions on how to download and obtain the necessary license from the college.
For more information on how to access the free and discounted software, please click here.
What if I can't bring my own device to College?
What if I need specialist/assistive technology to study at Plumpton?
Modern devices have a range of accessibility options, however there might be a requirement for specialist software or hardware to help you with your digital studies.
Please contact ITServices@plumpton.ac.uk for advice.
What IT Support is available?
The college has a dedicated IT Helpdesk located at the main Plumpton campus available for walk-ins to both staff and students available Monday – Thursday 8:30-5pm and Friday 8:30-4:30pm during term times, alternatively you can contact us by email ITServices@plumpton.ac.uk or by phone 01273 892042 and a technician will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our Services:
We can help you with any tech related questions or problems you may have - however, please be aware that when it comes to your personal devices, we are somewhat limited with what we can fix ourselves, but we may instead be able to make a recommendation.
We can help you with the following:
- Help you connect to WiFi and printers on-site
- Help you access your online lessons and resources
- Reset your password
- Provide a free copy of Office 365
- And much more!
