The days are getting longer, lectures are starting—a new semester is beginning! We are delighted to welcome all students and staff to RWTH Aachen University and wish you a successful start to the 2026 summer semester. Studying and working at RWTH is now more digital and networked than ever before. That’s why we have compiled all the important information about central IT services, innovations, and helpful contact points so that you can get started right away! You can find much of this information in our blog series “Basics at RWTH.” You can also find more information and instructions linked under the respective services.
A Good Start – Your IT services at RWTH
To ensure you are “connected” from day one, there are a few basic services you should be aware of. Many of these have evolved in recent years, and we have highlighted some of the new features for the 2026 summer semester for you.
Identity Management (IdM) & ConnectMe
The first digital step at RWTH is to register with Identity Management (IdM) using your ConnectMe coupon code. This allows you to create your RWTH username, which gives you access to a wide range of central IT services. After redeeming the coupon code, some services may only be fully usable after up to 24–48 hours. This is part of the automated rollout in the background. New is the “My IT Center” area in the IdM portal: There you will find all your services, shops, and support offers in one place, directly visible after logging in.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
For increased security, you need a second factor in addition to your password—e.g., an authenticator app or TAN list—especially for VPN and all RWTH Single Sign-On (SSO) critical services. This MFA has been mandatory since 2024 and continues to apply to all central logins.
RWTH Email
Your RWTH email is the central means of communication during the semester. Log in regularly, as this is where you will receive important information about courses, exams, and IT changes. Please note: Some free mobile Outlook apps are not supported for data protection and security reasons. Instead, use the official and license-based clients or the RWTH MailApp.
eduroam – Campus Wi-Fi
eduroam gives you secure and automatic internet access anywhere on campus.
Important for you:
- You must create your login details in the eduroam device manager.
- A new root certificate was introduced in fall 2025 – make sure to reinstall your eduroam CAT app if necessary or integrate the certificate manually.
VPN – Secure External Access
For many internal systems (e.g., campus networks, teaching platforms, internal documents), you need a secure connection via the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Remember to set up MFA beforehand, otherwise the VPN login will not work.
RWTHonline & RWTHmoodle
- RWTHonline: Your central campus management system for registering for courses and exams.
- RWTHmoodle: The web-based learning platform with course materials, tests, and learning rooms.
Both systems work via your RWTH SSO and remain cornerstones of digital learning. Minor updates and maintenance windows are regularly posted on the status message portal.
New in the Campus IT Environment
A lot has happened in recent semesters. Here is a compact overview of new and improved offerings:
- RWTHgpt for everyone: The AI service RWTHgpt, an AI-supported assistant for teaching, research, and operations at RWTH, has also been available to students since December 2024 – without the need for separate activation.
- ELN@RWTH – Electronic lab notebooks: ELN@RWTH has been in regular operation since October 2025. The electronic lab notebook is a modern tool for researchers and students in experimental subjects.
Support & Help – Where to Get Assistance
Do you have questions about your IT services or technical problems? There are several places you can turn to:
- IT Center Help: Step-by-step instructions, tutorials, and detailed information on all central services.
- IT-ServiceDesk: Personal assistance by phone, email, or chat.
- Status message portal: Up-to-date information on disruptions and maintenance.
Final Tips for the Summer Semester
To ensure that your semester runs smoothly from a technical standpoint, here are the most important things you should do right away:
- Redeem your ConnectMe coupon code and activate your IdM account
- Set up multi-factor authentication
- Set your email password and test your access
- Configure your eduroam access
- Set up VPN access
- Check your login for RWTHonline & RWTHmoodle
Now nothing stands in the way of your digital semester start! We wish you all a successful, exciting, and well-connected summer semester 2026!
Responsible for the content of this article is Malak Mostafa.
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