Raven, in the context of Cambridge University, more often refers to the user authentication system, rather than a bird. As a researcher, you will use your own Raven login to access most of the university's digital systems.  It is primarily used when networked or institutional-based services need to identify who is attempting to access or use them (this includes most journal and academic text archives).

Your personal login comprises a Cambridge User ID (CRSiD) and Raven password, the latter of which is provided to all current members of the University and affiliated institutions upon joining.  You can obtain your Raven login as soon as student registration has been completed upon receipt of a confirmation letter from student registry.

You will be automatically prompted to login to Raven whenever necessary, so there is no need to explicitly login to the site every time you come online.  Should you wish to however, you can also manually login to Raven.

Please note, that your CRSiD and student number are not the same.  CRSiD is commonly used throughout the university for most things and take the format of initials followed by a number (e.g. abc123). If, on the other hand, you are required to provide your student number (USN), particularly with regards to external parties, that can be found in the top left hand corner of the Personal section of the CAMSiS student self service home page.

Image credits

CC0 by Cornelia Schneider-Frank via Pixabay