Wikipedia:Training/core/Creating an account

If you haven't done so already, it's time to create your Wikipedia user account. If editing basics are being covered in class, be sure to create your account ahead of time. Each individual student editor must have their own account.


 * Take a moment to look at Wikipedia's username policy and consider how anonymous you would like to be on Wikipedia. You need not use your real name, although many Wikipedians choose to do so. Keep in mind that your username must not imply shared usage of your account, appear to be promotional, register as the name of a company, group, institution or product, impersonate other people, or be likely to offend, and, once chosen, cannot be easily changed.
 * When you've chosen a username, click "Create account" at the top right and follow the instructions.
 * Adding an email address to your account is strongly recommended; this allows you to send and receive emails with other editors. (Your email address is not revealed when other users contact you.) You can also receive email notifications whenever pages you are interested in get changed, if you wish. And if you forget your Wikipedia password, you can have it emailed to you — but only if you add your email address to your account!