You can change your OSU username, but the process depends on which OSU service you use

Ohio State University (OSU) runs several separate systems — your main university account, the Canvas learning platform, and gaming services like osu! (the rhythm game). Each one has different rules about whether you can change your username and how to do it. Your main OSU account username is usually permanent, but Canvas and osu! the game both allow changes under certain conditions.

The reason for these differences is that your main university username is tied to your student ID, email forwarding, and financial records. Changing it would break those connections. Canvas and osu! are separate platforms where your username is mainly for display and login, so they can accommodate changes more easily.

Key Takeaways

  • Your main OSU username (the one you use to log into university systems) cannot be changed because it is linked to your student ID and university records.
  • Canvas, OSU's learning management system, allows you to change your display name but not your login username.
  • osu!, the rhythm game platform, lets you change your username once for free, then charges a fee for additional changes.
  • Contact the OSU IT Help Desk if you need to verify what system you are trying to change or if you encounter errors during the process.

Changing your display name in Canvas

Canvas is where OSU students access course materials and submit assignments. You can change how your name appears to instructors and classmates, but your login username stays the same. To change your display name, log into Canvas, click your profile icon in the top right corner, and select "Settings." Look for the "Edit Settings" button and update the name field to what you want to display.

This change affects only how your name shows up in the course — your instructors will still see your official university name in their grade books and records. The change takes effect when ready, but some pages in Canvas may need to be refreshed to show the new name.

Changing your username in osu! the game

osu! is a free-to-play rhythm game with millions of players worldwide. If you have an osu! account, you can change your username once at no cost. After that, each additional username change costs real money (the exact price varies). To change your username, log into your osu! account on the website, go to your account settings, and look for the "Change username" option.

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for other players to use after a waiting period. Your score history, achievements, and rank stay attached to your account — they do not disappear when you change the name. If you are unsure whether you want to use your free change, think carefully first, because you cannot undo it without paying.

Why your main OSU username cannot change

Your primary OSU username is permanent because it serves as your official university identifier. This username is connected to your student ID number, your university email address, your financial aid records, your transcript, and your access to library systems and other university services. Changing it would require updating all of those connections across multiple databases, which the university does not support.

If you have a legitimate reason to request an exception — for example, a legal name change — contact the OSU Registrar's Office or the IT Help Desk to discuss your situation. They can explain what options exist for your specific case, though a full username change is unlikely to be possible.

Contacting OSU IT Help Desk for support

If you run into problems changing your Canvas display name or osu! username, or if you are unsure which system you are trying to change, the OSU IT Help Desk can walk you through the steps. You can reach them by phone, email, or through their website — contact information is available on the OSU IT Services homepage. Have your OSU username and the name of the platform (Canvas, osu!, or your main account) ready when you contact them.

Response times vary depending on how busy the Help Desk is, but they typically respond to email requests within one business day. If you are locked out of your account or cannot log in, mention that when you reach out so they can prioritize your request.

What happens to your old username after a change

In Canvas, your old display name is straightforward replaced — there is no trace of it left in the system. In osu! the game, your old username becomes available for other players to claim after a waiting period (usually a few weeks). Your account history and statistics remain tied to your new username, so you will not lose any progress or achievements.

If you change your osu! username and later regret it, you can change it back to your original name if no one else has claimed it yet. Once someone else takes the old name, you cannot reclaim it without paying for another username change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my OSU email address along with my username?

No. Your OSU email address is generated from your permanent username and cannot be changed separately. If you need a different email for university communication, contact the OSU IT Help Desk to discuss forwarding options or other solutions.

If I change my osu! username, will my friends still be able to find me?

Yes, but they will need to search for your new username. Your rank, scores, and profile history all stay with your account, so they can find you by looking up your old username and seeing that it now redirects to your new one, or by searching directly for your new name.

What if I forgot my OSU username and need to reset it?

You cannot reset your main OSU username because it is permanent. If you forgot it, go to the OSU login page and use the "Forgot your username?" link, which will help you recover it. If you still cannot access your account, contact the IT Help Desk with your student ID or email address.

Does changing my Canvas display name affect my grades or academic record?

No. Your display name change is cosmetic only. Your official name in the university system and on your transcript does not change, and your grades are recorded under your permanent OSU username, not your display name.

How much does it cost to change my osu! username a second time?

The cost varies and is set by the osu! developers. Check the osu! website or your account settings for the current price before you make a change. The first change is always free, but any changes after that require payment.