Start your journey

There are two ways of signing into University resources and services. After registering you will receive details for your University email address (e.g. j.bloggs@edu.salford.ac.uk) and your network username (e.g. abc123). For security purposes these accounts have a temporary password which you will be prompted to change when you first sign in. 

Your email address is used to sign into the following tools:

• Microsoft 365 account
• Blackboard
• the Student Hub

Your network username is used to access services such as:

• Library Search
• adding credit to your printing account
• Advantage – the system for booking onto University events

Not sure which one to use? Look at how the sign in box is labelled for the system or resource you want to access. Does it ask for your email address or a username?

Changing your password

We recommend that you sign into your Microsoft 365 account, or the Student Hub, so that you will see the prompt to change your password to one that only you know. Your two accounts will synchronise, so that you will use your new password for your network username too.

Choosing a strong password is very important to protect your accounts. Don’t use the same password for everything and follow our top tips for creating a strong password.

Multi Factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides a more secure way for you to sign into university systems. It requires a second form of authentication, so as you sign in to systems such as Microsoft 365 and its tools, the Student Hub and Blackboard, you are prompted for a password and then for a second verification method.

One of the benefits of all of this is that you will not be prompted to change your password again, but if you do forget your password or want to change it for security reasons then register for Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) so that you can reset it yourself anytime, anywhere.

Find out more about Multi Factor authentication (MFA) and Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) and watch our step-by-step videos.

When you register and have been given a university email address, you will be able to log in to Microsoft 365 to access your emails (Outlook), attend online lectures and seminars  (Teams), save your files in the cloud (OneDrive), as well as store your notes (OneNote) and access Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more.

The Student Hub is your gateway for all things student. You can access it after registering by signing in with your university email address. It is the best way to access links to most of the systems you will use as a Salford student. You will also find links to university events, news stories and important announcements that you need to know about.

Blackboard is the university’s virtual learning environment. You can access it via a web browser and by installing the Blackboard app to your smart device.

It is an essential tool as you will use Blackboard to view module announcements, access your learning materials, participate in discussion board topics, blogs and wikis, submit your work for e-Assessment and find your grades.

Once you've completed registration, you'll also need to log on to Blackboard to find all the materials related to your school induction. Please note that it can take up to 72 hours once registration has been completed for access to be confirmed.

You can find lots of information online, including a Blackboard tour video by visiting the Blackboard introduction and guide.

Advantage is the system where you can find job opportunities, sign up to workshops and masterclasses and book appointments with different advisors across the University. You’ll use your network login to access Advantage so, once you are registered, take a look at what’s online and book in workshops and masterclasses to your heart’s content!

Visit the Skills section for additional support with accessing and using our IT systems.

If you still require additional guidance, the fastest and easiest way to get help with accessing IT systems or resources is via the Digital IT Service Desk portal and its guides and FAQs.

For password enquiries, or if you are unable to use the portal, telephone +44 (0)161 295 2444 to speak to a member of the team (Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00 BST).

If you cannot call during business hours and are unable to log into the portal, email digital-itservicedesk@salford.ac.uk 

Drop-in support at the Tech Bar: face to face help from the team’s ‘Tech Bar’ is available from Monday to Friday in the Clifford Whitworth Library. It is currently staffed from 10:00 - 16:00 (times are subject to change throughout the year).