What are the requirements for a password for your University account?

To ensure passwords are not easily guessable or breakable by brute force the following rules apply to creating a password:

• Passwords should be made up of at least 8 characters, and must contain:
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one uppercase letter
  • At least one number
  • At least one symbol.

Please avoid using the following details in your password, as these can be easily guessed:

• The password is a common usage word such as:
  • Your own name or family name
  • Names of pets or friends
  • Computer terms and names, commands, sites, companies, hardware, software
• The words University, UON, Northampton, password
• Birthdays and other personal information such as addresses and phone numbers or car registration number
• Word or number patterns (such as qwerty or 12345)

Here are some tips and advice

• Keep your password secret and safe, don't tell anyone and don't write it down anywhere
• If you think you have accidentally told someone your password you should reset your password immediately
• Create a strong password, longer passwords 
• Your password is only for University systems, don't use this password as a password for any other accounts.

The University uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your University account.

Is there someone who can help me with my password?

IT Services have more questions about passwords but if you still need help, we will be happy to help you:

• You can report an issue in person on the Student Information Desk on the ground floor of the Learning Hub
• There is also a self-service portal where any kind of issue relating to IT can be logged
• You can check or change your password by following these instructions
• You can also call them on 01604 893333

You can visit IT Services on the ground floor of the Learning Hub: 

• Mondays to Thursdays 8.30am to 5pm 

• Fridays 10am to 5pm. 

You need to collect a paper ticket from the kiosk, and wait for your number to be called. You can wait in IT's service area, behind the glass screens to the right of the Student Information Desk.

You can also call the IT helpdesk on 01604 893333: 

• Mondays to Thursdays 8am to 5pm 

• Fridays 8am to 9am, and then 10am to 5pm. 

You can also raise a ticket in the IT Portal at any time. 

If you are a student based outside the UK, you can contact IT Services by emailing Int_ITSupport@northampton.ac.uk