Student IT Laptop Loans
Laptop issues can disrupt your studies, so we offer temporary laptop loans to help you get back on track.
What we offer
As part of our upcycling efforts to ensure equitable access, we offer a range of laptop loan programs on a short-term basis for enrolled students.
Please note that we do not offer long-term loans. Devices are also limited and subject to availability.
Laptop loan types
| Mid-term Loan | Mid-Semester Test (MST) Loan | FEIT Loan | Centrally-managed Exam Loan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 4 weeks | 1 Business Day | 1 Business Day | During the exam |
| Use | Your personal device has failed and is being repaired or replaced | Lockdown Browser (LDB) does not work on your own device and IT support has not been organised for a test. | If you're enrolled into an FEIT Lab Subject, and you require a device for class. | To sit your on-site digital exam. |
| Limit | One loan per semester | No limit | No limit | No limit |
| Collection Location | 11 Barry St, Level 1 Reception | Baillieu Library G Floor | ERC Library Level 1 | Delivered to your desk |
| Device Details | Windows 11, 3+ years, Base model | Windows 11, 3+ years, Base model, LDB+OEM installed | Windows 11, 3+ years, Base model, FEIT software installed | Windows 11, new Surface 7, Exam software installed |
How do I know if my MST has IT support organised?
Ask your subject coordinator or check your Canvas LMS subject page for any announcements. If you are still not sure, contact Student IT.
Regarding Centrally-Managed Exam Loans
If you are unsure if your device is suitable for your on-campus digital exam, please visit our laptop preparation page.
These devices are new Windows (Surface) devices delivered to your exam desk for you to complete your exam. They are available over the examination period at our exam locations: Royal Exhibition Building, Wilson Hall, and the AEA venues.
Eligibility & Loan Process
Our loan options have different processes for requests and eligibility. Please ensure that you are eligible for a loan before proceeding.
Eligibility
- ✓ You are currently enrolled at the University.
- ✓ Your personal device has failed and is actively being repaired or replaced.
Loan Process
1) Open a support request by reaching out to our friendly Student IT consultants over the phone, live chat, or at our IT helpdesks at the Baillieu and ERC Libraries!
2) After we make your ticket, you will receive a Microsoft Bookings link via your student email. Use your student email address to:
- Select a convenient date and time.
- Enter the request number provided in the email subject.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
3) Visit our office at Level 1, 11 Barry St, Carlton to collect and return your device. Inform our friendly receptionists of your student loan, name, and ticket number.
Eligibility
- ✓ You have confirmed with your subject coordinator that they have not organised IT support for your exam.
- ✓ You can provide evidence of your exam (LMS screenshot or exam timetable).
- ✓ You have attempted all troubleshooting on your personal device.
Loan Process
1) If you are requesting an MST Loan, please ensure you have confirmed with your subject coordinator that IT support has not been organised.
Furthermore, you must also attempt the following:
- Verify your device meets the computer requirements.
- Uninstall and reinstall Lockdown Browser.
- Ensure Lockdown Browser has been updated.
Note: Lockdown Browser is not supported on Linux, tablets, iPads, or Chromebooks.
2) Open a support request by reaching out to our friendly Student IT consultants over the phone, live chat, or at our IT helpdesks at the Baillieu and ERC Libraries!
3) After we make your ticket, you will receive a Microsoft Bookings link via your student email. Use your student email address to:
- Select a convenient date and time.
- Enter the request number provided in the email subject.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
4) Visit the Student IT Helpdesk at the Baillieu Library G Floor to collect and return your device.
Eligibility
- ✓ You are enrolled in an onsite FEIT Lab subject.
- ✓ You have attempted all troubleshooting on your personal device.
Loan Process
1) You can book a laptop through our Microsoft Bookings Page.
You will need to include your subject code and ensure you have read the terms and conditions before completing your booking.
2) Visit the Student IT Helpdesk at Level 1 of the ERC Library to collect and return your device.
More information and FAQ can be found on our dedicated FEIT Loans page.
Eligibility
- ✓ You are sitting for an on-campus digital exam.
- ✓ You have attempted all troubleshooting on your personal device.
Loan Process
1) Visit our laptop preparation page and confirm that your laptop is not suitable for taking your exam.
2) Click on the button "Request to borrow a laptop" and fill in your details in our request form.
3) On the day of your exam, the device will be placed on your desk at your designated seat number.
Note: Our request form only opens near to the exam period and the link changes periodically.
You cannot request any loan if:
- ✗ You need it for a practice exam.
- ✗ Your personal device works but you need specific software (see Alternatives below).
Alternatives - Software Compatibility Issues
We do not provide loans if your device cannot run certain software.
Our loaned devices are low-spec, older Windows laptops. We cannot guarantee they will run the software you need for your degree. If your personal device works but lacks specific software:
- Use MyUniApps to access Windows-specific applications
- Visit a university computer lab
It remains your responsibility to obtain appropriate equipment for your degree program.
Support - Financial Hardship
If you are experiencing financial difficulties that prevent you from acquiring a device that supports what you need, we encourage you to reach out to the University's Financial Aid team. They are well-equipped to provide personalised guidance on various options available, including student financial grants and loans to help you purchase your own device.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, unfortunately due to operational reasons, the slots you see on our booking portal are the only slots available.
You can reach out to our Student IT team for more information.
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Contact Student IT with your ticket number and we will assess your situation.
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Yes, both versions of Respondus Lockdown Browser are pre-installed and accessible on MST Loan devices.
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No, we would not recommend that you use a Mid-Term loan for an exam. If you are sitting for an on-campus digital exam at Royal Exhibition Building, Wilson Hall, or at an AEA venue, you can request a loan laptop from this page.
If you’re sitting for an unsupported exam, please request an MST Loan.
As mentioned, our Mid-Term loan devices are older devices not configured to run exams, so we would not recommend using them for exam use.
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If you require a loan longer than 4 weeks please reach out to Financial Aid for support in securing a new personal device. In the meantime, you can still proceed with a 4-week Mid-Term loan with our team!
If you already have a loan with us and require an extension, please reach out to our team through the ticket.
Need help?
Contact us over the Phone, Live Chat, or a Support Ticket.
We're here to support your studies. Please use our loan service responsibly so we can help all students who need it.