IT for Students

Getting Connected

Email: Your McGill Email Address (usually in the form of firstname [dot] lastname [at] mail [dot] mcgill [dot] ca) is the official way the University communicates with you by email. You can access your email via the myMcGill portal or directly through Outlook Web App (OWA) at https://exchange.mcgill.ca. Sign in using your McGill Username and McGill Password.

Email on mobile devices: You can get your McGill Exchange email delivered to an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch or many other Exchange-capable smartphones.

Wireless coverage: Students have access to a secure wireless network on the downtown and Macdonald campuses and in every student residence at McGill.

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Connecting to McGill's VPN allows you to access campus-restricted systems from anywhere, so you can continue your research and study. In addition, Google Scholar collaborates with the Library to offer students direct access to journals and other documentation.

McGill Student Directory: Students can choose to opt into the McGill Student Directory. Choose whether to display your email and/or telephone information to the world or only to the McGill community.

Residences Telecommunications (REZ): From September 1 to April 30, on-campus and selected off-campus residences can purchase high-speed Internet and telephone services. These services are also available during the summer months for guests staying a minimum of two weeks.

eduroam: Students can use their McGill Username and Password to log into wireless networks at participating universities in Europe, Canada, Asia and Australia.

blogs.mcgill.ca (service description): Students can request space on McGill's blogging platform, blogs.mcgill.ca (home page), for their official student group or McGill organization.

Learning Tools

myMcGill (service description): When McGill students log into the University portal, myMcGill (login page), they discover a single entry point for email, web services, class schedules, access to updated campus events and announcements, and myFuture, McGill's career and internship management system.

myCourses (service description): From myMcGill, students access the NEW myCourses (login page), the online learning management system that delivers course content and announcements, multimedia, grades and surveys, as well as tools for discussion, assessment and assignments.

Lecture Recording System: McGill provides the opportunity for students to review material presented in class through a facility that records lectures. Students who have iPods can use iTunes to automatically synchronize their iPod to the Lecture Recording System.

McGill Library: Personal computers are available in all McGill branch libraries at the university. Students with laptops equipped with an Ethernet card and network cable can connect to the Internet with their McGill Username and Password using the network data jacks available in many branches. Students can also connect to the wireless network at any branch.

Resources and Support

Audiovisual equipment loans: The university offers Audiovisual Equipment Loans with service points on both of its campuses to allow students to borrow data projectors, digital audio devices, tripods, cameras, camcorders and more. Arrangements for any credit course are at no charge. AV equipment for other uses carries a small charge.

Laptop loans: Students can borrow a laptop from 7 library locations participating in the Laptop Lending Program.

Computer labs: There is a network of public computers and teaching labs available for use by the university community. Use the online lab finder tool to identify available labs by location, software or operating system.

Software licenses: Downloadable software applications, including antivirus, VPN and citation management software, are distributed without charge to the McGill community, including all students. New applications are frequently becoming available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to buy a computer?
We recommend that students own a laptop, but it is not required. McGill has shared resources available to accommodate students who do not bring a computer to campus.

What software does McGill provide?
McGill provides a wide range of software for free or at a discount. Most software is available for downloading at www.mcgill.ca/software.