Getting Started

Get up and running at Vanderbilt

Students

• 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 will dial in from off campus with VUaccess or another Internet service provider, these requirements are crucial for ensuring adequate performance.
  
  
• 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."
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Apply for housing.
  
  
• Bookmark the following link for web access to your VUmail.
  
  
• Install anti-virus software on your computer, available at no charge to you. Also check for special pricing on other software licenses available to students.
  
  
• Need a cellphone? Several cellular vendors offer special plans to Vanderbilt students which were designed based on student input.
  
  
• Want unlimited downloads of new music? Vanderbilt has teamed up with Napster to create VUmix - offering legal, safe music downloads for only $2 a month for students.
  
  
• 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:
  • VUspace - Vanderbilt's networked storage system
  • OASIS - used to register for courses.
  • 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.
  • MS Student Select Program - enables Vanderbilt to sell licenses for Microsoft software to students at reduced prices.
  • 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:
  
  • 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.
    
  • 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.

• If you are bringing a TV, check the requirements for TeleVU, the campus cable TV service.
  
  
• Bring or plan to buy a phone that's compatible with the campus voice network. Each residence has one phone jack per student.
  
  
• Check ResNet's list of suggestions and extras.

• Authorize your VUnetID and activate your VUnet Services so you can access Vanderbilt's ebiz applications and get extended information in PeopleFinder.
  
  
• You automatically get a VUmail 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 VUmail 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.
  
  
• Bookmark the following link for web access to your VUmail or follow these instructions for configuring email clients.
  
  
• VUspace gives you a place to put your webpage, store files, and allows you access to software available for purchace from ITS.
  
  
• Install anti-virus software on your computer, available at no charge to you. Also check for special pricing on other software licenses available to students.
  
  
• Need a cellphone? Several cellular vendors offer special plans to Vanderbilt employees.
  
  
• Vanderbilt's ebiz pages provide information about your leave accrual and benefits.
  
  
• Want unlimited music downloads? Vanderbilt has teamed up with Napster to create VUmix - offering legal, safe music downloads at a discounted rate for Faculty & Staff.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Heard Library - access to databases, electronic journals and other services.
  
  

If you have any problems, check with your Local Support Provider.

• Authorize your VUnetID. You will use it to identify yourself to essential online services and resources at Vanderbilt.