Getting the most out of the VPN for everyone
During the Coronavirus crisis, to help each other, please only connect to the VPN service when you are accessing resources that you cannot access without the VPN, and disconnect from the VPN service as soon as you have finished using it.
Please also be careful not to use any video services (such as Teams, Zoom or YouTube) while connected to the VPN.
You can use your Raven password 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.
Virtual 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.
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.
United Administrative Service and other ACN users
New remote access system
You can connect to the University network from home or another locations so that you can use common applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, and access University systems like CamSIS, CHRIS and CUFS.
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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Old remote access system
You can continue to use the old remote access system if you have set it up on your machine already. You can also use it to create your own VPN to connect to your office computer if you need to use any special software you've installed. Follow the appropriate instructions for your operating system:
Note: If you use https://remoteaccess.admin.cam.ac.uk and are unable to log on due to a lack of available licences, please use the new solution above.