Get Your Access Account
Get on the Grid!
Your Penn State user ID and password lets you access a wide-range of Penn State Internet services: University Libraries, eLion, the Web, e-mail, University calendars, eCommerce sites, research services, ITS-managed Student Computing Labs, and more.
User ID + Password = Secure Info
Your user ID (or "username") is often your initials and/or a one-to-four digit number such as xyz5000. This is the public part of your digital identity, typically viewable by others when you send an e-mail or fill out a Web form. If your user ID is xyz5000, then in general, your Penn State e-mail address will be xyz5000@psu.edu.
Your Key
A password functions as a key that enables you to open the University's many electronic doors (or Web sites). This is the private part of your digital identity. Protect and guard your password as you would your personal bankcard PIN number. Never share your password with anyone and don't write it down or make it easy for someone to crack.
Get Your Access Account and Go Shopping!
We recommend waiting to purchase your hardware and software until you get your Access Account and are eligible for academic pricing through the Computer Store and Penn State's preferred vendors.
