Student onboarding

You will gain access to your first module via the Aston Online Digital Campus, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), on Monday, 26 January 2026. This is when your studies will officially commence. 

However, Onboarding can be accessed from today and is designed to help you make the most of your online learning experience.  

By engaging with Onboarding, you will:  

• Develop strategies for effective online study and time management  
• Recognise the challenges and opportunities of academic study  
• Build connections with peers, tutors, and the wider academic community  
• Define your personal learning goals and academic objectives  
• Access key resources to support your online learning journey  

Participation in Onboarding is optional, but we highly encourage you to engage with the content to set yourself up for success. You can explore different sections at your own pace, focusing on the areas most relevant to you.  

Following Onboarding, join us for Induction Week, commencing Monday, 19 January 2026. This dedicated week is designed to equip you with essential knowledge about online learning, our expectations, and practical processes. You’ll also undertake some mandatory training. We strongly encourage you to participate fully throughout the week to establish a solid foundation for your studies.   

Accessing the Digital Campus is simple. You will receive an email with your username and password. If you haven't received your login details yet, check your inbox (including junk mail) for an email from Aston University. Then keep these details safe!   

For security and ease of access, always log in to the Digital Campus using this link:   
  
https://vle.astononline.ac.uk/ultra/institution-page   
  
Bookmark this URL, as you will use it to access all your study materials and connect with your peers and tutors.    

Please make sure you have your finances in order, as per the guidance below:     

• Student finance/loan: Apply for a student loan if you intend to use this method of funding your studies. Regularly check the student loan portal for updates and respond promptly to any queries. Ensure you apply for a part-time loan, and you select the correct programme (e.g., BSc Business and Management [Aston Online]) when making your application, as failure to do so may impede your ability to study with Aston Online.     

• Self-funding: Pay your tuition fees in full or set up a monthly payment plan when prompted by the finance team.     

• Scholarship: If you have a scholarship, forward the official letter from the provider to the finance team for payment setup.    

For an optimal online learning experience, use a compatible browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge. You'll also need access to Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). If you do not have this software, you can access it here.  

If you have not yet disclosed a disability that may impact your studies, please contact us as soon as possible. We are committed to ensuring your success and can provide an individualised support plan tailored to your needs. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.    

Join our dedicated LinkedIn group for Aston Online students.  You can begin to connect with fellow students in your programme, share updates, and build a supportive network for learning and socialising. Feel free to introduce yourself!

The Aston Student Union welcomes all students, including online learners. Visit their website to discover exciting social events, support services, and resources available to you.