Digital guide

Why you need to set up your SRUC.ac.uk account before you arrive:

Before you arrive at SRUC we want you to have set up your SRUC.ac.uk account username and password.

Your SRUC.ac.uk account gets you access to the systems and applications you need during your studies. 

Having your SRUC.ac.uk account set up and working will make your arrival run more smoothly as it will enable you to log into SRUC's  systems on your first day.

After you set up your account, your details will be as follows:

• Username is S30*****@sruc.ac.uk
• Email is S30*****@student.sruc.ac.uk
• Your password is the same for all systems

Please be aware that SRUC requires that student SRUC.ac.uk accounts be secured by multifactor authentiaction (MFA).

During the registration process you will be asked to set up multifactor authentication using SRUC's preferred method which is on the Microsoft Authenicator App:

Download for Google Android

Download for Apple iOS

How to Set up your SRUC.ac.uk account:

You will receive two emails from SRUC.

Registration username email: Look out for an email from  registry@sruc.ac.uk  with the subject “SRUC Registration Email 2026” (please keep an eye in your junk\trash email folder if it does not appear in your inbox.) The email will similar to what is shown below.

Password email: Look out for an email from ISServiceManagement@sruc.ac.uk with the subject “SRUC Registration Information" This will contain your password.

 You will need your username for later steps in this process, so keep it safe and have it ready for copying.

You will now need to start the registration process by accessing the Registration Portal.

When you click on "Click here to access SRUC Registration Portal, you will see the following screen requesting your username:

Next, enter in your @sruc.ac.uk username  and password that you have received. 

Once your you have entered your password, you will be asked to “Keep your account secure”. This is where you will set up your SRUC multi factor authentication (MFA). Multi factor authentication is explained in more detail here: IT Support at SRUC | Multi-factor authentication

When you click “Next” you will be asked to download the app before proceeding to the next step. 

Don't proceed until you have download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal device.

Once the app is on your mobile device, click “Next”

A QR code will be generated on the screen which you will need to scan using your app on your personal device.

Open the app to add a “work or school account” by pressing on the “+”  button.

Point your device at the screen and scan the QR code

(The QR code on the screen guide below should not be scanned as it is only for demonstration purposes).

When you scan for the first time a you will be sent a notification to your app which asks you to enter the random number that is generated as shown below.

You will have 60 seconds to enter the number. If you miss the 60 second deadline,  you can “request another code” 

When you enter the correct code, you will see a confirmation screen. You are now fully set up with MFA.

Now that MFA is set up it is time to get back to the registration process by going back to your email and clicking on  “Click here to access SRUC Registration Portal”, as shown below.

If you are asked to login in again, please enter your username and password.
 

The Portal will look similar to what is shown below.

Click on “My Registration”

In the next steps of the registration process you will be presented with a number of screens that ask you to confirm that you have read and  understood various SRUC policies.  These policies include: 

• Declaration and Undertaking - This is a general policy which outlines how SRUC's expects students to conduct themselves during their time at SRUC

• Data Privacy - This policy explains how and why SRUC uses, stores and deletes your personal data

• Acceptable Use of IDS Facilities - This policy explains how SRUC expects students  to use IT and computing services 

• Turnitin - This policy explains how and why SRUC uses the software package called  Turnitin to check student work for plagiarism 

• Equality, Diversity and Human Rights - This policy states how SRUC wishes to create an environment in which everyone can take part, in which no one is excluded because of difference.

• Criminal Conviction: SRUC needs to know if you have any criminal convictions

Click on “Save and Continue” to move to the next step where you will be asked to read the data privacy statement and confirm your answers.

Click on “Save and Continue” to move to the next step where you can view and accept the "Acceptable Use of IDS Facilities. IDS stands for Information and Digital Services.

Click on “Save and Continue” to move to the next step where you can confirm that you have read and understood the Turnitin policy.

Click on “Save and Continue” to move to the next step where you will be asked to accept SRUC's Equality Diversity and Human Rights policy.

Click on “Save and Continue” to move to the next step where you will be asked to declare any criminal convictions.

The next section of the registration process will appear differently depending on what type of student you are registering as, i.e. Higher education, International, or further education student.
 

