Resident Life Information Technology provides network connectivity support to University of Maryland students living in:
- The residence halls
- The Courtyards at University of Maryland
- South Campus Commons
- #1 - #14 Fraternity Row
- Graduate Hills
- Graduate Gardens
Support Line
We can be reached at (301) 314-DATA (301-314-3282) Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM.
Additional Support
For help with e-mail accounts, directory ID and password, web services, telephones, and other IT resources, please contact the Division of Information Technology at (301) 314-1500 or on the web at the Help Desk.
Cable Television Support
For help with your university cable television connection, please contact Comcast at (301) 314-CATV (301-314-2288). View the listing of the cable channel listing on campus.
• Cable TV Channel Listing
Should I bring a computer to campus?
Yes. More than 90% of students in the on-campus residence halls, apartments and suites bring computers to their rooms. Having a computer is not required of students at the University of Maryland, but using a computer is necessary for success in most academic majors. Most residence hall students prefer the convenience and fun of having their own computer in the comfort of their room.
All residence hall rooms, including University Courtyard Apartments and South Campus Commons, are set up for wired and wireless network access. Every resident has a separate Ethernet data port in their room. Broadband Internet access is provided by the University of Maryland through its campus network. In addition, rooms are equipped with a phone line/voice mail account for every two students and a cable television connection.
What kind of computer should I bring to campus?
The Academic Computers for Terps (ACT) program allows registered students, faculty, and staff of the University of Maryland, College Park to purchase customized Apple and Dell computers at prices below standard discounts, as well as receive substantial added benefits in technical support and warranty protection. Visit the Academic Computers for Terps or the Terrapin Technology Store for more details.
How do I get on the campus network?
To access the campus network, residents must have or obtain an Ethernet card, a Category 5, 5e, or 6 Ethernet cable no longer than 14 feet, and register their data port at Getting Connected. For your convenience we provide the "Getting Connected" publication online and as a CD to help you set up your computer for university network access. CDs can be obtained during fall opening at your residence hall check in desk. CDs can also be obtained in room 1400 of the Computer and Space Sciences Building at the Division of Information Technology Help Desk. You may also download the manual for your convenience.
• Download "Getting Connected" Manual
Residents who wish to connect to the university's wireless network must have or obtain a wireless card. Information and instructions for connecting to the wireless network are available on their web site. Although wireless technology provides great convenience, there are some limitations that each resident should keep in mind. For the highest level of network performance and consistency, residents should take advantage of the wired Ethernet service when they are in their own rooms.
What type of computer support does the campus provide?
Resident Life Information Technology provides network connection support for all residence hall students. The technical support staff can be reached at (301) 314-DATA (301-314-3282) from Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM. You can also visit us on the web at www.reslife.umd.edu/it.
The Division of Information Technology provides technical support for e-mail accounts, web services, telephone service, and other IT resources. The Division of Information Technology Help Desk can be reached at (301) 405-1500 or on the web at the Help Desk website.
What if I don't bring a computer?
The Division of Information Technology maintains several computer labs that are available for student use at locations throughout campus. Many are open on the weekends, and some are even open 24 hours a day. Visit the Computer Labs page for locations and information. The Division of Information Technology Computer Labs also offer laser printing services that you can pay for from your Terrapin Express account. Please visit www.oit.umd.edu/print for more details.
Who do I contact for housing questions?
For housing questions, contact the Department of Resident Life at (301) 314-2100 or e-mail reslife@umd.edu.
Who do I contact for television problems?
For problems with your cable television, contact Comcast at (301) 314-2288.
Who do I contact for wireless connection issues?
For wireless connection issues in the residence halls, contact Resident Life Information Technology at (301) 314-DATA (301-314-3282).
For wireless connection issues in all other locations, contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at (301) 405-1500.
Who do I contact for e-mail troubles, Directory ID/password issues and telephone problems?
For help with e-mail, directory ID/password, and telephone issues, please contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at (301) 405-1500.
My data jack is not working, what should I do?
Try a Simple Jack Test: find someone nearby who is not experiencing issues with their Ethernet connection. Have them plug their computer into your data jack using your Ethernet cord. If they are able to connect to the internet, there is likely a problem with your computer's settings. If they are unable to connect, use their Ethernet cord and jack to see if you can obtain a connection with your computer. If you are successful at getting online, there is likely a problem with your data jack. For further assistance call Resident Life Information Technology at (301) 314-3282.
Why is the data jack in my common room not working?
Common room data jacks are not activated since they cannot be assigned to one particular person. Only the data jacks located in your bedroom are operational.
I can connect to "UMD" but not "UMD-Secure" wireless network, why not?
"UMD-Secure" is a specific network type not compatible with all wireless cards and operating systems. If you have trouble joining it, try connecting to the basic "UMD" network. Once you are connected and open an internet browser, you will be prompted to enter your Directory ID and password. Because the network is limited to University affiliates, it is also a secure campus connection. More information can be found at Connecting to the Wireless Network.
Why am I unable to connect my wireless printer to the campus network?
Wireless printers will not work with the wireless network on campus because the University's network requires user authentication. Wireless printers are unable to perform this step. We recommend using a USB cable for all of your printing needs at the University of Maryland, even if your printer has wireless capabilities. For additional information please contact the manufacturer of your printer which can be found in your printer's instruction booklet.
Why is my wireless connection disconnecting and reconnecting so frequently?
Some rooms and locations on campus have cross beams in the ceiling that can interfere with wireless signals. Try moving around and see if you receive a more consistent signal. If the problem continues, consider using an Ethernet cord to access the internet.
How can I connect my video game console to the campus network?
We do not offer any support for connecting video game consoles to the campus network.