VPN for School WiFi

Best VPN for School & College Students in 2024

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Many schools and colleges provide free WiFi facilities to their students. However, for a number of reasons, access is blocked to anything they deem unimportant to their studies. This proves very inconvenient, particularly for those who reside on campus.

Sure, students use the Internet for study purposes, but they also rely on it for various downtime activities as well. Take, for instance, to stay in touch with friends via social media or watch videos of their favorite vlogger.

Not only this, but these restrictions can lock them out from genuine resources they actually need for research. The solution is straightforward: students can get around these roadblocks and use the Internet however they choose with a VPN for school WiFi.

vpn for school wifi

How to use a VPN for School WiFi

Just follow these simple steps to get started:

  1. Subscribe to PureVPN.
  2. Download and install the program on your devices (Android, iOS, Windows , Mac , Linux, Android TV , Apple TV , Samsung Smart TV , Amazon Fire TV, etc.).
  3. Launch the PureVPN app and sign in with your VPN account.
  4. Connect to your desired server.
  5. Browse the internet freely on your school WiFi!

Why Do You Need a VPN for School WiFi?

A dependable VPN for school implements viable security protocols like personalized server connection, an internet kill switch, and more to augment your educational institution’s digital privacy and ensure safety throughout.

There are many schools that restrict access to streaming platforms and social media networks. This is done to ensure students have minimal distractions and can stay focused while doing their school work.  

However, having unfretted internet access with a VPN is beneficial in many ways. Here’s how using a VPN on school WiFi can help students:

  1. To Access Learning Material

Sites like YouTube are brimming with learning material related to a wide range of subjects and topics. By blocking these sites, schools are actually restricting students from increasing their knowledge.

  1. To Download Educational Material

If torrenting is forbidden in your school, you won’t be able to download PDF books or other helpful documents for obtaining knowledge and learning new skills. 

  1. To Take a Much-Needed Break

If you are bored in between classes and want to take a break by streaming your favorite TV series on Netflix, you should be able to do so. 

  1. To Bypass Bandwidth Throttling

In some schools, it’s common practice to limit speeds for bandwidth-intensive activities like downloading and streaming. The easiest method to get around throttling and experience faster internet speeds is to use a VPN.

Why is Everything Blocked on School WiFi?

Academic WiFi networks are essential to support the learning and wellbeing of students, but institutions have a few concerns regarding the provision of such services. As such, pupils don’t usually get the unfettered internet access they may need. Here are some reasons why schools block most websites and services:

  1. To Avoid Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement is one reason why schools and colleges impose WiFi restrictions. If students download copyrighted material through their WiFi network, it’s the institution that will have to face the repercussions at the hands of ISPs or copyright trolls.

  1. To Prevent Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Another reason why schools block everything is due to the fear of students being exposed to inappropriate content like pornography, which can have an adverse impact on their minds and lead to various issues and disorders.

  1. To Stop Students from Procrastinating

Schools want you to be focused in the learning environment. So, they block access to various sites in an effort to tackle student procrastination. However, this can be counterproductive as sites like YouTube have plenty of learning material available.

  1. To Control Bandwidth Usage

School WiFi can’t facilitate massive data transfers, especially since hundreds of students are connected to it at a time. As such, schools not only limit internet speeds but also block access to torrenting and video streaming sites. 

  1. To Keep the School Network Safe

Students that browse the internet carelessly without exercising caution can cause the school WiFi network (and all the devices connected to it) to get infected with malware.

  1. To Protect Against Cyberbullying

Bullying is still pretty common in most schools and can have devastating effects on students who are at the receiving end of it. Therefore, schools block social media sites to ensure every student’s safety.

How to Get a VPN on School WiFi 

It is simple. Just download the app from PureVPN provider’s official website. Once done, all you need to do is sign up for an account and connect to any server. 

Unfortunately, many schools not only frown upon VPN use but also block VPN sites. In this scenario, you can try the following solutions: 

  1. Use Your Phone Data

The simplest way to download and install a VPN is to create a hotspot using your mobile data. In this way, you will be able to access VPN sites without restrictions.

  1. Connect to a Proxy Service

A proxy service acts as a middleman between you and the network. It will enable you to access the VPN site so that you can download it on your device.

  1. Try Google Translate

Did you know that Google Translate can be used as a proxy service to open websites blocked on your school WiFi? Just type the URL into the tool and you should be able to access it.

How to get a VPN on a School Computer?

Most schools put restrictions on using VPNs for specific reasons. Possibly because the school administration doesn’t want the students to access certain websites or waste their time. 

However, you can still connect your school computer to a VPN  by following the steps mentioned below:

First Method

It is effortless and convenient to connect a VPN on your school computer. 

  • Download and subscribe to PureVPN.
  • Open the VPN Application.
  • Choose a server to connect with. 
  • Tap Connect, and that’s it. You can now use a VPN on your school computer. 

Second Method 

  • Download and subscribe to PureVPN.
  • Then, go to chrome://network 
  • Click Choose File under the Import ONC File.
  • Click on the downloaded VPN file.
  • Hit Open.
  • Under Import ONC File, you will see “Networks Imported 1.”
  • Click on the Notification Area of your desktop.
  • You will see a VPN. Open it. 
  • Then, there will be PureVPN. 
  • Next, Tap on the settings option in the private network.
  • Finally, connect to the VPN.

