One of the first things you’ll need to do is claim your NetID. Your NetID is your unique username while at the university. You’ll use it to log in to services (like Canvas and U of I Box), accounts, and to get discounted and free software at the Technology Services WebStore while you’re at the university. It’s also the portion of your Illinois email address before “@illinois.edu.” While you don’t get to choose your NetID (learn about the fancy application that does that for you), you do get to choose your password–hopefully only once a year, unless you like to memorize new passwords more often. Below are some important tips to help you prepare to join the university: 

1. Before you set your password, you’ll be prompted to set your password recovery options. It’s important to  provide a non-university email address and a phone number so you can reset your password easily if you forget it or get locked out of your account.
2. After you claim your NetID, set your recovery options, and set your password, it’s wise to enroll in two-factor authentication (2FA). You’ll need this set up to sign in to some services like the Microsoft 365 suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, etc.). The university takes account security very seriously and this is a primary way to ensure you are who you say you are when signing in.
3. Download the Duo Mobile app from the iOS or Android app store to get push notifications for 2FA. After downloading and installing the app, follow the on-screen directions to connect your school accounts. You will use this app for extra security when logging in to select services. 

If you need help with any part of the NetID Claim process or setting up 2FA, contact Technology Services, the central IT unit at the University of Illinois. Visit https://techservices.illinois.edu and select the orange Contact the Help Desk button to submit a tech request. 

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