Accounts, Access and Logins

Navigating access points and multiple accounts

I thought I was logged in!

If at any point you find yourself thinking this while navigating institutional websites, learning environments, email and IT systems in general, you will not be alone. These IT networks are complex and usually consist of a variety of different sites and systems, each requiring their own security and logins. Typically, you'll find you've been granted account access to:

• the student IT system
• email accounts
• the learning environment (which might include further systems with separate entry points)
• the library

These will be in addition to simply logging into your own computer or device. 

Most institutions work hard to combine systems in such a way as to make movement between them easier, and the goal is to be able to introduce a single sign-on (i.e., login). But not all have been able to reach that point yet. In many cases, it may look like you're in the same site when you move from, say, the learning environment to the library, but you may find you're asked for your login details, and you need to enter the right ones. This can be confusing! 

The best approach is to be aware of which site or system you're entering when you find yourself faced with a login page by reading around the page for clues. Also, be careful to store these separate account details securely and be able to retrieve them easily when you need them using a password locker like LastPass. 

•  Add institutional link: IT

"Be sure to connect to university networks early and make the most of university apps or intranets where information can be stored and shared easily." Paul, 3rd-year student