IT for Students

Getting Started

Kick-start your Buckeye journey with these essential first steps.

my.osu.edu

This is where you manage your Ohio State identity.

  • Activate your Ohio State username
  • Change your password (we do this every 180 days)
  • Enter your preferred name
BuckeyePass

Many Ohio State systems use BuckeyePass powered by Duo as an extra layer of security. It is quick and easy to setup/use.

  • Activate Duo
  • Download the app
Wi-Fi

Ohio State offers secured and guest wireless networks on campus.

  • Set up connection to the secured eduroam network on your computers and mobile devices (this network is also available at other participating universities around the globe)
  • Set up connection to the secured Registered4OSU network on your game consoles, printers and TVs
CarmenCanvas

CarmenCanvas is the university’s learning management system used to access course material.

  • Log in to access your courses
  • Update your user settings, notification preferences and course list
CarmenZoom

CarmenZoom is the university's web conferencing tool used for online course meetings, student group collaboration and more.

  • Log in to access your account
  • Download the desktop client or mobile app
BuckeyeMail

Keep up with your email through BuckeyeMail, our student email service powered by Outlook. Your BuckeyeMail address is lastname.#@buckeyemail.osu.edu.

  • Access Outlook via web browser, desktop client or mobile app
Ohio State App icon
Ohio State App

Use the Ohio State App to catch the next bus, find your way around campus or grab a bite to eat.

  • Download the app
  • Log in for personalized features including grades, account balances, personalized news and more
Person using tablet icon
Get Tech Ready

Be prepared for your coursework and find tech access options. 

  • Discover the minimum device recommendations
  • Find department-specific device needs
  • Technology Loan Program
Life Saver icon
Tech Support

The IT Service Desk is here to help with tech support and other questions you may have.

  • Call to speak to a service desk rep at 614-688-4357
  • Email the service desk at servicedesk@osu.edu
  • Make an appointment or drop-in at BuckeyeBar for in-person tech support

Academic Enrichment

Enhance your Ohio State experience with these complimentary resources for creative expression, academic enrichment and data security.

Adobe Express icon
Adobe Express

This streamlined web app gives you easy-to-use tools to create photos, videos, social media posts and more. Access is free to all Ohio State faculty, staff and students.
Microsoft 365

Your BuckeyeMail account also gives you access to Microsoft 365, including OneDrive (cloud storage), Word, PowerPoint, Teams and more.
Virtual Desktop

Access a select set of software applications from any device with internet access.
Digital Union Prototyping Studio

Located in Enarson Classroom Building, this Digital Union offers 3D printing, laser cutting and vinyl cutting for fabrication and prototyping capabilities at no cost to the Ohio State community.
U.OSU

This tool lets you create a free website to share a project, represent a student organization, collaborate within a group and more.
Cybersecurity

Ohio State’s Digital Security and Trust team works to ensure the university’s health, financial, student and research data is securely managed. Use these resources to help secure your digital information.

Physical Spaces

Find locations around our campuses to access technology, learn new digital skills and get help with projects.

Digital Unions

These tech-enhanced creation spaces and computer labs offer audio and video recording, scanning, printing, meeting space and more.
Tech Hub

Get discounts on technology, borrow equipment, apply for a student project grant and more at the official technology store of Ohio State.
People with a lightbulb above their heads icon
Design Lab at CoHatch Gateway

Engage in transformational learning through digital skills, coding workshops and hands-on experiences with technology.
Desk with a computer and chair icon
Tech Spaces

Our campuses offer a lot of places to access computers and other technology services.

Academic Success

Use these tips and resources to help you integrate technology into your academic life, whether you take classes in-person or online.

New Semester Tips: How to Start Strong in Your Online Classes

Discover expert tips to help you be successful as you start classes in an online format.
Student Guide to Instructional Modes

Understand the four delivery modes Ohio State classes are held in: in-person, hybrid, distance-enhanced and distance learning.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Online Courses

Discover the pros and cons of synchronous vs. asynchronous learning.
7 Tips for Taking Exams Online

Learn about the formats your online exams may be in, the tools you may need and tips for online exam success.
Digital Skills Competencies

Learn how to develop digital skills to prepare you for success in college and career.

Well-Being

Explore apps and resources to support your well-being through help resources, goal setting, physical safety and cultivating a healthy relationship with technology.

Wellness App icon
Wellness App

Find resources, set goals, build healthy habits and connect to support through Ohio State's Wellness App.
Rave Guardian icon
Rave Guardian

Stay safe with this location-sharing app that allows you to select friends or family as a virtual guardian to follow you via GPS tracking.
Mobile device with a heartbeat icon
Digital Wellness

Learn about setting boundaries, staying focused and safeguards to keep you and your information secure.

Get Help

We're here to help with tech support and other questions you may have. 

For 24/7 support, please contact the IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 (HELP) or servicedesk@osu.edu.

How do I access tech support?

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.
  • 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. 

What if I don't have access to technology for my classes?

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

Visit the Student Technology Loan Program page to learn 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.

Where can I go for computer access, printing and other multimedia needs on the Columbus campus?

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.

Which wireless network should I use while I'm on campus?

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.

How do I set up secure Wi-Fi at my home?

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).

What technology services will I have access to after I graduate?

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.