As an MIT student, you have access to a world-class digital infrastructure designed to support your academic growth. This includes an array of software, services, and 24/7 IT support to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed.
MIT students have access to widely used productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Zoom, Slack, as well as discipline-specific technical software, such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, Mathematica, PyMOL, SnapGene, and more – all available through IS&T at no cost to you.
Here’s what you need to know to get you started with IT at MIT:
Make sure your laptop meets MIT requirements.
Your laptop is an essential tool for participating in academic and co-curricular activities. Check IS&T’s specification guidelines to ensure it meets the requirements, and check with your academic program to see if there are any specific requirements you need to consider.
MIT does not include a computer in the cost of attendance. However, if you plan to purchase a computer while at MIT and need financial assistance, visit Student Financial Services.
Choose your Kerberos username wisely.
Your Kerberos username becomes your MIT email address and will be your primary digital identity for MIT services, so choose a name that represents you well, both now and in the future. (Note that changing a Kerberos username later takes time and involves numerous systems and processes.) As part of the process of registering for a Kerberos account, you will be prompted to register Duo two-factor authentication, which is an additional security layer to verify your identity via your physical device.
Why is it called Kerberos?
Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that was developed at MIT in 1988 as part of Project Athena. Because of its role as part of the MIT computing environment at that time, the words "Kerberos" or "kerb" became shorthand for your MIT digital identity.
Access your MIT email.
After registering your Kerberos account, visit office.com and sign in using your @mit.edu email address. You will authenticate through Touchstone, MIT’s single sign-on (SSO) service.
Set yourself up for success.
Once you’ve completed account registration and your student onboarding tasks, IS&T recommends the following:
- Use the Atlas mobile app to activate your digital MIT ID.
- Securely connect to MITnet.
- Protect your account, devices, and data.
- Set up your laptop to use MIT’s Pharos printers.
- Install the software you need.
Questions? Get IT help 24/7.
IS&T provides 24/7 support by phone or email. Once you've registered your MIT account, we're also available to chat with you via the Atlas mobile app.