How to set up your Ohio State login and check BuckeyeMail
What do you need help with?
Follow the steps below to activate your Ohio State username and created a password.
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.
Request an Activation Code
Go to 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.
Activate your username and create a password
When you receive the email with your activation code, return to 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. If you have trouble, check these more detailed instructions. If you’re still having difficulties, contact our IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 or servicedesk@osu.edu.
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 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, 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.
What if I forget my password?
Go to 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 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.