Getting Started Guide: Students
Carolina Computing Initiative (CCI)
The Carolina Computing Initiative is a nationally-recognized laptop program for UNC-Chapel Hill students. Received your laptop? Get started with configuration by choosing the right option below.
Deciding whether to buy? It’s never too late to get the CCI benefits: onsite authorized repair, deep discounts, access to loaner machines and more. Visit CCI for details.
Secure your account
Carolina Key
Protect your account with Carolina Key. Carolina Key replaces your password and Duo with device-based authentication like facial recognition, PIN or fingerprint scanning and works on web-based systems and services protected Single Sign-On, such as Canvas and ConnectCarolina. Carolina Key is easier for you, but harder for hackers. Register your devices at Carolina Key.
2-Step Verification
At UNC-Chapel Hill, there are 2 ways to 2-Step. We know that having more than one way to verify your identity might seem confusing at first, but these two industry-standard tools are the most effective ways to protect your accounts. Visit 2-Step Verification to set up both services.
Microsoft 365 (previously known as Office 365) has 2-Step Verification built-in to protect Heelmail and Microsoft apps.
For all other 2-Step uses on campus, including VPN and ConnectCarolina, we use Duo Security.
Get connected!
Wi-Fi
We know, Wi-Fi is everything. Connecting to eduroam is a breeze and it makes getting Wi-Fi at more than 10,000 hotspots worldwide a cinch. Bonus: set your phone up for eduroam and save on data charges!
CarolinaGO mobile app
Download the University’s mobile app. Designed for students, by students, the app is a must-have for dining hours, transit schedules and more. Search “CarolinaGO” in the App Store or Google Play.
Canvas and Sakai
Canvas. Need we say more? It’s your online course-management system and you’ll use it many, many times throughout your UNC student career. UNC is currently transitioning to Canvas from another system, Sakai. You may have courses in both Canvas and Sakai this year.
Zoom
Meeting online for class? Sign into your UNC Zoom account before joining your Zoom meetings! See tips for attending class in Zoom.
Panopto
You may need to watch videos for class through UNC Panopto. Sign into UNC Panopto to create your account! You must also click on the Panopto tool in your Canvas or Sakai course to get access to course videos.
Productivity apps
Get to know Heelmail. It’s your go-to spot for checking your email and calendar throughout the semester. Most official University services will default to your UNC email, so check it often!
Storage
OneDrive is available to all students. It’s a great spot to store and share your files. Visit OneDrive to access.
Carolina Print Hub (formerly CCI printing)
Wondering which printers are up and running? Need to find the closest printer in a hurry? Curious about your printing allotment? Learn more about the Carolina Print Hub. The printing map is available online. Also, mobile printing is available.
WordPress websites
Create a website in under a minute. Need a website for class, a student org or just for fun? Tarheels.live makes it easy to create a WordPress website.
Be accessible
UNC-Chapel Hill believes everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and participate in a welcoming environment. This includes creating an inclusive digital experience. Connect with the Digital Accessibility Office to learn how to make the digital content you create, like websites, social media, video and more, accessible for all Tar Heels.
Top 5 IT help articles
Be creative and keep learning!
FREE Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is available to ALL students for no additional cost. Visit the UNC Adobe page to get your account set up. From Photoshop to Illustrator to Lightroom, Adobe CC has a creativity app for every taste.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is also available to all students. Need to learn Excel for class? Maybe how to edit a video? Or, just some tips for public speaking? LinkedIn Learning has online classes for any skill you need to pick up or refine.
ConnectCarolina
From registering for classes to checking grades to taking care of financial aid, ConnectCarolina is the hub for your most essential to-dos as an enrolled student.
To keep your data secure, you’re required to use Duo 2-Step Verification when logging into ConnectCarolina, and when off campus, the University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) is required to access certain portions of ConnectCarolina.
Bonus: a simplified mobile version is available in the CarolinaGO app.
Stay safe and secure
Policies to read
Take a few minutes to read all of our IT policies, with Acceptable Use and Copyright Information at the top of your must-read list.
Emergency alerts
Alert Carolina is our emergency alert system – from timely and weather warnings to serious campus situations. Visit ConnectCarolina to make sure your info is up-to-date!
Phishing and email security
Don’t get snagged by a phishing email! Phishers target the University daily, trying to lure you into sharing passwords. When in doubt, use live chat in the Help Portal or call 919-962-HELP (4357) or for assistance. If you think it’s phishing, use the “report phishing” button in your email; this alerts Microsoft to review and potentially remove the message from other inboxes.
Need help?
We offer four great ways to get help with any and all of your tech issues: