Student Loan Laptops
St Luke's and Streatham campuses
University of Exeter Library has laptops available for students to borrow at the Forum Library on Streatham Campus and at Haighton Library on St Luke’s Campus. Laptops can be borrowed, free of charge, for 24 hours or 1 week, depending on availability. Borrowing is self-service and you will need your University Card. You can only borrow one laptop at a time and laptop loans cannot be renewed. The laptop service is first come first served, so do check availability here before visiting:
There is a different loan laptop service operating in Penryn Campus. For full details please read the instructions and FAQs below.
To borrow a laptop:
- Scan your card.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Choose a loan length (subject to availability).
- A locker will open.
- The due date will appear on the screen.
- Unplug the locker cable from the laptop and remove the laptop and the charging unit from the locker.
- Close the locker.
- You will receive an email confirming the loan and the due date.
- The laptop loan is now listed on your Library account.
- You will receive another email before the due date reminding you to return the laptop.
- We advise before leaving campus with the laptop you sign in to ensure all is working.
- You can only borrow one laptop at a time.
To return a laptop:
- Scan your card.
- Select Return.
- Screen prompt to report fault/damage – tap yes/no.
- If yes, select the appropriate option from the multiple-choice list, or select Other and type the problem.
- The locker will open.
- Replace the laptop and charging unit, plug the locker cable into the laptop.
- Close the locker door and the return will be complete.
- You will receive a 'Return Receipt' email.
- If you have not returned the laptop correctly (e.g. locker cable not connected, locker not closed) you will receive a 'Failed Return' email. Please return to the locker and complete the return, or contact Library staff to complete it on your behalf.
FAQs Streatham and St Luke's campuses
This information is about the Student Loan Laptops scheme at Streatham and St Luke's campuses in Exeter. If you are at our Penryn Campus please select the section below.
Where can I borrow a laptop from?
Our current students can borrow laptops at the following locations:
Streatham Campus: Forum library, Level 0, Loan Laptop lockers.
St Luke’s Campus: St Luke’s library, Level 0, Loan laptop lockers.
How do I know if there’s a laptop available?
Laptop loans are subject to availability.
You can check availability in advance via the myExeter app.
There is guidance on downloading the app here.
How much does it cost?
Borrowing a laptop is a free service for our students. There are no late fees payable, but laptops should be returned on time for the benefit of other students.
Who can borrow a laptop?
The student loan laptop service is only available to currently enrolled University of Exeter students.
It is not available to Staff, Associates, Alumni or visitors. Staff requiring a laptop should contact Exeter IT. On the IT system: Log a Request: IT equipment and software > IT equipment and peripherals > IT equipment request
How long can I borrow a laptop for?
You can choose to borrow a laptop for one day or one week . (Subject to availability) You cannot renew your loan, however, once you have successfully returned a laptop you are free to borrow another.
What kind of laptop can I borrow?
The laptops are HP Elitebook 6 running Windows 11. Other models may become available in the future.
What do I need to borrow a laptop?
You will need your Unicard to borrow a laptop.
How can I get help borrowing or returning a laptop?
Speak to library staff at the enquiry desks near the loan laptop lockers for in person support. You can also contact library staff online using ‘Ask us’ live chat or by emailing library@exeter.ac.uk
They will answer your question or escalate to colleagues in Exeter IT as necessary.
Will the laptop have the software have the software I need for my course?
The laptop will have the standard student applications. They are listed here.
You can access Windows Virtual Desktop via the desktop shortcut on the laptop to access other applications (from the remote location).
What if I have technical problems with my loan laptop?
Return the laptop to the locker. You will be prompted to choose the problem from a multiple choice list, or choose ‘Other’ to type the issue if not included. Once the laptop is returned you will be able to borrow another, subject to availability.
Can I use the loan laptop lockers to charge my own device?
No, if you plug something in and close the locker it will count as a return and you will not be able to retrieve your personal item.
What do I do if the laptop is lost or stolen?
Contact the Police to report a theft and record the crime number. Phone Exeter IT as soon as possible to report the loss or theft on +44 (0)1392 72 5050
If I have saved files to the laptop can I get them back?
When a loan laptop is returned it is kept for a period of quarantine when all personal data is wiped to be compliant with GDPR. Please save your files to OneDrive or email them to yourself to avoid losing access to them.
Can I use a USB storage device with the laptop?
No, according to University policy, USB storage devices will not function with these laptops.
Will the laptop connect to wifi automatically?
Yes, the laptops will automatically connect to University Eduroam.
Should I check that I can sign in straight away?
Yes, it’s best to switch on the laptop and sign in to check all is working when you’re close to support.
Student loan laptop terms and conditions
1. Acceptance of Terms
By borrowing a laptop and accessories (known throughout these terms and conditions as “laptop”) from the University, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions. The laptop remains the property of the University at all times.
2. Eligibility
2.1 The Laptop Loan Scheme is available only to currently registered students at the University.
2.2 The University reserves the right to refuse or withdraw access to the scheme where there is evidence of misuse or breach of these Terms and Conditions.
2.3 You are only allowed to borrow one laptop at any given time.
3. Loan Period
3.1 The laptop must be returned by the due date specified at the time of issue.
3.2 Despite condition 3.1, the University may require the immediate return of the laptop at any time for any reason. You agree to return the laptop when instructed by the University.
