You do not have to wait until you start at Cambridge to begin using the IT services at the University. There are 7 tasks that you can complete ahead of the new term.
You need to complete your student registration and get your University account first if you have not already done this.
You can also find out about further IT services that are available once you're on campus.
Before you arrive, you can:
- Set up more than one multi-factor authentication method
- Manage your University account (formerly called Raven)
- Do your cyber security training
- Get software for your personal devices
- Get familiar with Moodle, the online learning environment
- View your student record
- Familiarise yourself with our rules
1. Set up more than one multi-factor authentication method
When you sign in to your Microsoft Exchange Online account for the first time, you will need to set up your second factor for authentication. Make sure you set up more than one method to ensure that you never lose access to your account. For example, the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone and codes sent via text message.
2. Manage your University account (formerly Raven)
Your University account password (formerly Raven) protects many of the University's online systems and resources.
You'll use your Cambridge user id (CRSid) and University account password to log in to protected systems, including:
- CamSIS, your student record
- your Cambridge email
- your Cambridge Microsoft account
- Moodle, the virtual learning environment
Your University account password protects both your personal data and the University’s systems. Never reveal your password to anyone!
Change your temporary University account password
Create a new University account password using your CRSid and the temporary password you were emailed during registration. Make sure you use a strong, but memorable, passphrase.
Find out how to:
Set up your University account password recovery
Set up your self-service password recovery. It makes it easy to reset your University account password if you forget it.
If you don't do this, you'll find it difficult to recover your password away from Cambridge. You'll have to physically bring some photo ID to your College IT staff and ask for a password reset token.
3. Do your cyber security training
Complete our cyber security awareness training for students to understand the cyber security risks and how to keep safe online.
Freshers could be targeted by scammers, particularly if English is not their first language. Fraudsters could contact you by email, social media or phone and:
- tell you that you are due a tax refund
- ask you to make payments
- ask you for your personal information
Find out more about student scams and phishing, and social media profiling.
If you've clicked on something suspicious:
- Use the University account password management website to change your password, but don't use the same device that you used to click on the link because it may have become infected and could detect your change of password.
- Contact your local IT support or the UIS Service Desk.
4. Get free software for your personal devices
Free antivirus software
Keeping your devices up-to-date with anti-virus software is a requirement for use of the University’s data network.
Free office and collaboration software
Your University of Cambridge Microsoft account gives you Microsoft Office 365 Apps for your personal devices.
Google Workspace for Education
Download Google's suite of office apps, including Google Calendars and Hangouts – use your @cam email address to access:
Get Google Workspace for Education
Discounted software
If you need to buy software, you can get an educational discount when you buy through our authorised resellers.
Find out about discounted software
5. Get familiar with Moodle, the University’s online learning environment
Moodle is used to share recordings of lectures, ebooks and other materials relevant to your course. Log in to Moodle with your CRSid and University account password (formerly called Raven).
We've created a course in Moodle to help you find your way around the platform:
Take the get started with Moodle course
6. View your student record
The Cambridge Student Information System (CamSIS) manages your student information and transactions with the University. Your record covers through from your application until your graduation.
You can access CamSIS using your University account login (formerly called Raven).
You'll use CamSIS to:
- manage your personal information
- view your supervision reports and request official transcripts
- view your exam results
7. Read our rules
Any person believed to be in breach of one or more of these rules shall be reported to the Information Services Committee (ISC).
The ISC may impose a penalty or penalties. It may also recommend to the appropriate University or College authority that proceedings are initiated under either or both of the University or College disciplinary procedures and any appropriate legislation.
Do:
- use IT facilities only for the purpose and authorisation given to you
- report weaknesses and incidents to your local Computer Officer or the UIS Service Desk, and any data infringement to the Head of Institution or Data Protection Officer
- keep your software, including anti-virus software, up-to-date and take care, especially when opening emails, not to introduce malware
- delete work from public areas of shared devices, and log out before you leave
- always lock your account when away from your desk to stop others gaining access
Do not:
- share your passwords, any access keys or PIN numbers with anyone else
- engage in any activity that could affect another user’s access
- copy any copyrighted material without the required authorisation
- run anything, or probe, to find compromises in the IT facilities
- create, view or transmit offensive or obscene images, material or data
When you arrive in Cambridge
You can also find out about further IT services that are available once you arrive at Cambridge.