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Getting started

If you’ve just joined the University, get going quickly by visiting the Getting started with IT page for all you need to know about your university accounts, username, getting online, accessing your email and more. You'll also find other resources that that can help you make your work or study easier. 

Person on their laptop

Your Oxford username (SSO)

Also called your Oxford Single Sign-On (SSO), your 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. Visit the Getting started with IT pages to find out about all of your centrally provided accounts and how to set them up. 

Activating your Oxford username (SSO)

Your username will be sent to you by email along with an activation code in order to complete your University registration before you arrive. If you change your email address from the one used in your university application, please advise your department and college.

Once activated your username will give you access to your University registration, email, Canvas (virtual learning environment), library services and much more.

To activate your Oxford username, please make sure your username and activation codes are to hand and follow the simple steps below:

Your activation code will only work 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 by the central IT Service Desk by calling (01865) 612345.

Change your password at least once a year

Use the Single Sign-On account management page to change your password at least once a year or you will be unable to access your Oxford account.  You should receive an email reminder a few weeks before it is due to expire.

You can find information about all of your accounts and how to manage them on the Getting started with IT pages.

Connecting to the internet

Wired internet connections and wireless (Wi-Fi) networks are widely available, meaning you are never far away from internet access in Oxford. The eduroam wireless service is the most widely available, providing internet access not only in Oxford but in academic institutions around the world using the same username and password. 

To access eduroam on your device, follow the steps listed on the How to connect to eduroam Wi-Fi page.