Questions
- How do I download Autodesk software as a Bowdoin student or faculty member?
- How do I get AutoCAD for free as a student?
- What Autodesk products are available with an educational license?
- How do I verify my educational status to get Autodesk software?
- How do I install AutoCAD or other Autodesk products on my computer?
- How long is the Autodesk educational license valid?
- What do I do if my Autodesk installation fails?
- Can I use Autodesk software on a personal computer as a Bowdoin student?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin College students and faculty who want to install Autodesk products (such as AutoCAD, Revit, or Maya) using Autodesk's free educational license program. The educational license is available directly from Autodesk — it is not managed by Bowdoin IT — and requires verification of your educational status using your Bowdoin email address.
- Supported platforms: macOS and Windows
- Requirements: Bowdoin email address, reliable internet connection, minimum 8 GB RAM and compatible graphics card
- License duration: Autodesk educational licenses are typically valid for one year and can be renewed
Not managed by Bowdoin IT: The Autodesk Education Community is a free program run directly by Autodesk. Bowdoin IT does not manage licenses or provide installation support beyond this article. For technical issues, contact
Autodesk Support directly.
Resolution
Step 1 — Create or sign in to your Autodesk account
- Go to the Autodesk Education Community website.
- Click Get Started to create a new Autodesk account, or sign in if you already have one. Use your Bowdoin email address (
@bowdoin.edu).
- Verify your educational status when prompted. This may require providing your school name, enrollment dates, and confirming your Bowdoin email address.
Step 2 — Download your software
- Once your educational status is verified, browse the available software and select the product you want.
- Choose your operating system and language preference.
- Click Install Now or Download to begin downloading the installer.
Step 3 — Install the software
- Open the downloaded installer file.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose the installation type — Standard is recommended for most users.
- Confirm or accept the default installation location.
- Click Install and wait for the process to complete.
Step 4 — Activate your educational license
- Launch the Autodesk product after installation.
- Sign in with your Autodesk account credentials to activate the educational license.
- If prompted, confirm your educational usage terms to complete activation.
Installation errors? Common causes include connectivity issues or hardware that does not meet the minimum requirements. Visit the
Autodesk Customer Service page for troubleshooting guidance.
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.
Additional Resources