Use VPN for School to Unblock Wi-Fi and Enjoy Digital Freedom

Updated on January 12, 2024
Use VPN for School to Unblock Wi-Fi and Enjoy Digital Freedom

Access to the internet at school is essential in today’s modern world. Therefore, nearly all educational institutions provide students with wireless Internet access on campus. A firewall protects and limits student access to the internet at colleges and universities with functional WiFi. 

At school, the WiFi network restricts users to a small subset of permitted sites and applications. The primary goal of these regulations is to protect students from engaging in illegal or immoral behavior. The problem arises, though, when you actually require it.

However, a firewall is used to safeguard and limit student access to the internet at any college with a functional WiFi network. At school, the WiFi network restricts users to a small subset of approved sites and applications. The primary motivation for imposing such limits is to protect pupils from the temptation to engage in any number of deviant or immoral acts. 

However, it can be somewhat annoying in times of extreme necessity. As a result, sometimes it becomes unavoidable to unblock the School’s WiFi by installing VPN on school computer and accessing whatever the students want. In this guide, we will highlight the need for a VPN when connected to school WiFi and how to get a VPN on a school computer.

Why do schools block websites and services?

Website and service blocking is used in schools for various reasons, all to provide kids with a safe and conducive learning environment. The need to keep one’s mind on the lesson at all times is a key factor. To maximize the learning experience and keep students engaged in learning activities, schools have begun to block access to non-educational websites.

Ensuring Online Safety and Security

Another critical factor is protecting students and the school’s network from potential online threats. