August Things to Know: Back to School

Thursday 08/28/2025

As the new semester kicks off, it’s the perfect time to set yourself up for success, both in and out of the classroom. From organizing your schedule to making the most of FSU’s tech resources, these tips will help you start the school year strong. 

Stay Organized with Digital Tools 

Balancing classes, assignments and extracurriculars is much easier when you have everything in one place. FSU students have free access to Microsoft 365 and Google for Education, enabling you with access to apps like Outlook Calendar, Google Slides and Microsoft. These apps can help you keep track of deadlines, events and meetings.  

Bonus tip: Sync your calendar to your phone so you never miss a reminder. 

Take Advantage of Canvas & the myFSU Portal app 

Canvas is your go-to hub for class materials, grades and announcements. Pair it with the myFSU Portal app for quick access to your schedule, bus routes, campus maps and more, perfect for navigating those first weeks back. 

Leverage Cloud Storage for Your Work 

Save yourself from last-minute panic by storing all your files in OneDrive or Google Drive. These cloud services, free for FSU students, automatically back up your work and are accessible from any device. 

Protect Your Tech & Data 

Keep your devices secure with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and regular updates. And remember, FSU ITS will never ask for your password via email. If something seems suspicious, report it to abuse@fsu.edu.  

Know Where to Get Help 

The ITS Service Desk is here year-round to assist with Wi-Fi issues, account problems and software troubleshooting. Contact the Service Desk online or FSU Student Computing in-person for your tech needs.  

Starting the semester organized and tech-ready can make a huge difference in your productivity and stress levels. For more resources, visit its.fsu.edu. 

Welcome back, Noles! Let’s make this semester the best one yet!