Let's make sure you've got access to the technology you'll need for each school day and a learning environment that supports your focus and growth!
Tech Check
✅ Day 1 Checklist
On your first day, sign into:
Your Sora email
Sora Home
Zoom
Heartbeat
Use a school-supported device.
If you need help at any time, contact tech support at [email protected] or through the Sora Home support widget.
During the school year, your faculty will help you get set up with additional tools like Gizmos and Canva as needed.
Walkthrough Video
Check out our walkthrough video below to see a step-by-step guide to. being day 1 ready with your Sora device!
Here's a breakdown of our day 1 tech checklist:
🧑💻 Tech Setup
Use a supported device like a Mac, Chromebook, or Windows computer.
Make sure you are signed into your Sora Google account at mail.google.com.
This account gives you access to all Sora platforms.
If you need to reset your Sora Google password, check out our guide: How to Reset Your Sora Google Password
🏠 Sora Home Access
Visit app.soraschools.com and log in using your Sora Google account.
You should see the Sora Home dashboard once logged in.
You can also download the Sora Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
📚 Knowledge Hub Access
Click your account icon in the top right corner of Sora Home and select "Knowledge Hub."
Alternatively, bookmark support.soraschools.com for direct access.
Use the Knowledge Hub to explore how-to guides and get answers to questions.
🎥 Zoom Setup
Zoom is Sora's online meeting tool. You'll use it for expedition meetings, house meetings, and more!
Check your Gmail for an invite to join Sora’s Zoom account.
Activate your Zoom account by choosing “Sign in with Google” using your Sora email.
Double-check you're logged in at zoom.us and in the Zoom app with your Sora account.
This Zoom account is used for expeditions, house meetings, and other sessions.
Check out our guide to learn more: Zoom (Student Guide)
📖 Overdrive Access
Overdrive is Sora's school library platform, used to assign books for expeditions.
Go to soraapp.com/library/soraga.
Click "Sign in using Sora Schools" and log in with your Sora Google account.
You’ll use OverDrive to access assigned expedition books each cycle.
Check out our guide to learn more: Overdrive (Student Guide)
💬 Heartbeat Access
Heartbeat is Sora's community platform, used for expedition channels and other campus events like Spirit Week!
Check your Gmail for an invite to join Heartbeat, Sora’s community platform.
Click the join link, answer a few questions, and sign in with your Sora account.
You’re in the right place when you see the channels like your Campus Announcements.
Check out our guide to learn more: Heartbeat (Student/Family Guide)
Heartbeat will likely be closed during summer and holiday breaks - so if you can't post yet, don't worry! You'll get full posting access when Heartbeat reopens.
🛠️ Getting Help
In Sora Home, click your account icon and select Support to open the support window.
You can:
Chat with the Sora Helper AI bot for fast answers from the Knowledge Hub.
Reach out to the tech support team for more help.
Knowledge Hub is also accessible directly from within Sora Home.
Check out our guide to learn more: Sora's Support Tools
Tech Tips & Troubleshooting
Tech Tips
Copy/Paste
Copy and pasting comes in handy when working on projects, sending emails to House Advisors and Tech Support, and sharing resources in Heartbeat!
Use ctrl + c on Windows and command + c on a Mac to copy
Use ctrl + v on Windows and command + v on a Mac to paste
Taking Screenshots
Screenshots capture a picture of your screen (or just part of your screen). Taking a screenshot comes in handy whenever you’re stuck and have a question - that way, whoever is helping you knows what you’re seeing!
We recommend knowing how to take a snapshot of part of your screen (command + shift + 4 on Mac, Windows + Shift S on Windows)
Adding Browser Bookmarks
We recommend bookmarking Sora Home, Google Calendar, and Heartbeat!
We recommend you add these to your browser toolbar too for quick access!
Passwords at Sora
Most of the time, you’ll use your Sora Google account to sign in!
Make sure to write your Sora Google password down and store it somewhere safe.
You’ll get passwords for a few other tools, like Gizmos and Rosetta Stone, from your experts or in your email.
You can always reach out to Tech Support if you’re locked out of an account!
Your parent/guardian can help you reset your Sora Google password.
Troubleshooting Guides
We recommend bookmarking the following troubleshooting guides for reference to help you solve any tech issues that pop up!
Day 1 Sora Home Guides
Here are some guides to bookmark for your first few days at Sora!