3.3 Failure to return the laptop by the due date may resultin suspension of your laptop borrowing privileges.
4. Responsibility for Equipment
4.1 You are responsible for the laptop supplied with it from the time it is issued until it is returned and accepted by the University.
4.2 You must take reasonable care of the laptop and protect it from loss, theft, damage, unauthorised access, and misuse.
4.3 You must not leave the laptop unattended in public places or unsecured locations.
5. Loss, Theft and Damage
5.1 Any loss, theft, damage or malfunction must be reported to the University immediately.
5.2 In the event of theft, you may be required to provide a police crime reference number.
5.3 Where loss or damage results from negligence, misuse, deliberate acts, or failure to exercise reasonable care, the University may charge you the cost of repair or replacement, whichever is the lesser amount.
5.4 The University's decision regarding repair or replacement costs shall be final.
6. Use of the Laptop
6.1 The laptop must be used solely for legitimate educational, research, administrative or other lawful purposes.
6.2 You must comply with all University IT regulations, policies and acceptable use requirements.
6.3 You must not:
- install illegal or unauthorised software;
- use the laptop for unlawful activities;
- attempt to circumvent security controls;
- share accounts, passwords or access credentials;
- alter or remove University asset labels or identification markings.
7. Data and Security
7.1 You are responsible for safeguarding any personal data, University data or confidential information accessed or stored on the laptop by you.
7.2 You must use University-provided security measures, including passwords, multifactor authentication and encryption where available.
7.3 The University is not responsible for the loss of personal files, coursework or any other data stored on the laptop by you.
7.4 The University recommends that you regularly back up your work .
7.5 You agree and understand that on return of the laptop to the University all your data and files will be wiped from it within 48 hours of return.
8. Monitoring and Privacy
8.1 The University may monitor, manage, update, audit or remotely secure University-owned equipment where necessary for security, maintenance, legal compliance or operational purposes.
8.2 Such activity will be carried out in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and University policies.
9. Return of Equipment
9.1 The laptop supplied must be returned together and in good condition, subject to fair wear and tear.
9.2 When you return the laptop supplied, you must follow all instructions given to you about how to return the laptop. Failure to do so may result in the laptop continuing to be registered as being on loan to you.
9.3 Failure to return all issued equipment may result in charges for missing items.
9.4 The University may place holds on services, withhold further equipment loans, or pursue recovery of costs where equipment is not returned.
10. Charges and Debt Recovery
10.1 Where charges arise under these Terms and Conditions, the University may invoice the student for repair, replacement or administration costs.
10.2 Outstanding debts may be pursued through the University's normal debt recovery procedures.
11. Limitation of Liability
11.1 The University accepts no responsibility for:
- loss of personal data;
- loss of coursework or files;
- interruption to study arising from equipment failure;
- any indirect or consequential loss suffered by the borrower.
11.2 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
12. Breach of Terms
12.1 Breach of these Terms and Conditions may result in:
- immediate termination of the loan;
- suspension of borrowing privileges;
- disciplinary action under applicable University regulations;
- recovery of costs incurred by the University.
Penryn Campus loan laptops
Penryn Campus Digital Hub desk in the library has laptops available for students to borrow. For full details speak to staff at the desk or see the details and FAQs below.
Borrowing a laptop
- Ask to borrow a laptop at the Digital Hub desk in Penryn library
- Have your Unicard ready
Returning a laptop at Penryn
- Take your laptop back to the Digital Hub desk during opening hours.
- Return to the member of staff and let them know of any issues
FAQs – Penryn Campus
This information is about the Student Loan Laptops scheme at Penryn campus. If you are at our St Luke’s or Streatham campuses please see the section above.
Where can I borrow a laptop from?
Our current students can borrow laptops at the Penryn Campus Library, Digital Hub desk, level 1.
Can I book a laptop?
Laptop loans are subject to availability. They are not bookable in advance. Please just ask at Penryn Campus Library, Digital Hub desk, level 1
How much does it cost?
Borrowing a laptop is a free service for our students.
Who can borrow a laptop?
The Penryn loan laptop service is available to currently enrolled University of Exeter students as well as Staff and Associates.
How long can I borrow a laptop for?
You can borrow for two weeks at a time with renewals allowed up to two months, dependent on stock levels. If you have borrowed for two months and returned the laptop, you would then need a break of a week before requesting again.
What kind of laptop can I borrow?
13" HP ProBooks and MacBook Air for students. HP EliteBook for Staff and Associates.
What do I need to borrow a laptop?
You will need your Unicard to borrow a laptop.
How can I get help borrowing a laptop?
Contact Digital Hub at the DDM Library IT suite on level 1 of Penryn Campus Library, or online at their Sharepoint site.
What if I have technical problems with my loan laptop?
Take the laptop back to the Digital Hub at the DDM Library IT suite on level 1 of Penryn Campus Library, or email servicedesk@fxplus.ac.uk
Will the laptop have the software I need for my course?
All the laptops have the Microsoft 365 suite installed, plus some other additional software. Download and installation of any other software on the laptops is not allowed.