Setting up IT account

Set up your University IT account

This page takes you through setting up your IT account and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). You must complete both steps in this process to be able to use the University's IT systems, including Blackboard, our online learning environment.

Set up your account

You should set up your University IT account and email address as soon as you receive your University of Southampton ID number. You should also set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) as part of this process. You will not be able to upload your identity documents or enrol at the University until you've done this.

You need to check your email account regularly, as this will be how the University contacts you.

It can take up to 24 hours for the University’s other systems and services to become available to you, including your email, ID card service and enrolment services. If you still can’t access services after 24 hours, contact ServiceLine.

Click the button below to start setting up your University IT account. We recommend opening this page in a new tab.

Set up your University IT account

What you need

To set up an account, you’ll need your University of Southampton ID number, also known as your student ID number. You'll find this 8-digit number in your confirmation of place email from the University. If you can't find your ID number, email The Student Hub.

Security questions

You’ll need to set up some security questions and answers. We’ll use these to check your identity if you ever forget your password.

We suggest the following security questions:

  • what's a place that is significant to you?
  • what’s the name of your first school? 

You can change these questions if there is an answer which you’ll find easier to remember.

Back-up email address

You should add a personal email address when setting up your IT account. You can use this as a back-up email to access your University account if you forget your password. This will also allow you to reset your multi-factor authentication settings if you change or lose your mobile phone.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

You'll be prompted to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security to your account. Please allow one hour for your IT account to synchronise before setting up MFA. You won't be able to access university IT services until you complete this step. 

We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app and setting SMS as a back-up. Once you’ve set up your account, you'll use the app to verify your identity when logging into your university IT account. 

How to set up your IT account and multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Our slideshow on Thinglink will help you through each step of setting up your account. We recommend opening this page in a new tab.

Getting ready for your studies

You can now read important information on getting ready for coursework, campus life, and your ongoing studies. 

You'll also find information on how to: 

  • access on-campus computers
  • borrow laptops
  • connect devices in halls
  • use our wi-fi service
  • get online security advice

Find out more

We recommend you bookmark the above page so you can easily access it at any time.