Quick Guide
Getting Started
Welcome to campus! Here are seven easy, but crucial, steps to help you get set up for the year ahead.
Quick Guide Checklist (see below for details)
1. Claim and set up your NetID
2. Set up your EnterpriseID
3. Verify personal information in UI-Integrate Self-Service
4. Complete payroll information in NESSIE (if necessary)
5. Get your i-card
6. Register for classes
7. Buy textbooks
Computer Account Information and Services
Many University services are accessible via Web-based applications that are managed by Campus Information Technologies and Educational Services (CITES). CITES also provides each student with a campus e-mail account. Extensive information about CITES services is available at www.cites.illinois.edu.
As a graduate student at the University of Illinois, you will have several IDs and passwords, each of which provides access to particular services. Prior to your first semester at the University, you should receive an e-mail describing how to set up your University passwords and accounts. For information about each University ID, its function, and related password information, go to www.cites.illinois.edu/express/gettingstarted.html. For additional information about CITES specifically for new students, go to www.cites.illinois.edu/newstudents/index.html.
Remember that all IDs and passwords are confidential. They are used to protect your rights and privacy. Do not share them with anyone. Your three most essential forms of University identification are the NetID, the EnterpriseID, and the i-card.
NetID (often resembles your last name)
The NetID and password gives you access to sites and services specific to the Urbana-Champaign campus, such as e-mail and file storage. Note, however, that you may be required to set up separate passwords for different services. For example, you may need to set up one password for access to a campus computer lab and another to log in to your e-mail account, each of which is different from your NetID password, yet you can only create these by logging in to the system with your NetID and password. The NetID password is also often called your "Bluestem" password, because the Bluestem system is used for authentication. (The Bluestem authentication screen will soon become a familiar site, and you will immediately know which password to use with that screen.)
Shortly after new students are admitted, they will be invited to visit the NetID claiming Web site at netidclaim.uiuc.edu/ to set up your Net ID. You will need to enter in your University ID Number (UIN), date of birth, and last name. The UIN was provided to you in your Official Notice of Admission letter. After you have set up your Net ID and password, you will be able to link to the Enterprise ID page.
Note about e-mail accounts: Your e-mail account will not be activated until just before the beginning of your admit term. More information on your e-mail account set-up can be found on the CITES web page at www.cites.illinois.edu.
EnterpriseID (may look the same as your NetID)
In many cases, your EnterpriseID will look the same as your NetID; however, the passwords for each of these are set separately. You will need your NetID and NetID password to set up your EnterpriseID password. The EnterpriseID allows access to the statewide University of Illinois administrative system for official records in Student Services, Financial Aid, and Billing, called Banner. Students access Banner through the Web-based UI Integrate Self-Service. You will need an EnterpriseID and password to register for classes. To set up your EnterpriseID, go to apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice and follow the steps for first-time users. Your Enterprise ID will allow you to claim a housing contract and to access the Student Self-Service Online Registration Forms.
Verify personal information in UI-Integrate Self-Service
Once you have established your EnterpriseID, use it to log into an online system called UI-Integrate Self-Service at apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice and verify your personal information, such as your contact information. Keeping this information up-to-date is extremely important and ensures proper delivery of important documents. Prior to the beginning of each term, students must make certain that their addresses in the UI Integrate system are current and accurate. Students should also make changes throughout the term if any address changes occur. For international students, proper documentation of a local residential address is required to maintain student visa status.
i-card (a photo ID with your University ID number)
The i-card is the University's official photo ID. i-cards are issued in the ID Center located on the first floor of the Illini Union Bookstore, at the corner of Wright and Daniels streets. To get your i-card, you will need to bring a current, government-issued photo ID as proof of identity. The most current list of Accepted Proofs of Identity are always at www.icard.uillinois.edu/dsp_getid.cfm#proofs.
The i-card is used to access certain University services and facilities, such as library borrowing, computer labs, campus recreation facilities, health care, residence halls and dining facilities, and student elections. It also serves as a library user card and a bus pass. Depending on the service, you may be asked to present your i-card, enter your University Identification Number (UIN), or scan the barcode or magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Off-campus students but may request an i-card from their home department, which may then request one for them from the Campus ID center.
Campus ID Center address, contact, and hours are listed at: www.icard.uillinois.edu/dsp_id_urbana.cfm.
Information about i-cards, card services, and UINs is available at www.icard.uillinois.edu.
Complete payroll information in NESSIE (if necessary)
Students with assistantships, traineeships and fellowships, will need to complete payroll information in an online system called NESSIE New Hire. For assistants, your department will provide you with the URL and give you a password to do this. You will not be paid until information in NESSIE is complete.
Register for classes
After meeting with your adviser and setting up your EnterpriseID, you will be ready to register for classes. Register online through UI-Integrate Self-Service. The Class Schedule, a list of courses currently offered, is available online at courses.uiuc.edu/schedule. For help using UI-Integrate Self-Service, contact the AITS Help Desk at 333-3102 or by e-mail www.cites.illinois.edu/help/.
Buy Textbooks
Three local bookstores sell textbooks specifically for courses taught at the University:
Illini Union Bookstore (IUB), corner of Wright and Daniel, C, 333-2050, www.uofibookstore.illinois.edu
Follett's, corner of Wright and Green, C, 356-1368, www.efollett.com
T.I.S. College Bookstore, 707 S. Sixth, C, 337-4900, www.tisbook.com