UCSF School of Pharmacy

Internet Requirement Fall 2008

We require that your computer can connect to the internet because of the internet's significant usefulness in delivering information. To connect to the internet, you must have an internet service provider which provides the connection between your computer and the internet.

Need Financial Help?

For students using financial aid, the student budget allows US$40 per month to contribute to the cost of internet service. If you expect that your monthly cost will be greater than this and/or if you need assistance in funding installation or setup costs, contact the Financial Aid office once you receive your award letter to see if your budget can be increased to cover this expense.

Internet Service Choices

If you have applied for and received student housing at Mission Bay or at 145 Irving, your apartment includes a direct connection to the UCSF network, and this automatically meets your internet requirement. All other students are responsible for selecting an internet service provider and purchasing service.

• High-speed Service:
  Use an installed, high-speed service such as DSL, cable modem, or satellite. You are responsible for the cost of this service, which is typically between US$30 and US$80 per month. You might choose this option if you don't mind paying more for faster internet access, or if you prefer the convenience of an "always on" connection, or if you prefer the convenience of being connected while having your phone line free for voice calls. The availability of these services depends on where you live. Speed and pricing vary widely. The service you choose determines what kind of device (DSL, cable modem, or other hardware) is used -- a DSL modem from a previous provider might not be compatible with the provider you choose in San Francisco. Consequently, it is unwise to buy a DSL modem or cable modem or other such device without knowing that it is compatible with your chosen service provider. Broadband Reports might help you find a service provider.
• Dialup Service:
  Use a 56K modem with dialup service from the internet service provider of your choice. You are responsible for the cost of this service, which is typically about US$20 per month. You might choose this option if you already have such an account and don't want to learn a new system, or if you have address books or files or old e-mail that would be difficult to transfer, or if you enjoy certain features offered by that provider. If you have an existing dialup account, contact your internet service provider to find a dialup phone number in the San Francisco 415 area code.

How do I choose?

If you aren't certain which option to choose, we strongly recommend that you use some kind of high-speed service. Learn more: What is DSL?, What is a cable modem?

More Resources

To obtain advice on selecting an internet option, use resources such as: newspapers, computer magazines, friends, co-workers, search engines on the web, your local library, your local business directory.

Go To: Computer Requirements or Get Your Computer Ready

Student Housing

Mission Bay and 145 Irving Street

Internet service is included in your rent. Your computer connects directly to the University high speed network with wired data ports in your bedroom and living room. Routers, hubs, and wireless networks are not permitted in order to ensure security of the University network. To report problems with your Internet connection, contact Housing Services.

3rd and 5th Avenue Houses

You can receive Internet service from Comcast (cable) or any dialup or DSL provider. Satellite dishes are not permitted. To report problems with your Internet connection, contact your Internet service provider.

Aldea San Miguel

You can receive Internet service from Comcast (cable), DirecTV (satellite), or any dialup or DSL provider. To report problems with your Internet connection, contact your Internet service provider.

Questions?

Contact Housing Services with any questions you may have.

Access to Restricted Servers

To access resources that are restricted to members of the UCSF community, use Virtual Private Network (VPN), which is provided at no charge by UCSF.