Student Guide

The Department of Information Technology staff welcome you to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. We know getting started can be overwhelming so we are here to help. Below you will find important information on accessing the resources available to you. If you have any questions or issues contact us.

Need help or have a question on getting started?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Laptop requirements

To ensure you have an optimal learning experience while using VDI, Zoom, Canvas, etc. you will need a:

  • reliable, high-speed internet connection
  • modern and updated web browser (e.g., a recent version of Firefox or Chrome)
  • web camera and microphone (integrated into computer or USB peripheral)
  • Operating system:
    • Windows 10 or 11
    • Monterey (OS12) at minimum
    • Note: VDI will not run on ChromeBooks, Linux, iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android devices, or outdated versions of Mac OS or Windows
  • Hardware:
    • Processor: Intel i5 or Apple M1 chip recommended.
    • Memory: minimum 8GB RAM. 16GB is recommended.

Incoming students – Getting started

Accessing VDI is powered by the VMWare Horizon Client and all you need is an internet connection.

HarvardKey is Harvard University’s unified credential for accessing a wealth of University applications and services with a single, convenient login name and password.

Student email at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is powered by Microsoft O365. Incoming students must follow a self-service process to activate your account. Please note: access to your Harvard Office 365 account expires 365 days after your graduation date.

Zoom is SPH IT’s self-service web conferencing option. As a current student of SPH you may login to Zoom and start connecting today!

  1. Go to: https://harvard.zoom.us/
  2. Click “Sign in”
  3. Use your HarvardKey login

Test the speed of your home network to help provide IT staff with important information to troubleshoot any issues you may experience online.

Need help or have a question on getting started?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Mobile Computing

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health encourages mobile computing. Wi-Fi coverage extends through all HSPH buildings, and HSPH web sites are designed with the mobile user in mind. The IT Department offers support for both iOS and Android portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Need help or have a question on mobile computing?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Computer Software

Student computing software is available for student use in all computer labs, as well as on the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). VDI allows students to access a virtual computer lab from any internet connected computer.

Microsoft Office365 applications are also available for free download from your O365 account. You can download this software on up to five computers. The software licenses expire when your account does, 365 days after your graduation date.

Need to make a software request? Help with VDI?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Student VDI

  • 2-Step Verification is required to log in to Student VDI.
  • Student VDI contains licensed software used for coursework. Click here for a complete inventory of software.
  • To download the VMware Horizon View client software and begin using VDI, please visit our VDI FAQ.
  • Student VDI is non-persistent. Changes to Windows 10 – such as desktop customizations and user software installations – are NOT saved upon logging out or restarting.  (This includes the following folders: Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos.)
  • Student VDI times out after being idle for 90 minutes. This means you will be logged out after 90 minutes of inactivity, and any unsaved work will be lost.
  • It is advisable that you save your work to your network P: drive before taking a break that will result in 90 minutes or more of inactivity on your Student VDI computer. Do NOT store files directly on Student VDI. Files stored on the Student VDI desktop will be deleted upon logout/disconnect.
  • For best quality, join video conference calls from your laptop, PC, or tablet rather than from VDI. Click here for tips on running VDI and Zoom at the same time.

Student Printing

Student printing is available through Crimson Print. Everything you need to know about Crimson Print is here. Features:

  • Print, copy, and scan to email from any Crimson Print-connected printer at Harvard.
  • Black and white or color
  • Double or single-sided
  • The five student printers on the Harvard Chan School campus are
    • Kresge LL6
    • Kresge LL19
    • Kresge 200 landing
    • Kresge 202 landing
    • FXB G level Lobby
    • Shattuck House Library

Printing costs are as follows:

1-sided color 2-sided color 1-sided grayscale 2-sided grayscale
$0.15 $0.08 (each side) $0.05 $0.03 (each side)

Students have an initial Crimson Print allowance of $25. Additional Crimson Print funds can be added on the Crimson Print page.

Printed output is double-sided and black and white by default. Single-sided and color are available at an additional cost. We encourage you to use the default settings to conserve paper and toner.

How do I...

Need help with printing?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Student Account Policies

A complete list of student account policies may be found at Student Account Policies.