Microsoft 365 for Students
Every University student is provided with a Microsoft 365 account
Accessing M365 for the first time
For security purposes, access to University-provided Microsoft 365 services requires authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator app on your chosen device.
Follow the steps below.
If you are based in China, please follow the 'Students Based in China' section.
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store on your phone (or chosen device). The correct app is made by Microsoft Corporation, is named "Microsoft Authenticator", and is FREE.
o Microsoft Authenticator App for iOS
o Microsoft Authenticator App for Android
Phone authentication is available as an alternative, see the instructions in step 2. Contact the Service Desk if you don't have a phone or device. - Login to Microsoft 365 in a web browser with your University account details
Using the Microsoft Authenticator app:
> Go to: https://www.microsoft365.com
> Sign in using your username@students.waikato.ac.nz
> Select Next on 'Start by getting the app'
> Select Next on 'Set up your account'
- a QR code will be displayed
> Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device
> Select the '+' and select 'Work or School account' option
> Select 'Scan QR Code' option. DO NOT use 'Sign in'
> Use Microsoft Authenticator to scan the QR code displayed on the microsoft365.com sign in page
> Continue to follow prompts until done.
Using phone authentication:
> Go to: https://www.microsoft365.com
> Sign in using your username@students.waikato.ac.nz
> Select 'I want to set up a different method'
> on 'Start by getting the app', select 'Phone' from the dropdown then select confirm.
> Enter your phone number, select 'Receive a code' and then select 'Next'
> Enter the code you received via SMS then select 'Next'
> Continue to follow the prompts until done.
Students Based In China
- Download the Microsoft Authenticator app from the Apple Store or other app store on your phone or chosen device.
Make sure you download the correct Microsoft app:
Microsoft 移动电话身份验证器应用 | Microsoft 安全
The correct app is made by Microsoft Corporation, is named "Microsoft Authenticator", and is FREE.
Create an account using your University account details.
If you do not have a mobile phone, or experience issues with this process, contact the Service Desk. - Login to Microsoft 365 in a web browser
> Go to: https://www.microsoft365.com
> Follow the Microsoft 365 first logon instructions until complete and Office 365 launches.
Installing the Authenticator Application
Setting up Microsoft Authenticator
Help and Support
If you need help or support with Microsoft 365 the following options are available.
| Support Channel | Location | Dates & Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Phone |
Service Desk 07 838 4008 |
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm |
| In-Person: Hamilton | Hamilton Tech Desk L2, Te Manawa Student Centre |
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm |
| In-Person: Tauranga | Tauranga Tech Desk The Hub |
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm |
| help@waikato.ac.nz |
Anytime (response during business hours) |
I didn't know I had a University email address, where do I find it?
Your University email address is your username@students.waikato.ac.nz.
You can find your username on the email titled ‘Your University of Waikato username and password link’ which you would have received when you accepted your offer of place.
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft’s online file storage service where you can store your documents, videos, pictures etc. Your OneDrive has 50GB of storage available to use.
I do not want to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on my mobile, what do I do?
Microsoft 2 factor authentication has multiple authentication methods such as SMS, Email or Telephone calling options.
Can I share a folder from OneDrive to give people access to everything in the folder?
Yes. You can share a folder in the same way you share a file. Select the folder you want to share. Choose "Share" from the toolbar. Select who you want the sharing link to give access to. Choose if they have access to view or edit. You can copy the sharing link and share it in another app. Or you can send an email directly from the sharing window.
See Share OneDrive File and Folders for more information.
Is there any data limit to the document storage in OneDrive?
50GB. If you require more then you need to create a service request in Kuhukuhu to get more space.
I downloaded the wrong Microsoft Authenticator Application, what do I do?
You will need to uninstall the incorrect App and install the correct Microsoft Authenticator Application. The official Microsoft Authenticator app is published by Microsoft Corporation.
The Microsoft Authenticator app is FREE. If an app asks for payment, it is not the right app.
Please watch our ‘Installing the Authenticator Application’ video for more information.
I can’t download the Microsoft Authenticator Application because I don't have a phone, or my phone is too old or has an outdated operating system.
If your phone is too old or has an outdated operating system, you might face challenges downloading or running the latest version of the Microsoft Authenticator app. Here are some alternative solutions to ensure you can still set up multi-factor authentication (MFA):
- Update your phone’s Operating System
- Use an alternative device (e.g., tablet)
- Set up phone (SMS) authentication instead of app authentication
- Contact the Service Desk.
My phone’s camera can’t read the Microsoft Authenticator’s QR code so I can’t proceed with two-factor verification.
If your phone’s camera or QR code reader is unable to capture the QR code, select ‘Can’t scan the QR code’ and manually enter the code and URL into the Microsoft Authenticator App for two-factor verification.
Do I have to use the Microsoft Edge browser now?
No, you can still use the same browser as you currently use.
How do I connect email on my mobile phone using Outlook?
We have a guide for Apple iOS phones and Android phones. See related links for each guide. Follow the guide closely until the end. If while signing in you see a Gmail prompt, follow the extra instructions for manual configuration.