Student Account Setup

Prerequisites

Before we begin, please ensure that you meet the following requirements: be a college student (this guide is tailored for students). If you fulfill this requirement, we can proceed.

Step 1: GitHub Education

To access GitHub Pro features, including Copilot and Codespaces, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the GitHub Education website.
  2. Fill out the application form.
  3. Wait a couple of days for your application to be reviewed.

If your application is accepted, you’ll gain access to GitHub Pro features, including:

  • GitHub Pro
  • Copilot
  • Codespaces

Step 2: Set Up Your Website on GitHub

Once you’ve gained access to GitHub Education, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new repository or upload an existing website to a new GitHub repository.
  2. Name the repository in the format {username}.github.io.
  3. Navigate to the “Pages” section in your repository settings.
  4. Choose the branch for your website.

Your website should now be published on GitHub Pages.

Step 3: Domain Setup with Namecheap

To obtain a free domain, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Namecheap student website.
  2. Log in to your account and connect your GitHub account.
  3. Choose your desired domain (the .me TLD is provided for free).

Note: You can choose to pay for a domain with a different top-level domain (TLD), such as .com, .net, or .org.

Step 4: SSL Certificate Setup with Cloudflare

To obtain an SSL certificate, follow these steps:

  1. Create a Cloudflare account.
  2. Navigate to the “Websites” section in your dashboard.
  3. Add your domain and choose to add an SSL certificate.

Note: Follow the instructions on the website to complete this process.

Step 5: Finalize Your Setup

After completing all the above steps, follow these final steps:

  1. Return to your GitHub repository settings.
  2. Navigate to the “Pages” section.
  3. Add your domain in the “Domain” section.
  4. Wait for verification and you’re done!