IT for Students

Tech Support Options

When basic troubleshooting doesn't solve the problem, Ohio State has in-person and remote tech support services to help you. All services are free for you to use as a student.

Through the IT Service Desk, you can receive 24/7 support a number of ways:

• Self-Service - Quickly get answers to some of the most frequently asked tech questions at Ohio State.
• Call - Speak with a service desk agent by calling 614-688-4357.
  • ​Newark campus students: 740-366-9244
  • ATI (Wooster): 614-514-4848 (IT4U)
• Request a Callback - Visit the IT Service Desk website and click the button to have a service desk agent call you directly. You won't have to wait on hold if there's a high volume of calls. 
• Chat - Chat with a live service desk agent on the IT Service Desk website.
• Email or Submit a Ticket - If you aren't in need of an immediate answer, submit a ticket through the IT Service Desk website or email the service desk at servicedesk@osu.edu. 
• In-Person at the BuckeyeBar - Make an appointment to visit the BuckeyeBar inside Thompson Library for face-to-face technology consultation and service. In an effort to support the health and safety of university faculty, staff, and students, please schedule an appointment by visiting the BuckeyeBar booking site. 

Tech Access Options

1. Visit a Computing Space on Your Campus

Our campuses offer a lot of places to access computers and other technology services. Learn more about Tech Spaces available on each campus.

2. Explore Options to Loan Available Technology

Contact your academic advisor to ask about receiving a device loan if you are having trouble getting access to technology. Additionally, make sure to communicate with your instructors to make them aware of any situations that could affect your academic performance. 

3. Leverage a Virtual Desktop

If you have access to an older device, using Virtual Desktop can provide access to powerful computing from any device with internet access.

Computer, Printing and Multimedia Access

The Digital Union provides computer access, free 3D printing, state-of-the-art video and audio studios and more. Find detailed information about locations and hours here.

Additionally, visit classroom services to find information on informal, public computing and student drop-in spaces.

Primary Campus Wi-Fi Networks

1. eduroam

Secure Wi-Fi for students, faculty and staff at Ohio State and other participating universities around the globe.

2. Register4OSU

Secure Wi-Fi for students, faculty and staff to connect media devices, game consoles, printers, TVs and other devices.

3. WiFi@OSU

Open Wi-Fi for guests and visitors to the university.

Wi-Fi at Home

Setting up secure Wi-Fi at home is easy. The first step is to change the default administrator password, which is usually not very strong. 

It is also extremely important that you choose a secure encryption protocol. Encryption protocols are what protect your password, keys, data, and all other types of information sent over the wireless connection. We strongly recommend using WPA-3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access III) where possible, WPA-2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II) and disabling WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if not.

At home, we recommend that users:

• Avoid using a router’s default admin password.
• Create a strong, unique password for the Wi-Fi connection.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working remotely.
• Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS).
• Use the best/latest encryption available.
• Keep the router’s firmware updated (turn on auto-updates if available).

Tech Access After Graduation

Graduating from the university will change your permissions and access for many services including email, Carmen, CarmenZoom, Wireless, and Microsoft 365.

Read more about technology access after graduating.