Activate your IT account

The very first thing you need to do to become a student is to set up your IT account.

This will give you a username and password so you can:

• login to My Manchester (your student portal);
• start registration;
• access essential University IT services including email.

If you’ve been at the University before either as staff or a student, you'll keep your previous username and University ID, so you can skip this step and recover your account.

What do I need? 

• Your University ID number (this can be found on all communications you've received from us - don’t confuse this with your UCAS number. Your University ID number will typically be eight digits long and can also be found on the attachment in your offer letter email)
• Access to a photograph of yourself (saved digitally)

How do I do it?

Activate your IT account

To activate your IT account, go to iam.manchester.ac.uk and select ‘Activate your IT account’.

You'll be asked to enter your surname, date of birth and University ID. This will create your username.

You will also be asked to set a password of your choosing – please make a note of both your username and password as you’ll need it to login to My Manchester. 

Please note: for best results, IT sign-up and registration should be completed using a PC or laptop, as errors may occur if using a mobile or tablet. If you encounter errors, try using a different browser.

2-factor authentication

As part of the IT account activation process, you’ll be prompted to set up 2-factor authentication from Duo. This is an additional layer of security that prompts you to verify your identity when you log in to certain University systems, including Microsoft 365 (for University email) and Blackboard.

In the IT Account Manager (or when you access a protected system for the first time) you’ll need to follow the Duo set-up instructions to register a device to receive this prompt, such as a mobile phone or tablet. As part of the set-up process, you‘ll be asked to download the free Duo Mobile app on to your smartphone. If you don’t have a smartphone, or you have specific needs that aren’t catered for, you’ll be directed to contact the IT Support Centre.

Please note that you won't be required to set up 2-factor authentication if your account is in applicant status.

Upload a photo

In My Manchester, you’ll also be able to upload a photo for your student card. There are some restrictions on the size and style of your photograph. Make sure you check the guidance on the 'My profile' page in My Manchester.