How do I set up Zoom as a student?

Set up your Zoom account

First, you will need to set up your Harvard Zoom account. You are required to join all classes with your Harvard Zoom account; access may be denied if you use the wrong account, there may be features missing necessary to participate, and other issues with the smooth running of the session may arise.

  1. Go to https://harvard.zoom.us.
  2. Click Sign in to configure your account.
  3. The HarvardKey login screen will appear. Enter your HarvardKey login name and password.
  4. Your account is configured. Confirm that you see your name and email address on the Zoom profile page.

Install the Zoom desktop application

Once you have setup your Zoom account, the next step is to install the Zoom desktop application onto your device. Again, you are required to use the Zoom desktop application and to keep it updated; teachers may use features that require a recent, or the most recent, version of the application. Please see the following pages for instructions:

Set up your sound

You should use a headset (that is, headphones with a microphone), or any setup with a dedicated, clear sounding speaker and microphone system. Many laptops have integrated speakers and microphones that are not designed to be used for class sessions in which quality of sound is critical.

You should also be familiar with the Zoom interface and know whether you are muted, and how to quickly mute and unmute yourself. You should also consider ensuring that you are automatically muted when initially joining a meeting:

Set up your video

You should use a dedicated webcam or, failing that, a laptop with a very good quality integrated camera. Many laptops have very basic web cameras that are not suitable for online classes. Another consideration is the placement of the integrated camera: test to see if you will be able to arrange your setup so participants have a clear view of your face while you're in class, both while listening, speaking, and taking notes.

Another consideration is refining the image of your person on the screen so that participants are able to see you speak clearly and will not be distracted by things around you. You should experiment and refine three elements that affect how you show on screen:

  1. Framing: How far should I sit from the screen? What angle should my camera be set at?
  2. Lighting: Should I have the light on or off (and where should it be, if I can move it)? Should I have the curtain open or closed? 
  3. Background: Where should I sit in the workspace? Should I blur my background or choose another virtual background?

Here are some additional tips on improving your image quality: Improving poor video quality – Zoom Support

Test your Zoom setup

You now should have Zoom installed and be able to sign-in with your Harvard account. Congratulations! The next step should be to test your ability to join a Zoom meeting and speak and hear clearly. The Zoom test meeting will prompt you to choose and test your speakers, microphone, and video camera:

Try in advance to have a strong, stable internet connection during class sessions. You can check your internet speed on this website. Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) advises at least 5Mbps to use Zoom (without video on) and other collaboration tools.

See also: