If you're accessing University of Birmingham services from mainland China, please be aware that internet restrictions and connectivity issues may affect your experience. This page provides practical advice to help you stay connected and make the most of your digital tools.
Internet restrictions
The Chinese Government enforces strict internet controls, which may affect access to:
- Google services (e.g. Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube).
- Social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
- VPN services.
These restrictions can vary by region and may change over time. Staff will ensure that essential learning materials are accessible to students based in China.
Recommended tools
Most University of Birmingham services are accessible in China, though performance may vary.
- Microsoft 365: Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are generally available, though uploads and downloads may be slower.
- Canvas: Our Virtual Learning Environment is accessible via desktop and mobile browsers. Some students may experience slower download speeds for course materials.
- Panopto: Videos hosted on Panopto may be accessible, but streaming performance can vary.
Video calls and streaming can be patchy, try lowering the video quality if it keeps freezing.
Tutors will often share materials in different formats (slides, notes, recordings) to make things easier to access.
Improving your connection
To improve your internet experience:
- If possible, use a wired (Ethernet) connection instead of WiFi.
- If using WiFi, sit close to your router.
- Close unused apps and browser tabs to conserve bandwidth.
- Keep file sizes small when uploading or downloading materials.
VPN Use
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are often blocked or unreliable in China and may slow down your connection. Use only if necessary and be aware that performance may be affected.
Logging in securely
The University of Birmingham uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for secure access to online resources:
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator App to generate login codes without needing a local phone number.
- If you’ve changed your phone or number, contact IT Services to reset your account.
- Clear saved usernames and passwords from your browser cache if login issues persist.
Browser compatibility
Avoid using Google Chrome and Chinese browsers, which may interfere with access.
We recommend you use Mozilla Firefox for better compatibility with University systems. Canvas functions best in Firefox.
Mobile access
- The Canvas mobile app may not be available via the Google Play Store in China.
- Use a mobile browser instead, Canvas is responsive and works well on smaller screens.
Microsoft Teams
- Teams generally works well for live sessions and collaboration.
- Performance may vary depending on your local network and device setup.
Important notes
Access to University services may be affected by:
- Your device and software.
- Internet speed and bandwidth.
- Local firewall settings.
These factors are beyond the University’s control, and we cannot guarantee full access from all locations.
Need help?
If you're experiencing issues or need tailored support, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Telephone +44 121 414 7171
Live Chat service via the IT Service Portal https://itservicedesk.bham.ac.uk
Please mention that you are accessing services from China so we can provide the most relevant support.