Download and install the Arduino IDE, the university machines should have the software already installed or installable through AppsAnywhere. https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
Open the Arduino IDE.
Choose the Arduino > Preferences menu
Paste the following into the Additional Boards Manager box. http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json Click on OK to close the Preferences window
Open the Tools > Boards > Board manager menu. find esp8266 by esp8266 community and install.
Before compiling and flashing to the microcontroller open the Tools > Board menu: choose the NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP12-E Module)
As soon as the sketch has been flashed, open the Tools > Serial monitor and change the baud rate to match that in the sketch (typically 115,200).