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Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage system that allows you to store Google Workspace files and also those created elsewhere. You can work collaboratively with others on files stored on Google Drive. It supplements your personal and shared filestore. 

There may be some situations where Google Drive is not suitable.

This service is part of Google Workspace

Key features

  • Folders: organise and manage files.
  • Shared drives: create files that everyone in your team can access, even if the original creator of a document leaves the University.
  • Share documents with others: allow them to view, edit and collaborate in real-time.
  • Store and convert: upload files created outside of Google Drive and convert Microsoft files to Google Workspace formats.
  • Offline access: you can make files available for editing even when you don't have an internet connection.
  • Access on the go: easily access your files on your computer, tablet or phone.
  • Google Drive desktop app: synchronise your Google Drive files with your computer, and backup files from your computer.
  • A mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Access instructions

Open Google Drive

Sign in with your University email address and password.


Available to staff and students

All members of the University are automatically given a personal Google Workspace account, which includes access to this service. You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.

App and web-based

Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. This service also works in your web browser.

Funded by the University

There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.

Additional information

Files saved in Google Drive are stored in the cloud. This offers good access and security but may be unacceptable in some very specific cases (eg highly sensitive research data).

If you're using sensitive data supplied as part of a research contract, ensure that you are aware of the requirements of the data provider, who may not agree to datasets being stored or shared via Google Drive.

For more information, see data management for research.

Access instructions

Open Google Drive

Sign in with your University email address and password.

Guides and help

How-to guides and set up

Search all our guides and help

Training and best practice

Accessibility

Contact for support

If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.

Service commitments

This service is part of Google Workspace. See Google Workspace: service commitments for related user responsibilities and policies.

We expect you to:

  • Manage your documents, files and folders, deleting any that are no longer needed.
  • Manage the ownership and sharing settings of your documents to keep them secure and only available to people authorised to access them.
  • Transfer ownership of documents that will continue to be needed to a colleague upon leaving or changing roles.
  • Only use Google Drive when it is appropriate to do so (eg highly sensitive research data should not be stored in a cloud-based file storage system).

The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.

Availability

Support

  • This service is managed by a third party.
  • They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
  • This service is part of Google Workspace. For full details of the support we provide, see Google Workspace: service commitments.

Standards

We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.

Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024