# How to set up your Ohio State login and check BuckeyeMail

**Source**: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/enable-buckeyemail
**Parent**: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/after-you-are-admitted

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- [Email](mailto:askabuckeye@osu.edu "Email us: askabuckeye@osu.edu")

# How to set up your Ohio State login and check BuckeyeMail

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## What do you need help with?

## [Activate username and create password](#collapseActivate)

Follow the steps below to activate your Ohio State username and created a password.

1. ### Locate your Ohio State username

   We have created a username for you based on your last name:
   **lastname.#**. Look for it at the top of your notice of admission letter and on other correspondence from us.
2. ### Request an Activation Code

   Go to
   [my.osu.edu](http://my.osu.edu/) and click the
   **Activate Now!** button. Click
   **I need an Activation Code** and follow the prompts. An activation code will be emailed to you at the email address you select.
3. ### Activate your username and create a password

   When you receive the email with your activation code, return to
   [my.osu.edu](http://my.osu.edu/) and click the
   **Activate Now!** button again.

- This time, select
  **I have an Activation Code.** Enter your username and the activation code we emailed to you.
- Follow the instructions to complete the process.
- At this point, you should see a green box with the message "Your identity has been activated."

Most services should be available in about 15 minutes. You can use these credentials to
[check your application status](http://appstatus.osu.edu/). If you have trouble, check these
[more detailed instructions](https://osuitsm.service-now.com/selfservice/kb_view.do?sysparm_article=KB01286). If you’re still having difficulties, contact our IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 or
[servicedesk@osu.edu](mailto:servicedesk@osu.edu).

## [Check BuckeyeMail (for admitted students)](#collapseSetup)

Ohio State sends information about housing, financial aid and more via
**email**.

We'll use the email address you provided when you applied AND — once you've paid your acceptance fee — we'll email your BuckeyeMail account.
**Check both regularly.**

### How do I check BuckeyeMail?

You can log in to your BuckeyeMail account at
[buckeyemail.osu.edu](https://buckeyemail.osu.edu/) using these credentials:

- Your username for BuckeyeMail is your full BuckeyeMail address:
  **lastname.#@buckeyemail.osu.edu**.
- Your password is the same password you created when you activated your Ohio State username.

### What is BuckeyeMail, and why should I check it?

BuckeyeMail is Ohio State's email service. Once you accept admission and pay your acceptance fee, Ohio State sends important and time-sensitive emails to your BuckeyeMail email address. So it's important to check your BuckeyeMail inbox, even if you're not committed to Ohio State yet.

### What is my BuckeyeMail address format?

Your BuckeyeMail address follows the pattern
**lastname.#@buckeyemail.osu.edu**.

### Where do I sign in to check BuckeyeMail?

Acces BuckeyeMail through
[buckeyemail.osu.edu](https://buckeyemail.osu.edu/), which redirects you to Outlook’s login page (Outlook 365). Use your username and password to log in.

### How often should I check email?

Check BuckeyeMail (as well as your personal email) several times a week until school begins, and then daily.

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## What if I forget my password?

Go to
[my.osu.edu](http://my.osu.edu/) and follow the directions in the "Current users" box.

## Do I need to set up two-factor authentication?

Yes. Ohio State requires two-factor authentication when logging in to most services and applications. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to
[register for BuckeyePass](https://buckeyepass.osu.edu/) before you can take certain actions (like logging in to accept your admission offer or to accept your financial aid offer). BuckeyePass is powered by Duo Security.

## I have a question.

Contact our IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 or
[servicedesk@osu.edu](mailto:servicedesk@osu.edu).