Top 5 Tech Tips for Students:
The Help Desk is a busy place at the start of the semester. Avoid the lines and stress less by following these top tips:
1. Know Your HawkID Password
A HawkID is necessary to register for classes, view tuition, log in to email, and access most online university services. Your HawkID and password provide access to your grades, finances, and other personal information, so you should never share your password. Your HawkID usually reflects some combination of your first, middle, and last name. For example, John F. Doe might have the HawkID "jfdoe". You will not use your University ID number (the number that appears on your Iowa One Card) to log into services - you will use your HawkID and password.
If you forgot your HawkID and/or password or you would like to change your password, visit the HawkID Tools page.
You'll be required to reset your password every year, and we'll start sending you email notifications two weeks before expiration.
2. Use the Duo Mobile App
All students are required to use Two-Step Login to access online systems like MyUI, ICON, and Office 365. If you are already enrolled in Two-Step and receiving phone calls or text messages to complete your logins switch to the Duo app! It is easier, faster, and safer. If you are not enrolled in Two-Step yet, please enroll now.
3. Set up Email Using Outlook
The Outlook app is the safest email app available.
How to access your email:
- Set up Microsoft 365 email on your mobile device using the recommended Outlook app
- Log in to access your email via the web at office365.uiowa.edu
- Instructions for setting up Outlook on your Windows or Mac computer
4. Connect to Campus Internet
- Wireless internet (eduroam) is available all over campus (indoors and out). Find easy instructions on how to connect wirelessly through eduroam
- Wired internet (ResNet) is available in all residence halls. Find instructions on how to use your Ethernet cable to connect to the internet in the residence halls
- Wireless internet for gaming/entertainment devices (UI-DeviceNet) is available for most devices on campus or in residence halls. Find out how to connect your gaming or wireless devices to high-speed internet
- Do not use the UI Guest network. It isn't secure and it's only intended for short, guest usage.
Note: When connecting, always enter your username in the form of hawkid@uiowa.edu (e.g., jdoe@uiowa.edu)
5. Take Advantage of Free Resources and Software
As a registered student, you have access to a large volume of software and other resources. Some of the most popular titles include:
- Microsoft Office--You can install Microsoft Office on up to five personal machines for free. Learn how to install Microsoft Office.
- OneDrive for Business (file storage)--Don't wait for a virus or hard drive failure to wipe out that 20-page paper. Similar to Google Drive, you can back up and share your important documents with OneDrive for Business.
- LinkedIn Learning--This is a free, online training library of tutorials and courses on a variety of topics ranging from technology and applications to professional workplace skills. Check out the LinkedIn Learning support site.
- Virtual Desktop--Provides remote access to many University-licensed programs (SPSS, SAS, Mathematica, and more) from anywhere without having to obtain and install the software on your own computer. Learn more about Virtual Desktop.
- Browse our recommended titles.
We will do our best to support any computer you bring to campus. If you will be purchasing a new computer, take advantage of discounted education rates.
Explore our suggested computer configurations for new and previously purchased computers to see how they compare to our recommended requirements.
If you already have a computer for school, make sure it is up to date by following these easy steps to update your operating system.
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