New Student IT Tips
August 18, 2023 8:59 AM

Welcome to campus! Navigating university software and technology can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some important resources, information, and events designed to give you a smooth start. 

Campus Email 

Every student has a Campus Email Mailbox that can be accessed at https://outlook.office.com/. Once you claim your NetID, your university email address and Mailbox will be automatically created, assigning you to an email address that will be your NetID @illinois.edu. You will also get access to Office 365 and other Microsoft tools. Getting Office 365 access may take between 12-48 hours after your NetID is claimed. 

Please follow these steps to access your online Campus Email Mailbox: 

1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari) 
2. Enter the following URL: https://outlook.office.com/
3. Enter your @Illinois.edu email address
4. Click Next 
5. Enter your NetID password
6. The Outlook Web Application (part of Office 365) will load and open your Campus Email Mailbox

For more information on Campus Email, check out the resources below: 

• How to Log into Email 
• Setting up Email on Mobile Device
• For other email-related questions, visit the University of Illinois Unified KnowledgeBase and type your question or “Email” into the search box. 

IllinoisNet

IllinoisNet is Illinois’s secure, campus-wide Wi-Fi network used by all students, faculty, and staff. IllinoisNet can be accessed in all campus buildings. To set up IllinoisNet, use your device’s mobile data or the IllinoisNet_Guest visitor network to navigate to http://go.illinois.edu/IllinoisNetSetup. That page will detect your device and guide you through the connection process. To learn more about IllinoisNet, to get help accessing Wi-Fi, or to troubleshoot, visit the Technology Services Wi-Fi Help Portal page. 

Canvas @ Illinois

Canvas @ Illinois is the software that powers many course websites. Instructors will let their students know if their course is using Canvas @ Illinois, or if something else is being used instead. Once you add or drop a course, it can take up to four hours for it to appear on or disappear from your course list. Access to previous courses expires when the instructor chooses, typically at the end of the semester. Students can use their NetID and password to log into Canvas.

Tech Points Event

Tech Points gathers the university IT community in three locations across campus to run pop-up help desks for anybody needing technology or software assistance. They can help with your NetID and password, university email, lllinoisNet, Canvas @ Illinois, and more. Tech Points will be held August 21-23 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Main Library, Illini Union, and Campus Instructional Facility (CIF). You can read more at Technology Services Tech Points.  

Technology Services Help Desk Resources

For more technology assistance throughout the year, you can contact the Technology Services Help Desk at any time. Contact the Technology Services Help Desk: 

• Submit a Tech Request
• Email consult@illinois.edu
• Visit in-person during hours at two locations: 1211 Digital Computer Laboratory (DCL) or Main Library in the Scholarly Commons 
• Visit Technology Services for more information