• Higher Education (HE) including International students will be asked to fill out the HESA declaration followed by series of additional information screens. 

• Further Education (FE) students will be asked to fill out a FES Declaration followed by a series of additional information screens.

  In Scotland, Further Education (FE) generally refers to education and training undertaken after secondary or high school but below degree level.

  It is primarily delivered by Scotland's colleges and includes:

  • National Qualifications (NQs)

  • Highers and Advanced Highers (in some college settings)

  • National Certificates (NCs)

  • Higher National Certificates (HNCs)

  • Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)

  • Vocational and professional qualifications

  • Apprenticeship-related learning

Adult and community learning programmes

Once you have filled out your HESA or FES declaration you will have to fill out a number of pages of forms asking for personal and important information that will help SRUC and Scottish Education authorities to process your registration.

Some of the information you will be asked to submit is straightforward such as your name and address. Other information is more in depth or classified as “protected characteristics”. 

The data you provide contributes to

• SRUC's policies and practices by helping us understand our student demographic and experiences at all stages of the student journey (or while study with us - whichever reflects language used elsewhere perhaps)
• SRUC's equality, diversity and inclusion priorities and contribution to tackling sectoral inequalities

• national level analysis by sector quality and funding bodies 

  You are welcome to respond to some or all of these questions by inputting your details or selecting ‘prefer not to say’.

Below we list the meanings of some of these questions that we ask for during your registration.  In some cases we provide definitions from Protected characteristics | EHRC

Age: A person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages (for example 18 to 30 year olds). See our guidance on age discrimination

Sex: Sex discrimination | EHRC

Gender reassignment (trans): Where a person undergoes, or proposes to undergo, a process for the purpose of reassigning their sex. See our guidance on gender reassignment discrimination.

Disability: A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. See our guidance on disability discrimination.

Race or ethnic group: A race or ethnic group is a group of people defined by their colour, nationality (including citizenship) ethnicity or national origins. A racial group can be made up of more than one distinct racial group, such as Black British. See our advice and guidance on race discrimination.

Religion or Belief: Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to any religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition. See our guidance on religion or belief discrimination.

Sexual Orientation: Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes. See our advice and guidance on sexual orientation discrimination.

Emergency Contact: SRUC cares about its students. We need to be able to contact someone close to you in the event that you become mentally or physically unwell.

When you have completed filling out the registration forms, it is now time to upload your student photo. Click on “Upload student photo”

To upload your photograph, please read the guidelines and then “Choose File” followed by “Upload photo”.

After setting up your @sruc.ac.uk account STOP and Wait 24 hours

Once you receive your username and password some of the SRUC systems will take 24 hours (or 72 hours if you registered over the weekend) to update and allow you to login. 

Your Microsoft Office account will likely work straight away but your Moodle access will need time to update.

Password Reset

If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it yourself using your phone or an alternative email address.

If you have a SRUC.ac.uk  student account, you can reset your password yourself. But, you can only do this if you set up your self-service details. If you have not set this up, you will need to contact IT to have your password reset. (You will need to answer security questions for us to reset this for you)

If you are already set up with your SRUC.ac.uk account  you can access the password reset help guide here

If you can't access your SRUC.ac.uk account and require a password reset, then please contact Ithelp@sruc.ac.uk or telephone (+44)131 535 4444

our email  is the primary way that SRUC communicates with students, both before you arrive at SRUC  on campus and during your studies. 

Important information such as enrolment updates, timetables, assessment deadlines, exam information, learning resources, student support services, campus announcements, and emergency notifications will often be sent directly to your email address. 

Checking your email regularly helps ensure you do not miss important opportunities, deadlines, or updates that could affect your studies and social experiences. 

We recommend reviewing your email daily  so that you stay informed, connected, and able to respond promptly to any SRUC or peer communications.

Why must every student read and understand SRUC's digital Policies?

Before using our digital services, all students must read the “Acceptable use of It Facilities” Policy to understand their responsibilities, help keep SRUC's data and systems secure, and ensure they use technology safely, legally, and respectfully.

Please read this this policy: Acceptable Use of IT Facilities Policy - Students 

Why must you be cyber aware before coming to SRUC?

