Guide: Tech for Students
Welcome to UC Santa Cruz! Information Technology Services (ITS) is here to help with just about every technology need, including what you need to know about technology as a new and continuing student at UC Santa Cruz.
In this guide
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Get support from ITS when you and where you need it, from searching the Knowledge Base to working with support experts.
Getting started
1. Get your laptop ready
A laptop or computer is essential for your learning. Does your computer meet the guidelines to do everything you’ll need it to do? Review recommended computer specifications
Looking for student discounts? Check out UCSC Bay Tree Campus Store, Apple Education Store, Dell Education Purchase Program, Best Buy Student Hub
2. Know your CruzID and password
Your CruzID (or username), along with a strong password, is what you will use to log in securely to most campus services.
- CruzID: Your CruzID will be a constant throughout your time on campus, and is also part of your UCSC email address, such as bslug@ucsc.edu, where the “bslug” is the CruzID. Learn about your CruzID
- Passwords: Manage your passwords in the CruzID Manager and learn more about how to protect your passwords.
3. Be safe and secure
Make sure your devices are set up for success, and aligned with UC information security standards.
- Set up multi-factor authentication
- Backup important information via an external hard drive, or by using Windows Backup and Restore or MacOS Time Machine
- Learn more about security requirements for students
4. Review lived name and identity information
You can update your lived name and other data to what you wish to be used and displayed in campus systems.
5. Get to know campus technology
Explore some of the technology students use most frequently at UC Santa Cruz.
More tech tips for students
Digital Accessibility
UCSC values the unique contributions of every student and respects the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, and abilities enrich the university community.
- For student disability services, connect with the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
- If you encounter a technology accessibility barrier, report it via the Report an accessibility barrier form, which is linked in the footer of UC Santa Cruz websites.
- Learn more about what you can do to support digital accessibility for fellow students in the Make IT Accessible Guide.