XFCE is also available as an alternative desktop environment for people who would prefer to use a different user interface. This is unsupported and you are encouraged to use the default environment but having choice is an important part of the linux eco-system.
During Lab Exams only the Ubuntu environment has been tested for use by students and all sessions will default to use the standard desktop environment
To access the XFCE desktop you can choose a desktop environment from the login screen. Click on the screen icon in the top right hand corner of the login screen, you will see that Ubuntu is selected by default. Select XFCE.
This will save your preference for XFCE to your home folder and will continue to login as XFCE until you choose Ubuntu again.
The default XFCE desktop.