Study from Home

To study at home you will need some basic technology:

• Computer (Mac or PC) or Tablet (iPad, Android)
• Internet access (Broadband, WiFi or 4G)
• Web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox recommended)
• Virus Protection
• Operating system should be kept up to date (Windows or Apple) with the most recent security patches.

Start by setting up your device:

• Download available software for your computer or tablet (eg: Zoom, Office 365)
• Connect headphones for the best experience listening to lectures or participating in meetings
• Connect webcam and make sure it's set as the default device in collaboration software
• Test your devices and connections
• Complete a speed test to see if your connection is adequate

While studying from home can be great, it can be easy to get distracted by people and things around you.  Setting up a dedicated study space can help prevent distractions, put you in the right frame of mind and allow you to be successful when studying from home.

Here are our top 5 tips for preparing your workspace:

1. Quiet - You will need to focus so make sure your space is free from annoying noise or distractions (eg: not in the same room where your housemate is watching TV).  If you can, set aside a desk just for study, if that’s not possible, try and locate yourself in a room with a door you can close.
2. Supplies - Hopping up and down to get things from another room is not going to help you remain focused, so collect everything you need before you begin: textbooks, notepads, pens, calculator, computer or tablet, post-it notes, highlighters, and water.
3. Light - A light, bright location is a great mood and study enhancer!  If a nice bright room with a window isn't an option then make sure your space is lit with a lamp or ceiling light, it's important not to strain your eyes while reading or writing.
4. Comfort - It's important to be comfortable, an aching back won't help you finish your essay!  If you can, find a seat that provides support and helps you sit up straight. It's also important to get up and walk around like you would if on-campus, a quick trip to the kitchen for a drink might be the break you need.
5. Energy - When studying from home it's easy to get absorbed in what you are doing and you may forget to eat or drink!  Make sure to keep up your energy levels and avoid that dehydration headache by stocking your study space with some nutritious snacks (maybe the odd chocolate bikkie) and keep your water bottle topped up.

JCU has two main apps to help you get organised and stay that way:

• Calendar included as part of your JCU Outlook Email, where you can add due dates, set reminders, schedule group study sessions etc.
• OneNote for digital note taking which has many benefits including sharing content, embedding pdfs and other documents, web page links and downloads as well as amazing search capabilities.  Find out how OneNote can help you.

Meetings, chats and quick catch-ups are an essential part of student life, JCU recommends and supports a single app for student communication:

• Collaborate

Looking for software that you can install on your computer while studying at JCU? We have a variety of free and subsidised software available to students. Available software can be found on the Software Supplier Agreements and Offers.

Some of our most popular apps are:

• Microsoft Office which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• LinkedIn Learning

While studying at JCU, you have access to Microsoft 365 which includes OneDrive for file storage.  Your JCU M365 account comes with 5TB of cloud storage and gives you the flexibility of having your documents accessible online from multiple locations and from multiple devices.  There is also enough space available to back up your important content, just in case.

While studying at JCU, you have access to Microsoft 365 (M365) which includes: email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and Office online. All emails from JCU will be sent to your JCU email address so check it often.

You can log into email online by going to my.jcu.edu.au use your full email address - firstname.surname@my.jcu.edu.au and your JCU password to log in.  After logging in, you can access other O365 services, such as Office Web Apps: online versions of Microsoft Office products.

• Student Email @ JCU page has more info on your JCU email account.
• Contacts page lists email aliases for subjects & courses, useful for contacting fellow students, lecturers, tutors and colleagues by email. It should be noted that email at JCU is for learning and research purposes and that inappropriate use (or misuse) of email for unsolicited or spam email may incur a penalty.
• Read the Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Policy

Having trouble?

• Further information on installing M365 and using email, calendar and OneDrive for Business.

IT is essential for teaching, learning & research at JCU. As a student at JCU, you have access to a Computer Account. Your account provides access to facilities, systems and resources, to support your learning and research while you study at JCU.

Read these guides, so you are clear about JCU policies and your rights & responsibilities while studying at JCU.

• Account and Computer Security Guide
• Virus Protection - stay protected and download free anti-virus software 
• Passwords - change your password any time
• MFA - Multi-Factor Authentication
• Digital Technologies Acceptable Use Policy - your rights and responsibilities and information about University data collection and confidentiality.
• Copyright - All students at JCU are required to comply with Australian copyright laws, government legislation and with University policies and guidelines, as a condition of their enrollment. JCU has a responsibility under Australian legislation to manage access to the Internet and to control Copyright Material, as a result, access to some websites may be restricted.
• JCU IT Policy Library including Conditions of Use of Computing and Communication Facilities as well as the Student Conduct Policy; see Student Charter

Forgotten or misplaced your computer account details/password or concerned your account has been compromised, then email the IT Help Desk.

JCU App, your mobile study assistant

Download the App today!

• Need to know where to go or how to get there?  Use the JCU app to see your timetable and then find out how to get there with maps
• Need to contact your tutor?  Use the JCU app to search for academic staff by subject code
• Looking for something to do?  Use the JCU app to find JCSA and University events on Townsville or Cairns campus

More info on the Student App page.

Online learning services available to students at JCU are all delivered via LearnJCU:

• LearnJCU - an online learning environment, used for accessing subject materials, group sign up, submitting assessment, checking grades, viewing eLectures as well as communicating and collaborating with your peers.
• LearnJCU Help Guides for students

The IT Help Desk provides Students with a first point of contact for all IT Services offered at JCU, including IT enquiries, software requests and fault reporting.

Contact the IT HelpDesk via JCU ServiceNow portal

Stay informed about current IT news with:

• IT Services KnowledgeBase - start here if you have an IT question
• Service Status Portal - outage information, planned maintenance and service degradation information
• @JCU - Events, news releases, newsletters and notices
• eStudent – for managing your subject enrolments and finding subject results.