Technology Requirements

Each student is required to have a laptop. Laptops must have an English version of Microsoft Windows. If you decide to use a Mac, we recommend you have an English version of Microsoft Windows installed in case a course requires software that will only run on Microsoft Windows. Chromebooks and tablets will not work for some software used in courses, so these are NOT acceptable substitutes.

Claim your NetID

You need your NetID to access most of the resources that need to verify your current student status.  So you should do it as soon as you confirm your admission to a Gies graduate program. Your NetID will give you access to campus services, including e-mail and file storage. New students should visit the Net ID claiming website.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The University requires 2FA to access many resources on campus. Click here to set up 2FA and recovery options.

Box Drive

Before accessing files stored in Box at Illinois, you must claim your Box account.

Canvas

Class course spaces (including the Gies Professional Pathway Foundations) are hosted in Canvas.

VPN

You will sometimes need to use a virtual private network (VPN) to access on-campus resources from off-campus. Information on how to download and install the University of Illinois VPN. Please note that when trying to access library resources, you must select “tunnel all” instead of “split tunnel” when logging in.

WebStore

As a UIUC student, you have access to a variety of free and discounted software from the WebStore.

Zoom

Claim your Illinois Zoom account.

We recommend downloading (and regularly updating) Zoom to your computer. When logging in, click the SSO button and input Illinois as your domain.