Staff and students can access most of the University's systems and online resources using their University account (formerly Raven). VPN access is available for resources that normally require you to be connected directly to the University Data Network.
You can use your University account (formerly Raven) to access most of the University's systems and online resources even while you're away from Cambridge. This includes your Cambridge email, Moodle, online journals, CamSIS and other online resources protected by Raven authentication.
You can access your Cambridge email account using webmail or by setting up an app on your mobile device or laptop. No VPN or remote access system is required to access your emails.
How to access your emailsVirtual Private Network (VPN)
The VPN you can use to access online resources while away from the University varies according to your institution.
Most users can use the general UIS VPN service to access resources that normally require you to be at the University and connected directly to the University Data Network (UDN) – for example, the University Finance System (UFS) and Departmental or College resources. Members of the Unified Administrative Service (UAS) and other users of the Administrative Computing Network (ACN) will need to use different remote access and VPN methods (see below).
Follow the instructions for your operating system:
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VPN access from abroad
We're aware that various VPN services provided by the University are not accessible in some territories where access to the internet is filtered or blocked. This is outside the University's control.
If you're unable to access certain University resources as a result, please contact the institution that provides them – for example, the Department or College – to make alternative arrangements. Contact the UIS Service Desk for help with accessing UIS-provided services.
Institution-specific VPNs
Some institutions have their own VPN that can only be accessed by their members. If you need to access your institution's VPN, you can follow the same instructions as for the UIS VPN above, but with a few key differences:
- The hostname of the VPN server will be different.
- If you need to install a server certificate (currently this applies only to the built-in client on Android), you'll need to install one specific to the institution.
- Apple devices will require a different profile.
You'll find the appropriate hostnames as well as links to certificates and profiles in this list of institution VPNs.
Unified Administrative Service and other ACN users
Remote access system
You can connect to the University network from home or other locations so that you can use common applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, and access University systems like CamSIS, CHRIS and CUFS.
You need to connect to a University VPN, such as the ACN VPN, before using remote access if you are working away from the University. If you are connected to a University network or using a wireless service (eduroam), then the VPN is not needed.
Important note: Your PC should be patched, up-to-date and also be running up-to-date antivirus software.
Follow the appropriate instructions for your operating system and browser:
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The ACN VPN
The ACN VPN is another method you can use when wishing to connect to your physical office computer from home. If you'd like to use this approach, instructions are available for Windows 10, Windows 11 and macOS users.