Getting access
There are a host of IT systems which you can access to aid your learning and wider University experience at Oxford. Here you can find out how to access them and the support available should you encounter any problems.
Your Oxford username
Also referred to as your single sign-on username or SSO, your Oxford username is usually in the form abcd1234, where abcd is a code for your college or department.
Your username will be created automatically for you when your returned signed contract is processed by the University. Your username will be sent to you via email along with an activation code. If you change your email address from the one used in your University application, please advise your department, college or Student Information.
Once activated your University username will give you access to:
- wireless internet
- your University registration using Student Self Service
- your University email account
- Weblearn - our virtual learning environment
- library services
- the OXCORT tutorial system
- and much more.
As a new student, you will receive your Oxford username and activation code in August, or on receipt of your returned signed contract if later, in order to carry out your University registration in September. For the majority of students, your University card will be handed to you by your college during orientation / Freshers Week when your University registration is completed.
Activating your Oxford username
To activate your Oxford username, please make sure your username and activation codes are to hand and follow the simple steps below:
- access the Web Authentication Service (Webauth)
- choose a password for your Oxford username
- set a security question and answer in case you ever forget your password.
Your activation code will only be valid for between 30 and 60 days, so please activate your account when you receive it. If the activation code has expired, you can ask for it to be reactivated via the IT Services Help Centre.
Changing your password
To change your password, visit the Webauth page. Webauth will also let you reset a forgotten password using your stored security question and answer.
If you forget both your password and the answer to your security question, you will need to obtain a Webauth 'rescue' code via your college IT staff or the IT Services Help Centre.
Password expiry
You are required to change the password for your Oxford username at least once a year via Webauth. You should receive an email reminder a few weeks before it is due to expire.
If you don't change your password before its expiry date you will be unable to access your Oxford account until the password has been reset.