How to connect

This page explains the respective steps for each type of connection

Connect to VPN

The VPN uses the public Internet to connect a remote computer, such as a home computer or a laptop, securely to the UWaterloo network. The underlying principle is to make the remote computer seem as if it were physically connected to the campus network.

Access N Drive

Some students, faculty and staff are unable to open or locate files saved locally which would normally be accessed on a campus lab computer. If you are not on a campus lab computer, to access files locally you will need to map your N:\ drive (network drive).

Mapping Network Drives on Windows (access using nexus\userid)

User:

Server Address:

For Arts faculty, staff and graduate students

\\artsfileu.uwaterloo.ca\artshome$\userid

For Psychology staff, faculty and graduate students

\\files\users$\userid

For Renison staff and faculty

\\renfileu.uwaterloo.ca\renhome$\userid

For St. Paul’s staff and faculty

\\stpfileu.uwaterloo.ca\stphome$\userid

For Arts undergrad students

\\files.uwaterloo.ca\students$\userid

 

Mapping Network Drives on MacOS (access using nexus\userid)

User:

Server Address:

For Arts faculty, staff and graduate students

smb://artsfileu.uwaterloo.ca/artshome$/userid

For Psychology staff, faculty and graduate students

smb://files/users$/userid

For Renison staff and faculty

smb://renfileu.uwaterloo.ca/renhome$/userid

For St. Paul’s staff and faculty

smb://stpfileu.uwaterloo.ca/stphome$/userid

For Arts undergrad students

smb://files.uwaterloo.ca/students$/userid

 

Migrate files from N:\Drive to OneDrive

Migrating the files on your N Drive (nexus drive) to OneDrive on Windows 10 or MacOS so the files can be easily accessed remotely from any device via web browser on Microsoft 365 .

Remote Desktop Connection

The remote desktop feature in Windows allows you to control your computer from another office or from home. Remote Desktop allows you to use the applications on your office computer, and access your data without being in your office.

Mapping 'N:' drives

Map a network drive to get to it from File Explorer in Windows without having to look for it or type its network address each time.

  1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar or the Start  menu, or press the Windows logo key + E.

  2. Select This PC from the left pane. Then, on the Computer tab, select Map network drive.

  3. In the Drive list, select a drive letter. (Any available letter will do.)

  4. In the Folder box, type the path of the folder or computer, or select Browse to find the folder or computer. To connect every time you log on to your PC, select the Reconnect at sign-in check box.

  5. Select Finish.

If there are other network drives you need to add, follow the same steps above making sure to use the needed file path in step 4.

Virtual Applications

In partnership with IST (Information Systems & Technology), the Arts Computing Office offers remote access to applications used in some courses. Remote access allows a student to run a piece of software without installing it locally on their computer or working in a computer lab. Access is restricted to students registered in courses that are set up to use remote access to software.

More Information

Related articles