How to set up your Ohio State login and check BuckeyeMail
Follow the directions below to:
- activate your Ohio State username (lastname.#) and create your password
- check your BuckeyeMail account (for admitted students)
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.
Now that you're admitted, we're sending important information about housing, financial aid and more to your BuckeyeMail account.
Assuming you've activated your Ohio State username and created a password (see the step above), you can now log in to the BuckeyeMail account we've created for you 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 BuckeyeMail is, and why you should check it
BuckeyeMail is Ohio State's email service. We send 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.
How often to check BuckeyeMail
Check BuckeyeMail (as well as your personal email) several times a week until school begins, and then daily.
If you forget your username or password
Go to my.osu.edu and follow the directions in the "Current users" box.
BuckeyePass (Duo) authentication
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.
Run into a problem?
If you’re having difficulties, contact our IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 or servicedesk@osu.edu.