Now that you're in our virtual Campus, you will be able to talk and message other avatars as well as interact with each other using the emotes available.
Please remember, when you log in to VirBELA you will be taken to the VirBELA Open Campus, where you are able to interact with any other user on the VirBELA platform. You will be provided with an access code so you can access a private team suite which is a bespoke area that only University of Sunderland students and staff can access.
Within our private team suites you will be able to meet other students and get guidance from staff, take part in events and quizzes, and even attend an online Freshers Fair.
Voice chat is the primary way avatars can communicate. You can voice chat with anyone in the same room as you. It is highly recommended to use voice chat with a pair of headphones with a built in microphone. This reduces ambient noise and echoing caused by using the computer’s built-in microphone.
To use voice chat, click the Microphone button in the bottom left corner. When the microphone icon turns green and says "On Air" your voice will be transmitted to others. You can speak freely. Your voice is transmitting when the chat bubble appears over your avatar's head.
You can also use Text chat. To use text chat, press Enter. Alternatively, click on the chat bar portion of the communication toolbar. A typing cursor will appear in the chat bar, enter your message and hit the enter key again to send it
You can develop your Avatar now before the University of Sunderland Freshers Welcome Week opens on the 14 September. You can also change your Avatar name and add any pronouns you may prefer by clicking your name in the top left blue menu then clicking Profile.
There will be full access to VirBELA - including interaction with our new students, the Students Union and academics - from Monday 14 September.
Please note if you are a new student you will receive an email from 11th September giving you an access code to the Private Team Suite, allowing you access to the Freshers Welcome Week area.