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
Be aware that you must follow the Acceptable Use Policy when using University IT services. It aims to protect staff, students and the institution from cyber crime. It also reminds us all of ways of working that can help to protect ourselves from crimes like identity theft, scams, and the loss of information.
Essential and immediate actions
- Choose a strong password
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Complete cyber security awareness training
- Don’t share or re-use your password
Regular actions
- Run antivirus software
- Install antivirus updates promptly
- Manage confidential and personal data appropriately
- Use encrypted devices to store confidential data
- Lock your screen when you leave your computer
- Don’t use a non-University email account to send confidential data
Important awareness
- Don’t trust unexpected communications or open links or downloads that are unexpected
- Secure or delete confidential data before repair, disposal, return or re-use
- Report incidents or suspected incidents as a matter of urgency
- Report a compromised password, malware infection or security weakness to your IT support
- Report any breach of personal data via your local mechanism or to the Information Compliance Office
When you arrive in Cambridge
You can also find out about further IT services that are available once you arrive at Cambridge.