We want our students to be safe while carrying out their digital activities while at SRUC.  

Completing the Cyber Security Training before you arrive at SRUC will help you stay safe online and protect your personal information from common cyber threats such as phishing emails, scams, and account theft. 

As a student, you will use a range of systems to access learning materials, submit assignments, and communicate with staff and classmates, making it important to understand how to use these services securely.

The training will provide practical tips on creating strong passwords, recognising suspicious messages, and protecting your devices and data. 

By completing the training before you arrive, you will be better prepared to use SRUC's systems safely from your first day, helping you avoid security risks and focus on settling into your studies.

Please take this cyber security awareness training course before you arrive at SRUC.

SRUC has several Moodle sites so please make sure you are accessing the one that you have been directed to use.

• Most International,  full and part-time students will access our SRUC Moodle site – SRUC Moodle.
• Work-based learners undertaking vocational qualifications and micro-credential learners will access our Training site – SRUC Training Moodle.
  
  
• School pupils undertaking courses with us access our School site – SRUC Schools Moodle

 

When you log into Moodle you should see your home screen that will provide you with access to your courses as well as other induction and important information.

Kaltura is our video and virtual classroom media partner and it is integrated into Moodle.

Why you should read and understand this glossary of digital terms

Understanding these key terms  will make it easier to follow instructions, access support, and use university technology with confidence. It can also reduce confusion during your first few weeks, helping you settle in more quickly and focus on your studies rather than trying to learn unfamiliar technical vocabulary.

Credentials: This is another way of saying  “Username and Password”.

Cyber Security: This term is used by SRUC when referencing general  online safety and security.

Kaltura: This is the software that our virtual classroom runs on. Kaltura is integrated into our learning management system called Moodle.

Learning Management system (LMS): SRUC uses Moodle as explained above.

Library Services - Each Library or Learning Commons provides study spaces, PCs, free 8 hour laptop loans and printing/scanning facilities.

Student Account: This  is your unique SRUC.ac.uk username and password. Keep it's details safe and don't share it with anyone else.

Microsoft Office: Core systems for email, spreadsheets note taking , presentations and documents.

Moodle: SRUC's Learning Management system. Coursework, virtual classrooms and  teaching material are presented using Moodle.

Multifactor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that keeps your account safe. It means you will be asked to confirm it’s really you when you log on to SRUC systems,

mySruc: Is an app that allows you to access student systems and news that that you will help you during your time studying at SRUC.

Padlet: A cloud-based idea sharing and collaboration tool used by students and teaching staff.

Student Desktop: Available to all students, it is a way of logging on to SRUC systems from any location, on any device.
 
Student Advantage:  The system SRUC uses to display your timetables. It is also used as a tool where you can send private messages to your tutor as well as recording if you are going to be absent from classes.

Virtual PC: This system is only available to certain student groups. Logging on to the virtual PC allows students to access specialist software tools that require access to a local C: drive.

Listed below are details of computer and digital facilities you can expect at each of our campuses

Wi-Fi
SRUC provides Eduroam Wi-Fi to all students. It is really simple to logon to Eduroam using your SRUC username and password.  Click here to view the Eduroam User guide  

Borrow a digital device from a Lapsafe

SRUC provide Lapsafes so that students can borrow laptops or Chromebooks for use during the day. 

Devices borrowed from the Lapsafes will show up on your library account, the same way books do.

You will find our Lapsafe terminals in or close to our campus libraries.
Once you have your SRUC login account, you can access the Lapsafe help guide

On Campus Computer Labs

Each of SRUC's campuses has computer labs which students are free to use. Each computer lab will have multiple desktop computers that any student can log on to and use at anytime. All the machines in the computer laps will have the same  standard software installed on them.

Printing

Printing at SRUC is easy. All you need to do is print while logged into your student desktop and then, with your matrculation/student card just pop along top any printer to retrieve your prints.
Every student gets £6 of print credits. If you use up all of your credits there is a small fee for printing. Find out more about our printing services here Home - Guide: Print, Copy, Scan - LibGuides at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

Accessibility

SRUC has a range of tools to aid students while they work on digital devices.  These tools are available to students while using the Student Desktop

If you require any additional accessibility tools for your digital life at SRUC then please request them via email: ithelp@sruc.ac.uk 

Why and when should you use the Student Desktop?

