Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) keeps you connected to all of UCT’s online services. Read on to find out how to connect, how to find software and how to stay safe while you’re online.

The quick guide

For a short guide on all you need to know about digital at UCT, take a look at the ICTS checklist.

Connect to Wi-Fi

Connect to UCT’s Wi-Fi network, eduroam, using your username (studentnumber@wf.uct.ac.za) and your UCT network password. After registration, go to https://password.uct.ac.za to reset your password.

Sign in to your UCT email

Sign in to your email account via icts.uct.ac.za/myuct. Remember to check it regularly – this is where you’ll find all official university communications.

Hook up your phone

Go to your app store (Android/iOS) and download the UCT Mobile App to access timetables, library services, maps and more. For support, email uctmobile@uct.ac.za.

Get to know Vula

Vula is UCT’s online environment for teaching and learning, research and collaboration. It’s also where your lecturers will post a lot of your academic course content.

Get the software you need

Before buying any software, first check what site-licensed software is available for free at https://ictsdownloads.uct.ac.za. Office365 is available via your myUCT account, and UCT has signed up to use Google Apps.

Be a responsible user

Don’t use the internet for anything illegal – especially not streaming, sharing or downloading copyrighted content. Also, respect the email and internet usage policy – check the IT Guide for Students.

6 tips for staying cyber secure

1. Be password savvy. The longer and more complex your password is, the better. A password should contain numbers, symbols and upper- and lower-case letters.
2. Anti-virus is a must. Up-to-date anti-virus applications should be on all your computers. Download McAfee for free from the ICTS website, and find a good anti-virus for your mobile devices!
3. Back up your data. Make sure you have a backup (or two). You can back up data to physical devices or to the cloud (UCT offers Google Drive and OneDrive).
4. Spread the word. If you know of a cyber security threat or incident, please inform everyone you know who might be affected.
5. Report incidents to the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). If you experience any cyber security threat, please contact CSIRT at csirt@uct.ac.za.
6. Protect yourself against identity theft. Dispose of sensitive paperwork safely, enable SMS alerts for your banking, and never share personal information online.

4 ways to get IT help on campus

If you need more direct help, use one of these channels:

1. Visit the ICTS front office. They offer walk-in support in room 201 of the Computer Science Building on upper campus. The office is open from 08:00 to 16:30 during the week (but closes at 15:15 on Thursdays).
2. Student labs. Lab administrators and assistants are on hand to help you in any of the ICTS-managed labs around campus.
3. Social media. ICTS provides basic support on Facebook (com/icts.uct) and Twitter (twitter.com/UCT_ICTS), but if they can’t help, they'll escalate your issues to someone who can. They're online seven days a week from 07:00 to 22:00.
4. The IT Helpdesk. Get support by logging a call online, sending an email to icts-helpdesk@uct.ac.za or calling 021 650 4500 (during office hours).