Getting Set Up

It takes some time to set up your workspace and device, access your College email account and find your textbooks, so get started before the first day of class.

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Create a productive learning space at home:  

  • Choose somewhere as quiet and distraction-free as possible. 
  • Gather your tools and materials. 
  • Think about ergonomics – your seating, computer placement and lighting. 
  • Add a plant, motivational quotes, or meaningful object to inspire you. 
  • Discuss how responsibilities or technology will be shared in your household, if needed.

Set up your workspace for productivity V4

All VCC students receive a MyVCC login to use VCC services. 

  • Your username is your student ID number, which is 9 digits long and usually looks like 000xxxxxx. 
  • The first time you log in, your password is  VCC[your birthday in this format: MMDDYY (6 digits)]#. For example, if your birthday is June 12, 1973, your password is VCC061273#. You will then have to change it to a complex password. 
  • Resetting your student password (pin): If you forget your password or have other trouble logging in, fill out the get back into your account form. Answer the security questions and create a new complex password.

VCC student email:  

  • All VCC students receive a College email account. Your email address format is usually studentID@student.vcc.ca (example: 000123456@student.vcc.ca). 
  • Your initial password will use your birthday in this format: VCCMMDDYY# ("VCC" plus your birthday (MMDDYY) plus "#"). E.g. if your birthday is January 30, 1995, your initial temporary password will be VCC013095#. Following your first login, you will be prompted to create a new, secure password.
  • The video below (1 min 36 sec) shows how to log in. Set up forwarding of your VCC student email. If you have another email account you prefer, set up email forwarding. The College sends important emails to your VCC email acount. 

Set up forwarding of your VCC student email. If you have another email account you prefer, set up forwarding. The College sends important emails to your VCC email account.  
 

If you are a current student and you cannot log in after resetting your password, contact the VCC Help Desk by phoning 604-443-8700 or emailing helpme@vcc.ca 

 

Below are recommendations for the basic technology that will support your learning. 

Computers

A desktop or laptop is best because the larger screen display makes it easier to interact with online course materials and activities. If you are unable to access a laptop or desktop computer, there are computers available for student use in the VCC Library at each campus, and there is some equipment available for loan.

Some student loans or other funding can be used to purchase computers. Check with VCC's Financial Aid Office. Also, the BC Technology for Learning Society offers refurbished computers for students who are receiving any kind of government assistance (including student loans). FreeGeek also offers refurbished devices for lower costs.

Audio

Most computers come with a built-in speaker and microphone; you'll need to get one if your device does not. A headset with microphone may give the best experience, especially if there are others in your household. 

Video

If your computer does not have a built-in camera, you will probably need to get a webcam. It might be required for certain courses, presentations, or during exams. 

Suggested Requirements

Please check VCC’s IT Department recommendations for basic technology needed for online learning.  

  

Mac Laptop Minimum Requirements

Windows Laptop Minimum Requirements

Desktop or PC Minimum Requirements

Performance PC Minimum Requirement (For 3D modeling or drafting)

Intel Mac Laptop, Core i3/m3 processor or better

Intel Core i5 processor or better

PC Windows 10 or iMac capable of running Mac OS X 10.14 or newer (no Chromebook)

Intel Core i7 @ 3.0 GHz or better

OS X 10.14 or higher

Windows 10

Multicore processor with 64-bit support

Windows 10 64 Bit

Minimum 4GB of memory, 8GB recommended

Minimum 4GB Memory, 8GB recommended

8 GB of RAM minimum, 16 GB of RAM recommended or better

Minimum 8GB Memory, 16GB or higher highly recommended

Minimum 120GB storage, 256GB and SSD recommended

120 GB storage or above, SSD recommended

256 GB of storage or better (SSD or hard drive – 7200 rpm recommended)

512 GB storage or above, M.2 PCIe NVMe Recommended

Most laptops have a built in camera and microphone

Most laptops have a built in camera and microphone

1440 x 900 resolution display or better

3840 x 2160 resolution display or better

Optional: head set for audio and video

Optional: head set for audio and video

USB Webcam

Current generation Nvidia Quadro graphics card

 

 

Optional: head set for audio and video

Optional: head set for audio and video

 

*Tip: Some student loans or other funding can be used to purchase computers. Check with VCC's Financial Aid Office. Also, the BC Technology for Learning Society offers refurbished computers for students who are receiving any kind of government assistance (including student loans). FreeGeek also offers refurbished devices for lower costs.

Connecting to the Internet

A wired or wireless Internet connection is best. Many courses have audio or video streaming for lectures or activities, so the higher the speed, the better. Generally, a minimum 5.0 Mbps download and a 1.0 Mbps upload speed is recommended. You may need to plug directly into your internet router or get a WIFI signal extender. 

Browsers

For course work in Moodle, the following 3 browsers are best: Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Install at least one of them on your device.

Mobile Hotspots

If you have a data plan with your mobile device, you may be able to use your phone to provide Internet access to your computer. Read about mobile hotspots for Apple or Android devices, and check with your phone provider to understand how this would impact data and billing. 

*TIP: You can go to almost any post-secondary institution in BC (some institutions have wifi available in the parking lot) and access free wifi through the eduroam network. Open up your network connections, select "eduroam", and then use your VCC student number and password to access the network.

 

You can print, access computers and wi-fi in the VCC Library at the Broadway and Downtown campus. Check the VCC Library website for library hours.

 

For larger print jobs, contact VCC's Print Services by emailing: printservices@vcc.ca. Allow for 1-2 days turnaround time for basic print services, and 2-4 days for advanced print services.  

 

WIFI

 
Access free wifi on your device at any VCC campus through the VCC Open network. You'll need your student ID and password. 
 

You can go to almost any post-secondary institution in BC (some institutions have wifi available in the parking lot) and access free wifi through the Eduroam network. Open your network connections, select "Eduroam," and then use your VCC student number and password to access the network.

Textbooks may be in print or available online (for purchase, or for free). You will receive an email from your department or instructor about the required textbooks and/or supplies for your course.  

 

Textbooks and supplies can be purchased online from the VCC bookstore and shipped anywhere in the world.  

 

 

If you are located outside of Canada, contact your instructor or department as soon as possible if you cannot purchase/access a required text.  

 

You can also search for used textbooks.   

 
The VCC Library has one copy of most required textbooks. Please keep in mind that you may not be able to access this book if it is already in use. Email libraryhelp@vcc.ca  

VCC is committed to providing an accessible learning environment for all students. Disability Services provides individualized support for students who have a known or potential disability in order to remove barriers to learning. 

 

Disability Services works with current and future (prospective) students. They can support your learning in a variety of ways: 

 

  • Academic Accommodations. For example:  
    • ASL interpreting 
    • Support with note-taking 
    • Exam accommodations, like additional time 
    • Assistive Equipment and technologies 
  • Course materials (like textbooks) in accessible formats 
  • Assistance with disability-related funding 

 

Students may register with Disability Services at any time. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Services before the start of term as some accommodations may require up to 4 months to arrange. 

 

This is a confidential service. No disability-related documentation or information will be shared outside Disability Services without the student’s informed consent. 

 

To make an appointment over the phone, please call 604-871-7000, press option #2. Or email disabilityservices@vcc.ca if you have any questions.