This will remove all the filters so you can browse freely on your school computer.

Third Method

  • Go to Settings on your computer.
  • Next, open the Network.
  • Click Add Connections.
  • Next, Tap on the built-in VPN.
  • Now, you will have to fill out the VPN Information.
  • In Service Name, type PureVPN.
  • Set Provider type to L2TP/IPsec.
  • The Server Host is “129.213.138.223
  • In username, type vpnuser.
  • Enter the password “fr9h2SRCDGABRgCY.”
  • Next, enter the pre-shared key, “tcuN5gt4RGvcupjR4Kvd“.
  • Finally, hit connect.
  • If the connection fails, there is a possibility that you missed something, so double-check. Re-enter all the information. 
  • When the VPN gets connected, click on it to see additional data.
  • Go to the Network.
  • Next, go to Custom Name Servers.
  • Type 5.189.139.56.
  • Set others to 0.0.0.0
  • Click enter and exit. 

Source

Can Schools Track Your Internet Activity?

Schools can certainly track your internet activity. The computers you use in your school are within the institution’s control. 

They restrict access to certain websites to protect their students from external influences. They want them to use the facilities primarily for educational purposes. 

Besides unethical use, these restrictions are set to protect students from cyberbullying and other stressors that may hinder their academic learning. 

Even using incognito mode, your school can see your computer history. It is because you’re connected to the school wifi. 

You would be shocked to know your school can access your deleted history. There are multiple ways your computer teacher can recover the deleted history from the school computer to catch you red-handed if they find you using restricted websites and platforms. 

Therefore, practice caution while using your school computers and Wifi.

Can a VPN Get Past School WiFi?

A VPN can get past school WiFi and allow you to access restricted websites. Schools restrict social media platforms or gaming websites and block certain educational websites that may help students complete their assignments. 

Schools do not allow their students to access AI tools that can be very beneficial for the students to enhance their learning and comprehensive abilities. 

They are perceived as shortcuts that students employ to complete their assigned tasks.

Not allowing students to access the tools can be frustrating for the students. Therefore, you can use a reliable, efficient, upgraded VPN service. 

We stress that you use a modern and updated VPN as a traditional VPN will not be able to bypass blocks.

Unable to Bypass School Firewall With a VPN? Try These Solutions

If the school’s firewall is getting in the way of you using a VPN, don’t lose hope. You can try these fixes:

Fix #1: Use Another Tunneling Protocol 

In most cases, delving into the VPN settings and switching to another tunneling protocol should solve the problem. To do this, you need a VPN service that offers multiple protocols to choose from.

Fix #2: Enable Obfuscation 

With obfuscation enabled, you can hide the fact that you are using a VPN by making its traffic appear like regular internet traffic – this allows you to reliably get around the school’s firewall.

Fix #3: Get a Better VPN

If you are still unable to bypass your school’s firewall, chances are that your VPN is just not good enough. You should choose a VPN that offers advanced features like DNS leak protection and obfuscation.

Other Methods to Bypass School WiFi Restrictions and Firewalls

Using a VPN is the most effective way to get around school WiFi restrictions and firewalls without raising any alarms. However, there are other methods available too:

  • Use a proxy: You can give proxy services a try since they change your IP address like VPNs do. However, they lack encryption and must-have features like obfuscation, so your privacy and security is not guaranteed.
  • Use Tor browser: The Tor browser is often used by activists and journalists in countries with poor internet freedom. Since it gives you an encrypted connection, you can browse the internet securely and freely.
  • Change your DNS server: Switching your device’s DNS server is another method to access blocked websites and services. Your data and IP address stays unprotected, though.

Can I Unblock School WiFi With a Free VPN?

You’re better off steering clear from free VPNs because the free ones don’t offer the same level of service that paid ones do. Not only do most of them ask for an excessive number of permissions, but also some bring a high risk of malware infections.

Free VPNs aren’t non-profits – they too need money to pay for server maintenance, staff salaries, and other overheads. So, there’s a strong possibility that your online activities will be logged and sold to third-parties like advertisers for a profit.

As if that wasn’t enough, you also have to face annoying advertisements, slow speeds, as well as bandwidth limitations. Due to these reasons (and many more), you should always opt for a paid VPN service like PureVPN!

Wrapping Things Up

Many schools block streaming platforms, social media sites, and more on their WiFi networks. However, this can leave students unable to access valuable learning material. The good news is that you can dodge these blocks without getting on anyone’s radar using a VPN that offers advanced features like obfuscation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a VPN Illegal in School?

It is not illegal to use VPNs in school. However, it depends on the policies of the school. Some schools have stringent restrictions on using VPNs, while others don’t.

Is VPN Good for School?

Using a VPN in school can be highly beneficial if it is used correctly. We suggest using PureVPN to increase your security if you’re a hostelite and cannot use the school computer. 
PureVPN will protect your online activity by assigning you a different IP address and masking your original one. 
Not only does it protect your online presence, but it also allows you to access restricted sites and platforms.

author

PureVPN

date

January 1, 2024

time

3 months ago

PureVPN is a leading VPN service provider that excels in providing easy solutions for online privacy and security. With 6000+ servers in 65+ countries, It helps consumers and businesses in keeping their online identity secured.

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