Your University IT account
Your University IT account gives you secure access to digital services at Essex — including email, wifi, online learning, Microsoft 365, and other systems you’ll use during your studies.
Setting up your account
You’ll receive an email when your account is ready to set up. This will include your personal record identifier (PRID), which you’ll need during setup.
Please complete this before you start at Essex.
Set up your account →During setup you will:
- collect your University username and email address
- create your password
- register your sign-in methods (for security and account recovery)
If you have any issues, please contact the IT Helpdesk.
Your University email address
Your default email address is your username@essex.ac.uk (for example, ab12345@essex.ac.uk). This is the address the University will use to contact you.
You can request a name-based email address, such as firstname.lastname@essex.ac.uk. Your username-based address will continue to work alongside it.
Important: You will still need to use your username (for example, ab12345@essex.ac.uk) to sign in to University services.
Managing your password and security
You can change or reset your password, and update your sign-in methods, at any time using Microsoft’s secure password site.
We recommend:
- using strong, unique passwords
- keeping your recovery methods up to date
- enabling additional security prompts if offered
If you forget your login details
If you can’t recover access yourself, the IT Helpdesk can help you regain access after verifying your identity.
When your account closes
Your IT account will close when you leave the University, typically on your final day of employment.
To prepare, please see IT account closure: your leaver checklist.
Temporary visitor accounts
Visitors who need short-term access (usually less than two weeks) may be eligible for a temporary IT account.
All requests are reviewed by IT staff and approved where appropriate.
Request a temporary account (staff only)
Need help?
If you have questions or need assistance with your IT account, please contact the IT Helpdesk.
