New Students: Start Using Technologies | IT@UMN (2024)

Initiate Your Account

The first step to getting online at the University of Minnesota is to get your UMN Internet ID and password by initiating your account. Go to the "Claim Account" page to initiate your account.

• Claim Account
  Note: If you are an international student, leave the Social Security Number (SSN) field blank.

Manage Your Account Options

Once you have initiated your account, you can make changes to your account on the My Account page, such as changing or resetting your password, or managing your email options.

• My Account
• Set Your Internet ID Password Reset Questions

Enroll In and Use Duo Security

The University uses Duo Security (two-factor authentication) to secure all current students, faculty, and staff internet accounts. Soon after registering for classes, new students will be prompted to enroll in Duo.

• Enroll in Duo Security
• Learn about Duo Security

Accept Canvas User Agreement

Canvas is the University of Minnesota’s system-wide online learning management system. New students are encouraged to accept the Canvas user agreement before the start of the semester. This will give you an opportunity to receive any pre-semester messages your professor might send to you via Canvas, set up your profile, and explore the tool.

• Sign in to Canvas

Access Your University Email

Your University email account is the official means of communication at the University of Minnesota.

• Access Email

Manage Your University Email

Check your email regularly and be sure to set a strong password for your account. You can also configure your phone or mobile device to receive email.

• Choose a Strong Password

Use the Preferred WiFi Network

The preferred secure WiFi network at the University of Minnesota for students, faculty, and staff is eduroam. Connect to eduroam by selecting it from the WiFi network options on your devices and entering your full University email address and password. You can also connect to eduroam at partner institutions around the world.

• Learn more about: eduroam
• UMN WiFi Networks
• Guest WiFi Access

Troubleshoot Your WiFi Connection

Did you know that a many WiFi connectivity problems are the result of settings or other issues on individual users’ computers, phones and other mobile devices? The good news is many of these can be easily be fixed.

• WiFi: Troubleshoot Your Connection

Register Your WiFi Device

Registering personal WiFi devices allows users affiliated with the University of Minnesota to connect devices such as printers, Xbox, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and more to WiFi. Unregistered devices can disrupt or slow down the University WiFi network, making it difficult for you or your neighbors to connect.

• Self-Help Guide: Register a gaming console or streaming device for WiFi Access
• Log In: University of Minnesota WiFi Device Manager

Review Your Directory Information

Log into MyU using your UMN Internet ID and password. Select the "My Info" tab on the left hand side. Review your information and verify that it is correct. You may also choose to display or suppress different information fields such as phone number or address.

• MyU

View Your Class Schedule

Log into MyU using your UMN Internet ID and password. Click on the "Academics" tab. Under the "My Enrollment" heading, there is a weekly view of your classes and the times they meet. (Note: If you do not see your classes listed, you may need to click on the left and right pointing arrows to change to a week that you have classes scheduled.)

• MyU

Make Tuition Payments

All online payments are made by going to the "My Finances" tab on MyU. You may also grant access to a parent or guest to allow them to make an online payment on your account.
For more instructions, visit One Stop.

• MyU
• One Stop
• Step-by-Step Tuition Payment Instructions
• Granting Finance Access to a Parent or Guest

Get Laptop Recommendations

Wondering what computer to buy? Mac and Windows are fully supported on campus. Check with your department or college to see if they have any specific hardware or software recommendations.

• Department Directory
• MTech
  MTech stores at the University are also a great device and software resource.

Download Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is available to UMN students, faculty, and staff at no charge. Office 365 includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

• Download Microsoft Office 365

Get Other Free and Discounted Software

The University of Minnesota works with vendors to provide discounts on a variety of software products.

• Find Software

Use Technology in On-Campus Housing

• What to Bring
• Important note: If you bring a computer, also bring a wired network/ethernet cable.
• ResNet: Technology in Your Residence Hall

Visit Computer Labs

There are several public computer labs across campus available to all students and each residence hall also has a computer lab.

• Computer Labs

Print via the WiFi Network

Students are able to print in OIT-managed printing locations from their personal laptops connected to the Twin Cities campus UMN WiFi network and from remote locations when also connected to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) with Cisco Secure Client. Available at nine locations across campus. Set up WiFi printing once, and use it anywhere you can connect to University of Minnesota WiFi.

• WiFi Printing
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• UMN WiFi

Practice Safe Computing

Learn how to keep your computers, mobile devices, and data safe, both at home and at the U.

• Recognize and Report Email Scams
• Follow Safe Computing Good Practices

Get Technology Help

Technology Help is your first point of contact for hardware, software, and internet support (and more!). You can contact Technology Help for assistance even if you are not on campus yet.

• Technology Help

Use University Technologies for Your Courses

• Canvas
  Your instructors may create websites for your courses in the Canvas learning management system.
  • Canvas Student Orientation Online Course
• Other Technology for Courses

Use Communication and Conferencing Tools

Use University-supported technologies to communicate with large audiences, small groups or individuals.

• Google Apps
  Your University Google Apps includes Google Hangouts.
• Zoom
  • Zoom Meetings for Education (Students & Educators)
    This recorded training will demonstrate steps and best practices for using Zoom with your classes.
• Other Communication and Conferencing Tools

Take Technology Training

• Canvas Student Orientation Online Course
• Zoom Meetings for Education (Students & Educators)
  This recorded training will demonstrate steps and best practices for using Zoom with your classes.
• Technology Training
  Find in-person and online training for technologies used on campus.
• Google Workspace Learning Center

Find More Services and Resources for Students

• Browse Services and Resources