New Student Resources
Northwestern Qatar offers a wide range of technology support services for students. The following reference serves as a checklist for new students to prepare for their digital journey at the University. The guide covers activating Northwestern user accounts, recommended personal computer specifications, software available to full time Northwestern Qatar students, and how to get technology support help.
How do I set up my accounts?
You will require your Northwestern NetID, Email and Duo multifactor authentication working to be ready for Northwestern Qatar orientation and to register for courses. Please confirm that you have all three working by following the instructions below. Once confirmed, please complete our IT New Student NetID Activation Confirmation Survey.
- NetID - The Northwestern NetID is your primary university user account used to access most University services. Visit https://northwestern.edu/login and enter the NetID and activation code from your Admissions portal and create your NetID password and security questions.
- Email - Northwestern student email accounts are provided by Google. Click here to setup your Google G Suite account. Please note that your Google email account uses a unique username and password.
- Duo - MFA Quick Guide - DUO is an extra layer of information security for your Northwestern NetID required to access Northwestern’s course registration system (Caesar) and many other systems at Northwestern.
- How-To Video: MFA Registration
- International Students: If you register for Duo Mobile prior to your arrival in Qatar, make sure to bring the smartphone that you have registered with Duo Mobile to Qatar. We recommend registering your phone to use the Duo Mobile app, so that you will be able to use it once you come to Qatar.
- Click here for more information on Duo.
What computer will I need for my classes?
Computer Hardware Recommendations
- Please review Northwestern computer hardware recommendations before making a purchase to ensure compatibility with Northwestern technology. We strongly suggest that each student own a laptop computer meeting power user specifications (Mac / Windows) given the collaborative nature of NU-Q coursework and the computational demands of media production software.
- Please email helpdesk@qatar.northwestern.edu if you have questions about the readiness of your setup.
What technology resources and software are available?
Software
In August during Wildcat Welcome orientation week, the following software will be available to you.
- Microsoft Office - Download the latest version of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus.
- Adobe Creative Cloud - Set up your NU-Q Adobe ID and log in to the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application: https://my.qatnorthwestern.edu/academic-resources/information-technology/adobe-suite/students.html
- Download the latest version of the Adobe Creative Cloud Apps.
- NU-Q VPN - Set up secure remote access to the Northwestern network using the NU-Q VPN
- Antivirus - Protect your computer! Northwestern recommends the antivirus software at the Northwestern Antivirus
Canvas
Canvas is Northwestern’s primary online learning management tool. The platform allows instructors and students to deliver course materials, submit assignments and tests, view grades, and create learning activities. The following references will help get you started.
- Log in to Canvas (NetID and password required)
- NU-Q Canvas Guide
- Canvas Student Guide
- Change time-zone to see assignments in your local time
Review your Canvas notification settings. We recommend students set “Notify me right away” for course announcements.
Computer Labs
- Computer labs are available on campus for all NU-Q students. Lab computers have all core course software required for NU-Q course work. Click here for more information on NU-Q computer labs.