Move-In Day Tech: What to Bring and What to Leave Home

Moving into a North Central University residence hall? Here's what to set up before you arrive, what tech to bring, and what to leave at home so you're online your first night on campus.

Before you arrive

1

Claim your NCU account

Use the steps in New Student Account Claiming Process. You can only claim it once.
2

Set up MFA

You'll need it to sign in to anything at NCU. See MFA: Setting Up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA).
3

Check your laptop

Compare it with Technology Recommendations for Students and install any waiting Windows or macOS updates before move-in day.
4

What to bring

Item
What to know
Laptop
A Windows computer or Mac. Chromebooks aren't recommended because many course tools don't run on them.
Phone with Microsoft Authenticator
You need it to sign in. Getting a new phone soon? Move Authenticator before you switch.
Game console, smart TV, or streaming device
Register it at devices.northcentral.edu before you connect it. See How To: Connect a Smart Device to NCU WiFi.
Printer (optional)
You don't need one. Students print for free on campus Canon copiers. If you bring one, plan to use a USB cable. Wireless printing won't work.

Leave these at home

Not allowed on the NCU network

  • Wireless routers and access points
  • Wired routers, gateways, switches, and splitters
  • Any device that changes how the NCU network works

Smart speakers, Chromecast, smart plugs, and other devices that need your phone on the same network may not work on campus. Check Smart Devices and the University Network before you buy or pack one.

Getting connected on move-in day

Device
How it connects
Laptops, phones, and tablets
Join NCU-Secure and sign in with your NCU account: Windows, Mac, iPhone & iPad, Android.
Consoles, smart TVs, and streaming devices
Register at devices.northcentral.edu first, then connect to NCU-Guest.

Register before you connect

If you connect a console or smart TV to NCU-Guest before registering it, it gets the wrong network profile and can't get online until IT fixes it.

Get help

Still need help? Call the IT Service Desk at 612.343.4170 or visit Miller Hall 226, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT.

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