Academic Resources

The academic resources available to FIE students in London are meant to enhance the learning experience and assist students in achieving academic success during their study abroad program. Students have access to a number of libraries in the Kensington area, writing workshops, computer labs and online subscriptions, as well as Moodle use for individual courses.

Library Access

Birkbeck College Library

FIE’s agreement with Birkbeck College, part of the University of London, allows students access to this excellent college-focused library via day passes. The Birkbeck College Library offers extensive academic resources, including books, journals, a reference section, electronic resources, videos and DVDs, photocopying and computers. Study spaces are also available.
Click here for more details on using the Birkbeck Library.

Kensington Public Library

Students can register at this public library and use a variety of resources. Only a short walk from Foundation House, the Kensington Central Library is located just off the popular Kensington High Street. To register, all you need is your FIE ID and once registered, you’ll have access to all London Public Libraries.

JSTOR

This online database of academic journals, images, letters, and other primary resources is useful for research papers. Students are able to access JSTOR from Foundation House or any of the FIE Residence Halls through FIE’s subscription.

Specialist Libraries


If you require a specialist library, please speak with FIE’s Academic Office for further information.

Computing and Technology

Student Computer Lab

Metrogate, one of FIE’s central housing facilities, features a Study Center PC Lab dedicated to open student access and general use on a round-the-clock basis.  The facility contains thirty two PCs equipped with the full range of Microsoft Office Professional applications, and gives students fast and unrestricted online connectivity through a fibre optic cables that are providing each of our sites “wired and wireless” with 100Mbps for upload and 100Mbps for download speed. All PCs are connected to laser printers and scanner, dedicated to student use.

The Lab is dedicated to open access and general use. It is monitored at all times by Metrogate staff and the IT Manager.

The specifications of the facility are as follows:

  • 32 new Dell PCs with Windows operating system
  • 2 laser printers, accessible via student accounts with a small printing charge
  • Software consisting of the full range of MS Office software applications and Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Internet connection of 100Mbps for upload and 100Mbps for download speed

Wireless Internet Access

Foundation House, Metrogate, Hyde Park Gate, Manson Place and Finborough House are all equipped with a 24-hour wireless internet connection.  Students and faculty may access the wireless system in any of these buildings using their laptops. The wireless system is connected to fibre optic cables that are providing each of our sites with 100Mbps for upload and 100Mbps for download speed. 

For access, personal laptops must have a wireless card, and updated operating system and anti-virus software.  FIE will not be responsible for fixing, buying, replacing or providing hardware or software for students’ laptops.

Email

FIE is able to provide students with three options regarding email access and use:

  • Access to web-based email accounts — i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
  • Telneting into home-university accounts
  • Access to home-university email accounts through the corresponding website.

FIE’s Internet User Policies

All cable and wireless network use should comply with FIE rules and policies, as well as both UK and US internet and software usage regulations.

FIE’s networks are for educational use and purposes only.  Some activities are strictly prohibited, this includes:

  • Unauthorized downloading of programs and files
  • File sharing
  • Accessing pornographic sites

IT Support Policy

FIE provides IT support for the main cable and wireless networks every day of the week from 9 am—10 pm, including weekends and holidays. Support for the personal devices of students, staff and faculty is available from 9 am—5 pm from Monday to Friday on business days.