Checklist of IT set up tasks when you join the University:
- get your IT accounts
- set up your sign-in methods (second factors)
- set up your email
- connect to wifi
- access Microsoft 365 software
- set up the University VPN for remote access
- install antivirus software
- change your name on Lookup, the University's directory
- get your Google account
- set up printing
- collect your University Card
- do your cyber security training
You can also find out about further IT services that are available.
1. Get your IT accounts
Someone in your institution will give you your Cambridge user ID (CRSid ) and a registration code (this is usually printed in a letter). You’ll need these to get access to your University IT accounts. You can connect to the UniofCam-Guest wifi or your local College wifi to complete this set up:
- Go to https://myaccount.apps.cam.ac.uk/get-your-account/. If you're at the University on your first day, you can do this on a colleague’s computer. If you're starting remotely, you can do this on a personal computer.
- Log in with your CRSid and registration code.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- You'll see a prompt asking you to reset your University IT account password.
2. Set up your sign-in methods (second factors)
You will need to set up your second factors for authentication when you first sign in to your University Microsoft account. The system will prompt you to download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone or tablet. Then, set up call or text verification with a phone number.
If you forget your password, you can recover it using the app and your phone number. Click the 'Forgot my password' link on the password screen.
If you're at the University on your first day, you can do this on a colleague’s computer. If you're starting remotely, you can do this on a personal computer.
3. Set up your email
Your Exchange Online email account is part of your University of Cambridge Microsoft account.
Get your @cam email either by:
- signing in to Outlook with your @cam.ac.uk email address and University account password (formerly Raven)
- setting up an email app on your personal devices
4. Connect to wifi
A few Colleges provide their own wifi. UIS provides access points in all University buildings and the rest of the Colleges for the ‘eduroam’ network.
Set up devices to connect to eduroam and automatically stay connected to the network around Cambridge. You can also connect at other participating universities around the world, using your University account (formerly called Raven).
5. Access Microsoft 365 software
You can use all the Microsoft 365 services and apps in a web browser. Access your free Microsoft 365 apps (Office 365, OneDrive for Business and Exchange Online email) services via the Microsoft portal. This gives you access to your OneDrive for Business personal filestore for documents.
6. Set up the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote access
You can access most of the University's systems and online resources using your University account (formerly Raven). You can also set up VPN access for resources that normally require you to be connected directly to the University Data Network. Most users can use the general UIS VPN service to access resources although some institutions have their own VPNs for their members.
7. Install antivirus software
Keeping your devices up-to-date with the antivirus software is a requirement for use of the University's data network.
8. Change your name on Lookup, the University's directory
You can search for University members’ contact information in Lookup. You should check to ensure your name is displaying correctly and amend it if needed.
9. Get your Google account
Google's suite includes Google Calendars, Google Meet and Google Drive which are part of the Google Workspace apps.
Find out how to access Google Workspace apps
10. Set up printing
You can print, copy and scan using the University's Managed Print Service. You can print from your own devices when connected to the University network. You'll need to install software first.
11. Collect your University Card
Your University of Cambridge identity card is used to grant building access. If you lose it or have any problems with it, talk to your institutional Card Rep to get a replacement.
12. Do your cyber security training
Increase your awareness and understanding of the risks of working online and find out what you can do to help mitigate them and protect the University.
Complete our cyber security awareness training for staff
Find out about other IT services and training
University Information Services (UIS) offers a range of IT services including phones and video conferencing, Microsoft 365 software and IT training.
Find out about IT services and training
Get help
Our advisors are available 24 hours a day via live chat for any IT-related queries. You can find the 'Live chat' button at the bottom of the contact us page.