Student Onboarding Guide

Student Onboarding Process

Access to NYU IT resources is granted in stages as you transition from an applicant to a matriculated student.

  • Application Stage: During the application process, applicants do not have access to IT resources such as VPN or NYU email.
  • Matriculation: Once the process is complete, the Admissions Team sends the official acceptance letter.
  • Resource Availability: NYU resources typically become available to admitted students in late July or early August.
  • Welcome Email: You will receive a welcome email from Student Life explaining how to use your NYU email and VPN. Access is only ready once you have received this email.

Activating Your NetID & MFA

1. Activate Your NetID

Your NetID is your digital key to NYU. After activation, please wait up to 24 hours for your data to sync across university systems before contacting IT for support.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

NYU uses Duo Mobile to protect your account.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Setup: Visit start.nyu.edu, log in, and click "Next" through the welcome cards.
  • Method: Select Duo Mobile as your preferred method and enter your phone number.
  • Activation: Download the Duo Mobile app, click "+ Add", and scan the QR code on your computer screen.
  • Troubleshooting: If you don't see the MFA setup page, go to "Security Settings" on the Start Page and check "Activate NYU Multi-Factor Authentication".

Installing and Using the VPN

The VPN provides secure access to the NYU network from off-campus.

Installing and Using the VPN

1. Download: Use the Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect). Click the link to download VPN software: Windows / Mac / Android, for iPhone, visit APP store to download.

Server Address

2. Server Address: Enter vpn.shanghai.nyu.edu

Duo notification

3. Login: Enter your NetID and password.

4. Second Password: Type the word push in the second password field to trigger a Duo notification.

WeChat & Alipay Guide

5. Approve: Tap "Approve" on your phone Duo app and "Accept" on your computer to connect.

Mac Users: If your Mac blocks the installation, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Security and click "Open Anyway".

WeChat & Alipay Guide

WeChat Safety & Stability

WeChat is an essential communication and payment platform in China. To ensure account stability:

  • Advance Signup: If you are outside mainland China and plan to register for WeChat using an overseas mobile number, please make sure to complete the registration at least 14 days in advance.
  • Disable VPN: Do not use a VPN during registration or early account setup. Frequent IP address changes may trigger WeChat’s security alerts and could result in account restrictions or suspension.
  • Avoid Account Suspension: Avoid adding many users or joining many group chats in 14 days after account creation, there is currently no precise information available. Based on past experience, it is recommended to add no more than 10 users and group chats per day.
  • Use Physical SIMs: Register with a physical SIM card from your home country or a Chinese carrier rather than a virtual/VOIP number.
WeChat & Alipay Guide
  • Profile Completion: Add a real photo, set a WeChat ID, and link an email address to establish credibility.
  • Enterprise Account: To join the NYU Shanghai Enterprise account, scan below official QR code, go to "Auth Assistant," and validate your identity using your NYU email.

Alipay & Chinese Bank Cards

When linking a Chinese bank card, the details must exactly match the bank's records.

Common IssueAccurate CauseSolution
Name MismatchCapitalization or name order is incorrect.Swap Surname/Given Name or check for special characters like slashes (/).
Mobile Number ErrorThe number isn't the specific "Quick Payment" number.Visit the bank with your passport to update your Quick Payment Mobile Number(快捷支付预留手机号)..
No Verification CodeThird-party permissions are not enabled.Ask the bank to "Enable Alipay/WeChat Pay permissions"(开启支付宝/微信支付功能) .

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Duo mobile app shows as "Third Party" on my phone?

If your Duo Mobile app displays "Third-Party" instead of "New York University," it means the account was not linked correctly. Please follow these steps to reset and re-register your device:

  1. Open a Private Window: Launch a new incognito or private browser window to ensure you are not logged into any existing sessions.
  2. Access the Start Page: Go to start.nyu.edu, click Log In, and enter your NYU NetID and password.
  3. Navigate to Device Management: When the Duo prompt appears, do not approve the default push notification. Instead, click "Other Options" and then select "Manage devices."
  4. Verify Your Identity: Use an existing MFA method (such as a hardware token or a tablet already registered) to verify your identity and access the management settings.
    • Note: If you do not have a backup MFA method available, you must obtain a temporary bypass code. Please visit the IT Service Center at N525 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday) or contact the IT Service Desk:
      • China: 021-2059-5555 (Press 2)
      • U.S.: +1-212-998-3333
  5. Re-Register Your Phone: Once inside the management portal, click "Add a device" and select "Duo Mobile."
  6. Complete Activation: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the new QR code and link your phone correctly to the New York University account.
Can I use my existing Phone & SIM Cards in China?

Phones purchased outside China with eSIM functionality cannot use eSIM inside China. Unlocked physical SIM phones generally work if compatible with Chinese bands.

I joined the Wechat Enterprise Account but it shows Error?

If you see "Your account is not in the organization directory," ensure at least 24 hours have passed since your NetID was activated.

I purchased a physical SIM card in China, but I am unable to register a WeChat account.
  • Your Chinese mobile phone number must be registered under the real-name registration system.

If you purchased a physical SIM card through the university and completed the real-name registration at the time of purchase, we strongly recommend that you register for both WeChat and Alipay on-site before leaving.

If you are unable to complete the registration, please contact the telecom service provider at the SIM card distribution site for assistance. They can help troubleshoot the issue, including:

  • Assigning a new phone number if necessary ( If the phone number is a recycled number that was previously used by another person and has been banned or restricted by WeChat in the past, it may be identified as a high-risk number by the system).
  • Verifying that your personal information has been registered correctly
  • Confirming that the spelling of your name exactly matches your passport information
  • Ensuring that the real-name registration process has been completed successfully and that the phone number is active and in good standing

This can help avoid potential issues when registering for WeChat, Alipay, or other services that require SMS verification

Contact Information