VPN - What is it and why do I need it?

Page reviewed:  27/01/2026

To be able to access SLU services even when you are working outside the SLU network, you need VPN. VPN means Virtual Private Network and creates a tunnel for SLU traffic between your computer and the SLU network. Examples include the library's databases, e-journals and other electronic resources.

Who can use VPN?

All students at SLU can use SLU's VPN solution to create a secure computer connection to the SLU network from outside. You need to have an active SLU account.

How do I start using VPN?

If you want to start using VPN, you will find complete help on this page:

https://vpn.slu.se

If you are impatient, you can jump to https://vpn-uppsala.slu.se/ (NB, this link will not work if you are already connected to the network at the Uppsala Campus), enter the group "Default", your SLU username and password, and press Login. The website will then try to download a VPN client to your computer and start the connection..

More information

Most services available at SLU have restrictions on who can access the service. Often these restrictions are linked to the fact that you must have an IP address on the SLU network. With VPN, you establish a secure connection between your computer and SLU, and get an address on the SLU network.

Good to know:

We have four VPN servers. If one doesn't work, you can try connecting to another one until the problem is fixed. Don't forget to report the outage to support@slu.se so we are aware of the problem.

The servers are named:
vpn-uppsala.slu.se
vpn-umea.slu.se
vpn-alnarp.slu.se
vpn-skara.slu.se

Change profile

Some real-time services such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom may not work properly over VPN. If you often experience problems with these services, you can try using a profile that only tunnels traffic to SLU's own addresses, so-called "Split Tunneling".

When you have selected the VPN server in the AnyConnect client and pressed "Connect", a login box will appear where you enter your details. At the top there is a multi-select menu called "Group". Click there and select SLU_VPN-ST. Then log in as usual with your AD account.

NOTE: Some external resources such as the library's publication databases and e-journals will not work when using this profile. If you often work with these, it is recommended to use one of the standard profiles Default or SLU_VPN

 

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