Activate Your CUNYfirst Account

The CUNYfirst username follows a strict format (Firstname.LastnameNN - where NN is the last two numerals of your assigned EMPLID Number.  You do not choose or create your CUNYfirst account username.  Activating your CUNY Login account requires authenticating your legal first name and last name, date of birth and a partial Social Security or CUNY-assigned 4-digit number.

To activate your CUNYfirst account:

  1. Go to https://home.cunyfirst.cuny.edu
  2. Read the CUNY Acceptable Use of Computer Resources Policy.
  3. On the Login page, click ‘New User’.
  4. On the Account Activation page, enter the following:
    • Enter your First Name, Last Name as they appear on your submitted application.
    • Enter your Date of Birth (‘D.O.B’) in mm-dd-yyyy format (example: 01-02-1999)
    • Enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number or CUNY assigned ID Number in the ‘SS#’ field.  DO NOT USE the last 4-digits of your EMPLID.
    • Click the box next to the words “I’m not a robot” and follow the CAPTCHA text prompts and Continue.
    • The Confirm Account Email Address page appears prepopulated with an email address. 
    • Continue the process with the same email address or enter a new email address in the fields provided.
    • A confirmation email will be sent with a validation link.
    • Log into your email.
    • Locate and open the email titled ‘CUNY Login Account Activation...’and click on the link inside the email.
    • Note: Be sure to check your Spam/Junk mail folders if you cannot find the email.
    • Enter a password, Confirm the password and click Continue.
    • Password Requirements:
      • password must be between 8 characters and 13 characters
      • password must contain at least 1 uppercase letter
      • password must contain at least 1 numeric character
      • password must contain at least  1 special character
      • if you are reactivating your account or if you are resetting your password, you may not use any of the 4 previous passwords
    • Entering your mobile number is optional.
    • Select and answer five security challenge questions. Be sure to choose questions in which the answers are meaningful, easy to remember and concise.
    • The Account Activation Successful message appears stating that a confirmation has been sent via email.
    • The message also provides your new CUNY Login username and EMPLID.
    • Record your CUNY Login Username.
    • Record your EMPLID.

Detailed instructions and additional CUNY Login Account documentation is available here: CUNY Login Documents

For additional assistance, you can view the video tutorial below.

Claiming Your CUNYfirst Account