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. For more information about in-person support at regional campuses, visit the Digital Flagship website.

Tech Access Options

1. Visit a Digital Union Location

If you're on the Columbus campus, Digital Unions have Mac computers and other professional equipment related to multimedia production for you to use. Check the Digital Union webpage for a list of features at each location and for hours of operation.

Additionally, check out the technology-enhanced informal study spaces available around campus.

2. Apply for Emergency Financial Support

Emergency financial support is available to aid students who are experiencing financial hardships related to the pandemic, including technology and internet expenses.

For more details and to apply, visit the COVID-19 financial assistance for students page through the Office of Student Academic Success.

3. Explore Options to Loan Available Technology

Check with your academic advisor to see if your college or program has any available devices to loan. Additionally, make sure to communicate with your instructors to make them aware of any situations that could affect your academic performance. 

If you have a significant technology need that is affecting your academic success and you've tried the options above, ask the Student Advocacy Center or your advisor about a referral for an iPad loan, which may be available through the end of spring semester 2022.

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.

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).

Employ security best practices as you use technology. 

Be on alert for phishing opportunities and report suspicious emails to report-phish@osu.edu. 

Find more resources to protect yourself and your computer at cybersecurity.osu.edu/students.