The OIT Back To School Starter Kit for the Class of 2028
Get the tools and support you need
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) can help you get connected for a quick start, from getting your DukeCard to helping set up your laptop on a secure network. Below you'll find information about free and discounted software, computing labs, 3D printing and other IT resources at Duke.
Note to Graduate Students: Your school or department may provide additional services; contact your local IT support to learn more.
Information for New and Returning Students
DukeCard
The DukeCard is your identification and access card on campus. Submit your photo prior to arriving at Duke. Add your DukeCard to your Apple or Android mobile device.
NetID
Your “NetID” is your electronic key to online resources, including your Duke email account, DukeHub (course registration/grades), Sakai (course information), MyDuke (student portal), Box cloud storage and more. We’ll email your NetID to you before you arrive on campus, with instructions on how to set up a secure password. Choose a strong password and don't share it. If you'd like to, you can grant others "proxy" access to your student information.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
For added security, we require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA, or two-step verification) for most online services that require a NetID. Once you have your NetID, enroll in MFA.
Email & Calendaring
Duke provides email and calendar via Microsoft Officer 365. You can access your email and calendar account using any email client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook), from an app on your mobile device, or via the web at mail.duke.edu. Check out our short videos on how to set up email on your iPhone or Android. To manage your email settings, such as forwarding your mail or creating an email alias, visit Account Self Service.
Zoom Meetings
You can sign up for a free Duke Zoom account. Follow the Getting Started Guide to learn how to authenticate your Zoom app for the best Zoom experience at Duke. Be sure to follow OIT security recommendations to keep your meeting secure and free from disruption.
Connecting to Duke's Network
Duke provides secure wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections to the "Dukeblue" network on campus. To connect all your devices, including gaming consoles and printers, visit oit.duke.edu/wireless. The "DukeOpen" and "DukeVisitor" wireless networks are for "Internet-of-Things" devices and visitors respectively -- these networks are not secured.
IT Security
Duke's IT Security Office provides guidance on how to keep your devices and data safe. Check the IT Security website for recommendations on anti-virus software, passwords and the latest phishing alerts, as well as suggestions on working securely from off-campus. Watch this video on IT Security's top five tech tips.
Personal Computer
The Duke Technology Center, located on the lower level of the Duke University Stories in the Bryan University Center, sells computers configured specifically for Duke’s environment. The DTC offers the lowest prices on the most current models from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft. It offers an extended four-year warranty with four years of accidental damage coverage. Duke Computer Repair is an authorized servicer for Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. Purchasing through the DTC also offers the added advantage of the loaner program for the duration of the repair of your device. If you plan to bring a computer from home, please check our recommended specifications.
Mobile Devices
Be sure to download the DukeMobile app for your Apple or Android device. The app includes an interactive campus map, dining locations, an event calendar, bus schedules, ePrint locations, and more.
Software
Duke provides many free or discounted software applications and packages, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Printing
Duke offers free (black and white) and low-cost (color) printing at dozens of locations throughout campus -- all you need is the ePrint app on your computer or mobile device. Once you send your print job, visit any ePrint station and swipe your DukeCard.
Computing Labs
OIT supports several computer labs on campus, including the Innovation Co-Lab for 3D printing and fabrication. Watch a video about the Co-Lab to learn more.
Code+
The Code+ summer program is designed to provide students with little or no tech-related work experience with a real-world coding/product development experience, to help them obtain an industry internship the following summer. Past participants have secured internships with Google, Square, Facebook, Salesforce, and may other large as well as smaller "boutique" tech companies. Code+ began in 2018 as a pilot with six students working on one project guided by an IT professional. The program now runs as many as twelve projects each summer with four to six students on a team and typically two IT professionals coaching each team. Code+ follows the successful format of other +Programs such as Data+ and CS+. Learn more about Code+.
OIT provides many web-based services, including Sites@Duke (for personal Wordpress sites), Qualtrics survey software, and Box file storage.
Students can visit the Link (on the lower level of Perkins Library on West Campus), or go to oit.duke.edu/help, to get nearly 24/5 access to help with technology. The OIT Service Desk can help new students get up to speed right away by helping them install free software like MS Office, and set up critical security items such as a virtual private network (VPN), multi-factor authentication, Duke Unlock and antivirus and malware protection. Students can also get free computer diagnostic testing, and rent equipment.