Activating your University of Surrey staff IT account

Visit https://activate.surrey.ac.uk

You will be prompted to enter your University Number and date of birth. In the University Number field you will need to enter your seven-digit Staff Employee Number which can be found on your University Card (if you are activating a misc account (for example, visiting professors, contractors, temporary staff) the information you enter will be different).

Your username will automatically be generated when you activate your account and will be used to login to PCs on campus.

You will be prompted to set a password. To do this you will need to enter a password which follows the rules below and agree to the IT Services Acceptable Use Policy (PDF).

Password guidelines

It is important that you use a strong and unique password to secure your University account. The University recommends using the "three random words" method - where you combine three random words to create a password that is long enough and strong enough to withstand attack.

There are things to avoid when creating your password, such as:

• Using memorable dates such as your birthdate
• Swapping letters for numbers (for example, swapping an "o" for a zero)
• Using the names of your pets, your children or popular culture references.

Your account has now been activated. You should now be able to use your IT account username and password to access IT services both on and off campus.

Please note it takes at least four hours for your email account to activate and 24 hours for SurreyLearn.

It may take 24 hours before you can login to most University systems.

This essential step ensures that only you can log into your account. The best approval method to use is to download the Microsoft multi-factor authentication (MFA) app onto your mobile phone. MFA is a security method that requires at least two methods of authentication:

1. Your password
2. Another piece of information (approval using the app, text message code or a phone call)

This additional authentication will only take place every 14 days (if you are not using a university-managed windows device) or if unusual activity is suspected on your account.

Instructions to set up MFA:

• MFA quick start guide (PDF)
• Multifactor Authentication | Setup guide video

This essential step will allow you to reset your password should you forget it, or if you want to/need to change your password.

Please follow the instructions on the self-service password set up guide (PDF) or watch this instructional video. 

Once set up, if you forget your password, you can reset it yourself by visiting passwordreset.microsoftonline.com.