Getting Started with Technology at Bowdoin (Students)

Questions

  • I'm new to Bowdoin — how do I get started with technology?
  • What accounts, Wi-Fi, and apps do I need as a Bowdoin student?
  • How do I get on the Wi-Fi, log in to Canvas, and set up my email?
  • What software does Bowdoin give students for free?
  • How do I join classes and meetings on Zoom and Microsoft Teams?
  • How do I connect from off campus?
  • Where do I get help with Bowdoin technology?

Environment

This article applies to new and current Bowdoin students. It is a starting point that introduces the core technology you'll use at Bowdoin and links to step-by-step guides for each topic in the Related Articles section. Almost everything below uses your Bowdoin username and password with two-step verification.

Resolution

Get on the Wi-Fi

Connect your devices to Bowdoin's wireless network. See Connecting to the eduroam wireless network in the Related Articles section.

Email and calendar

Bowdoin email and calendar run on Microsoft 365. Sign in at office365.bowdoin.edu with your Bowdoin account, or add your account to the Outlook app on your computer or phone.

Canvas — your courses

Your courses, assignments, and grades live in Canvas at canvas.bowdoin.edu. See Log In to Canvas and Find Your Courses at Bowdoin in the Related Articles section.

Zoom and Microsoft Teams — meetings and online classes

Classes, office hours, and events often use Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Sign in to Zoom at bowdoin.zoom.us with your Bowdoin account, and test your audio, video, and microphone before your first session. See Log In to Zoom with Your Bowdoin Account and Introducing Microsoft Teams in the Related Articles section.

Microsoft 365 and OneDrive — free software and storage

Every student gets a free Microsoft 365 license (the full Office apps, installable on up to five devices) and 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage. See Microsoft 365 for Students and Get Started with OneDrive in the Related Articles section.

Connect from off campus (VPN)

Some Bowdoin services and network drives require the VPN when you're off campus. See Install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN on your computer or iOS device in the Related Articles section.

More software

Additional software is available to students, including Adobe Creative Cloud and the EndNote and Zotero reference managers. Search the IT Knowledge Base or the Service Catalog for the tool you need.

Tip: Bookmark the Bowdoin IT support site at support.bowdoin.edu and chat with Bowdoin Bot from any page for quick answers.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (4)

Get Started with OneDrive (for Work or School)
An overview of OneDrive (for Work or School), the Microsoft 365 cloud storage service available to all current Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students. Explains how much storage is included, how files can be synced and shared, how data is protected, and the main advantages of using OneDrive.
Log In to Canvas and Find Your Courses at Bowdoin
Instructions for Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff on how to log in to Canvas, access course dashboards, and troubleshoot missing courses. Covers browser and mobile app access.
Log In to Zoom with Your Bowdoin Account
Step-by-step instructions for signing in to Zoom using Bowdoin Single Sign-On (SSO) credentials — on the Zoom website, the desktop app on Windows or Mac, and the mobile app on iPhone or iPad.
Microsoft 365 for Students
What Bowdoin's free Microsoft 365 student license includes — desktop and web Office apps, Teams, OneDrive, and more, installable on up to five devices — and the 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage that comes with it. Covers signing in at office365.bowdoin.edu, sharing, offline/sync, editing in the browser, and handling an existing OneDrive account. Applies to all Bowdoin students.