The Student Desktop is a system that allows students to logon to their SRUC desktop from any location. It is like a virtual desktop and is available to all students from any location, whether on your own device, on campus or on a loan laptop or Chromebook.

It allows you to have the same desktop experience from remote locations as if you were logged on to an SRUC device on campus. 

Registered students can access student Desktop by  logging in to this link with your SRUC Credentials: https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html

If you are already set up with your SRUC.ac.uk account you can read this  help guide for accessing the Student Desktop which is available on Moodle, your learning management system.

Why and when should you use the Virtual PC?

The virtual PC is only available to certain student groups. Logging on to the virtual PC allows students to access specialist software tools that require access to a local C: drive. Teaching staff will inform you if you need access to the Virtual PC.

Hybrid Teaching Methods are used at SRUC, which is a combination of both in person and online.

SRUC's Learning Management System: Moodle, Kaltura, and Padlet:

Coursework, virtual classrooms and teaching material are presented using Moodle.

Every module and unit will have a Moodle page containing all the information you need to know about the course, as well as a range of online learning activities. You may also be required to complete your assessments via Moodle; your lecturer will explain how to do this as part of your introduction to the module or unit. 

Moodle can be accessed using any internet-enabled device, from anywhere in the world, at any time.

This video introduces Moodle, including how to navigate the platform and some of its key features: SRUC Student Introduction to Moodle

If your tutor schedules a virtual classroom session, you will access it in Moodle using our video system called Kaltura. 

Padlet is a cloud-based collaborative platform that allows you to create and share virtual bulletin boards, known as padlets. With Padlet, you can upload, organise, and collaborate on content in real time. 

Why should you use Student Advantage

Student advantage is a core student system that must be used by all students.  Its key uses are :

• Access to your time table so you know when and where to attend your classes

• Recording your absences from class ( This is a very important task for students to do if they miss a class)

More Details about Student Advantage

It is the system SRUC uses to display your timetables. It is also used as a tool where you can send private messages to your tutor as well as recording if you are going to be absent from classes.

Student Advantage enables SRUC students to access and update information that will help
them manage their time at SRUC. This can include personal and contact details, timetables, exams schedules, attendance records, module enrolments and assessment information.

Students also have access to the Advantage Message Centre, enabling them to communicate with other Advantage users, including their Tutors.

All of this functionality is browser-based and is available via the Internet, meaning that SRUC students can access information at any time and from any location on any device.

You can also access Student Advantage via your MySRUC mobile app or via Moodle 

Access Student Advantage via mySruc app as shown below

Access Student Advantage through Moodle as shown below

More Details on Accessing your Timetable 

There are multiple ways to access timetables at SRUC.
 

• Before term starts you can use this web link to access timetable information

• During term time you can login using your SRUC username and password to access timetables via the digital portal called “Student Advantage”. 

You can also access time tables using the Student advantage button on the mySRUC app.

How to view your timetable

Your timetable will then be displayed as shown below.
 

How to report your absences

Students are required to report absences using the “Report an Absence” option on the home menu.

How to check your enrolments

Expand the Enrolment menu and choose Class Enrolments, Course Enrolments or Teachers

Below is an example of a course enrolment

SRUC has 5 campus Libraries and Learning commons - in Aberdeen, Barony, Edinburgh, Elmwood, and Oatridge.  

Each Library or Learning Commons provides study spaces, PCs, free 8 hour laptop loans and printing/scanning facilities.

Books and magazines relevant to the programmes taught at the campus are available to borrow or read in the Library and Learning Commons.

Students at SRUC automatically become library members on enrolment. This allows students to borrow resources from the Library and Learning Commons, and to access electronic book and journal collections.

Library staff are available to help students use the services, and to find the most suitable resources for their needs.

Find out about our library services here Home - Guide: Welcome - LibGuides at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

• How to use the Library: 

• Frequently asked questions about our library services

• Printing - Every student gets £6 of print credits. If you use up all of your credits there is a small fee for printing. Find out more about our printing services here Home - Guide: Print, Copy, Scan - LibGuides at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

• Search SRUC's Library