Getting Started

Get up and running at Vanderbilt

• Computer - If you plan to bring or buy a computer, be sure it meets the ResNet requirements and your school's requirements. Whether you will use your direct ResNet connection as a residential student or another Internet service provider, these requirements are crucial for ensuring adequate performance.
• Update - Update/patch your computers Operating System to be sure that all manufacturer recommended updates/upgrades have been applied. Windows users can do this by choosing "Start > Windows Update." Mac users can click on the Apple menu, then "Software Update." 
• VUnetID - Authorize your VUnetID and activate your VUnet Services. You will use it to identify yourself to essential online services and resources at Vanderbilt. For security reasons, the student should do this NOT the student's parents. The student must know his/her password, but nobody else should.
• Housing - Apply for housing.
• VU Gmail - Bookmark the following link for web access to your VU Gmail.
• VU Live - Microsoft Live mail
• Anti-Virus - Install anti-virus software on your computer, available at no charge to you.  And protect your computer with anti-spyware software, also at no charge.
• Free Software - Students can download Microsoft Windows and Office for free through the Vanderbilt Software Store
• Cellphone - Need a cellphone? Several cellular vendors offer special plans to Vanderbilt students which were designed based on student input.
• Become familiar with online services available to you at Vanderbilt. Here are some for which you will have access to when you authorize your VUnetID:
  • Register for classes - Log in to YES (Your Enrollment Services) to register for classes.
  • OAK - Online Access to Knowledge, a web-based courseware application. Instructors can post course-related information for students and conduct courses in a secure online environment, as well as communicate with class members.
  • Heard Library - access to databases, electronic journals and other services.
  • PeopleFinder - online contact database for the Vanderbilt community.
  • Access 2 Academic Information - allows students and their advisors to access personal academic record information online.

  Know that assistance is available:

  • ITS Help Desk - The ITS Help Desk provides assistance with questions or problems concerning connecting to VUnet, the campus data network. Help Desk staff also assists with email clients, web browsers, certain desktop applications and remote access issues.
  • Computer Labs - Some Computer labs are available to all students, free of charge. The labs feature word processing, spreadsheet and instructional software, as well as access to the internet & other resources. Staff in the labs are generally familiar with software in the lab and can provide assistance on a walk-in basis.
  • Additional Support - Check with your school for details of any additional support provided by the school.

• TV - If you are bringing a TV, check the requirements for TeleVU, the campus cable TV service.
• Phone - Bring or plan to buy a phone that's compatible with the campus voice network. Each residence has one phone jack per student.
• Suggestions - Check ResNet's list of suggestions and extras.
• Wireless Access - All residential buildings at Vanderbilt have complete wireless access coverage. See the ResNet wireless page for more information.

• VUnetID - Authorize your VUnetID and activate your VUnet Services. You will use it to identify yourself to essential online services and resources at Vanderbilt. For security reasons, the student should do this NOT the student's parents. The student must know his/her password, but nobody else should.
• Update - Update/patch your computers Operating System to be sure that all manufacturer recommended updates/upgrades have been applied. Windows users can do this by choosing "Start > Windows Update." Mac users can click on the Apple menu, then "Software Update."
• Vmail link - Bookmark the following link for web access to your Vmail.
• Anti-Virus - Install anti-virus software on your computer, available at no charge to you.  And protect your computer with anti-spyware software, also at no charge.
• Free Software - Students can download Microsoft Windows and Office for free through the  Vanderbilt Software Store
• Cellphone - Need a cellphone? Several cellular vendors offer special plans to Vanderbilt students which were designed based on student input.
• Become familiar with online services available to you at Vanderbilt. Here are some for which you will have access to when you authorize your VUnetID:
  • Register for classes - Log in to YES (Your Enrollment Services) to register for classes.
  • OAK - Online Access to Knowledge, a web-based courseware application. Instructors can post course-related information for students and conduct courses in a secure online environment, as well as communicate with class members.
  • Heard Library - access to databases, electronic journals and other services.
  • PeopleFinder - online contact database for the Vanderbilt community.
  • Access 2 Academic Information - allows students and their advisors to access personal academic record information online.
• Know that assistance is available:
  • IT Support - The ITS Help Desk provides assistance with questions or problems concerning connecting to VUnet, the campus data network. Help Desk staff also assists with email clients, web browsers, certain desktop applications and remote access issues.
  • Computer labs - Some Computer labs are available to all students, free of charge. The labs feature word processing, spreadsheet and instructional software, as well as access to the internet & other resources. Staff in the labs are generally familiar with software in the lab and can provide assistance on a walk-in basis.
• Check with your school for details of any additional support provided by the school:
  • College of Arts and Science
  • Divinity School Admissions
  • School of Engineering Admissions
  • Graduate Programs in Science and Engineering
  • The Graduate School
  • Law School Admissions
  • School of Medicine Admissions
  • School of Nursing Admissions
  • Owen Graduate School of Management
  • Owen Technology Services – The Owen Technology Productivity Services group is available to support students with any and all technology needs. Contact 615-322-2034 or helpdesk@owen.vanderbilt.edu or stop by the service desk on the first floor of the Walker Management Library.
  • Peabody College of Education and Human Development

• VUnetID - Authorize your VUnetID and activate your VUnet Services so you can access Vanderbilt network resources, including extended information in PeopleFinder.
• Email - You automatically get a Vmail address when you activate your VUnetID. Your address will have the form first.m.lastname@vanderbilt.edu. It will be your permanent e-mail address the entire time you are at Vanderbilt. It's a good idea to add up to two alternate email addresses -- for example, if you want to drop the middle initial or use a nickname. You will have to follow the policies for selecting those addresses.
• Vmail link - Bookmark the following link for web access to your Vmail or follow these instructions for configuring email clients.
• Anti-Virus - Install anti-virus software on your computer, available at no charge to you.  And protect your computer with anti-spyware software, also at no charge.
• VU Software Store - Faculty and staff qualify for free and discounted software for home use on personal computers through the Vanderbilt Software Store
• Cellphone - Need a cellphone? Several cellular vendors offer special plans to Vanderbilt employees.
• Benefits - Vanderbilt's ebiz pages provide information about your leave accrual and benefits.
• OAK - Faculty will want to be familiar with OAK - Online Access to Knowledge, a web-based courseware application. Instructors can post course-related information for students and conduct courses in a secure online environment, as well as communicate with class members.
• Library - Heard Library - access to databases, electronic journals and other services.
• IT Support - If you have any problems, check with your Local Support Provider.