Students: Get Started with Technology at UT
Welcome! Information Technology Services (ITS) is here to help. Whether you are new to The University of Texas at Austin or new to information technology (IT), we’ve created a list of technology-related basics to get you started.
A word about your UT EID
You should already have a UT electronic identification (EID) and password. You’ll need your EID to log into online university services. Remember, you are responsible for everything that happens with your EID. So don’t put your online identity at risk; never share your password.
Set up a university e-mail account
Upon acceptance, you will receive a university e-mail account. ITS recommends you use your university e-mail account, even if you have another one. It is often the best way for us to deliver official campus mail and communications. Sign up for your e-mail account today.
Print on campus
ITS has convenient printers all over campus. Basic black-and-white printing is $0.11 a page; color is $0.80 a page. Just log in with your EID and password and start printing.
Find deals at the Campus Computer Store
Need a computer or a piece of software? The Campus Computer Store in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) has special discounted pricing on a variety of computer products and accessories. Shop here first for deep savings, often hundreds of dollars lower than retail!
Log into WebSpace with your EID
1000 MB of WebSpace storage lets you save and share everything from homework assignments to spring break pictures. You can even publish a Web site! Just log in with your EID and password and you’re ready to go.
Locate campus computer labs
The Flawn Academic Center (FAC) has three floors of computer labs to allow you online access from early in the morning to late at night. Use either a Mac or a PC, print, work with a variety of software and take advantage of the specialized multimedia lab. The academic units and residence halls also offer computer labs for study.
Connect to the university network
If you’re living on campus, you have the option to subscribe to Resnet. Around campus, the campus wireless network, called "restricted.utexas.edu", is secure and easy to use. Getting started requires more steps than your average wireless network, so allow a few minutes to complete the process the first time you connect.
Off-campus, the VPN (virtual private network) allows you to access campus resources as if you were on the campus network. Use it and save a trip to campus.
Get around UT Direct—your campus portal
Use your EID and password to access UT Direct, the online campus portal. UT Direct allows you to register for classes, find your grades, apply for study abroad, pay for Bevo Bucks and do a hundred other things. Remember to keep your UT Direct information safe by protecting your EID password.
Get help when you need it
Visit or call the ITS Help Desk for almost any computer question, 512-475-9400. We help solve your problems and even conduct repairs. The Computer Drop-off Service is a great way to get your computer in shape for the new semester. For $65, your computer can receive a tune-up that frees up disk space and increases speed.
Online, you can check out the ITS Web site. We have lots of information about our services.
Learn the rules (yes, there are some!)
The university has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that governs everything related to computers and the campus network. You should read and understand the rules— you’re responsible if you break them. Never download illegally—the university can’t protect you. We have a list of lots of ways to get online music and to keep it legal.
Every student on campus is eligible for the services ITS provides. Some schools and colleges, including Cockrell School of Engineering, College of Education, McCombs School of Business, School of Architecture, and School of Information also provide their students with additional resources and requirements, such as custom e-mail addresses and laptop specifications. Be sure to check with your school to see what else is available to you.
