Welcome and congratulations on joining the 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ community! Here you will find information to help you connect to WiFi, hook up your gaming consoles to the internet, connect to 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ's online streaming service (Xfinity on Campus), and beyond.
Use the instructions accompanying your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ credentials (Eagle ID, username, etc) to do the following:
- Log in to Agora Portal and set up your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Password.
- In Agora, set up 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ 2-Step Verification.
- In Agora, create your Secondary Password (for 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Google services).
- Log in to your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Google account with your Secondary Password, then set up Google 2-Step Verification. Note: Google 2-Step Verification is mandatory and must be completed within one week of initial login to your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Google account.
- Set up Eagle VPN.
Ìý
- Ensure your laptop is running macOS Sonoma (14) or newer or Windows 11 with the latest updates.
- Be sure you know your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ username, 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ email addresses (yes, you have 2), EagleID, 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Password, and Secondary Password.
- Don’t bring a printer, as wireless printing is not supported in the residence halls; instead learn about student printing.
- Download Antivirus software.
- Backup your files.
- Access your 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ version of Microsoft 365 for no additional cost.
- Log in to Canvas.
- Familiarize yourself with Tech Support resources.
Ìý
- Set up eduroam WiFi on your computer and mobile device. Note: Residence halls are wifi only. Ethernet ports are not active.
- Set up student printing.
- Set up Gaming consoles.
- Log in to Xfinity on campus.
Ìý
- Learn about 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ AI Tools with data protection - Gemini, Copilot, NotebookLM.
- Access LinkedIn Learning for free tutorials or test-drive Zoom’s AI features.
Ìý
Nearly all students bring their own laptop computer to have the flexibility to use technology wherever they want, whenever they want. However, there are desktop computers available in University librariesÌýand various computer labs across campusÌýon a first come-first served basis. LaptopsÌýare also available forÌýshort term loanÌýat some University Libraries.
Most students do not need their own printer because they can print in the libraries, computer labs, and two dining halls on campus. Students are alloted $15 in PrintBucks each semester & are charged 3 cents for black & white pages and 50 cents for color pages. If you use up your PrintBucks during the semester, you will be charged to your Eagle Bucks account.ÌýNote:ÌýTwo pages, printed double-sided, are charged as one page.
Yes, but make sure you are using a 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ-recommended operating system version. Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
Other important things to consider:
- Boston College requires all students to use antivirus software on their computers.
- Windows computers: You can use the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus software.
- Mac computers: If you do not already have virus protection, 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home.
- Be aware of your software needs and your computer's capacity. For example, Chromebooks and Tablets may not have the capacity to install large programs (such as Microsoft Project, Visual Basic, etc).
- Learn which computer brands Boston College is certified to repair at the on-campus Hardware Repair Service Center.
Ìý
If you’re more comfortable with one system over another, stick with what you know – both Mac and Windows computers are supported on campus.
Please be aware of your software needs and your computer's capacity. For example, Chromebooks and Tablets may not have the capacity to install large programs (such as Microsoft Project, Visual Basic, etc).
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
Contact the 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Technology HelpÌýCenter at 617-552-HELP (4357) orÌýhelp.center@bc.eduÌýfor assistance. Feel free to call even before you arrive on campus.
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365.
Boston College requires all students to use antivirus software on their computers.
- Windows computers: You can use the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus software.
- Mac computers: If you do not already have virus protection, 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home.
- Staff at the Walk-In Help Desk (O'Neill 3rd floor) are available to assist students with software issues and diagnosis of hardware problems.
- If your computer requires hardware repair, you may have it serviced at the 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Hardware Repair Service Center (O'Neill 318). Call 617-552-HELP (4357) for details.
- You can also get technology help by calling, emailing, or chatting with us.
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
To make sure you don't lose important files if your computer stops working, you should back up your computer on a regular basis.
51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Google Workspace
Students have 250GB of storage space to store files within 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ Google Workspace. ITS recommends you install Google Drive for desktop to safely store your files and access them from any device.
51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ strongly recommends you purchase at least a 3 year service warranty when you buy a new computer. Some computer bundles do not include a service warranty, but instead must be purchased separately. If available, we also encourage you to purchase some kind of accidental damage protection, which will cover accidental damage such as spills.
- Service warranties typically cover everything that’s not accidentally or intentionally damaged. Spills to the keyboard or damage to the display are not typically covered by a service warranty.
- You can purchase "AppleCare+ for Mac" to cover accidental damage.
- As is standard, batteries only have a one-year warranty.
Ìý
Laptop batteries only have a 1-year warranty, which is standard for all laptops sold by Apple, Dell, HP, and other major computer vendors.
Students can grant access to course and grade information to their parents (or advisors, friends, etc.).
- Students have to grant access. It cannot be initiated by the parent.
- Students can specify service access and expiration. Access can be rescinded or extended by the student at any time.
- To give proxy access, log into Agora Portal and click the "Grant Third Party (Proxy) Access to My Account" link (under Account and Personal Info).
Ìý
Currently, students can grant access to the following services:
- Courses and Grades
- My Grades
- Financial Aid Award Notification
- Financial Aid Application Status
Ìý
Proxy access accounts are only valid while the student has an active 51³ÉÈ˶¯Âþ account. Boston College reserves the right to deactivate proxy access at any time.
Security
Ensure you're up to date on the latest technology security requirements and best practices.
