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8 January 2026

Transition to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) across Deakin

From January, Deakin will begin transitioning away from general desktop labs across all campuses. These spaces will be progressively taken offline and replaced by BYOD-enabled learning environments, where students bring and use their own devices.

This change supports more flexible, sustainable and digitally enabled study and reflects how most learning now happens.

What’s changing

General desktop computer labs across Deakin campuses will no longer be available once they are taken offline. From that point on, students will need to bring their own laptop or device to classes where learning activities and assessments are delivered.

This transition applies only to general computer labs. Specialised labs and discipline-specific facilities are managed separately, in consultation with teaching teams.

Why Deakin is making this change

This transition supports Deakin’s long-term commitment to sustainability, equity and future-ready education.

When are labs offline?

The following general computer labs will be unavailable during the January–February transition period.

Burwood from 13 January

Waurn Ponds from 13 January

Waterfront – from 28 January

Warrnambool – from 19 January

What students need to do

Starting in January, you’ll need to bring your own laptop or device for learning activities and experiences, as well as for private or group study on campus.

Check your device is ready

Your device will need to meet Deakin’s minimum computing requirements so you can connect to Wi-Fi, access CloudDeakin and use tools like Microsoft 365.

What if you don’t have a working device or need support

It is a requirement of study at Deakin that you have access to a laptop or suitable device. However, we believe no student should miss out on learning experiences due to financial stress.

Deakin offers a range of support, including:

Explore support at financial support or contact Student Central.

Exam and assessment information

If your unit previously used a general computer lab for assessments or exams, alternative arrangements will be communicated by your faculty or the Exams team. Students will receive updated information about locations and requirements closer to the time.

Devices on campus

A number of Windows-based PCs will remain available in all Deakin libraries.

If you forget your device, your battery is flat, or your laptop isn’t working, Deakin will commence offering a Laptop Loan Program from late February 2026, providing short-term access to laptops through secure, self-service lockers on campus in the library. Loans range from 4 hours to 7 days.

More details will follow as we approach the launch of this service.

Getting connected and set up

If you’re new to Deakin or using a new device, IT Help provides clear guides to help you get started, including:

Get help if you need it

IT Help can support you with:

Visit IT Help to access Knowledge articles, lodge a support ticket, or call IT Help.



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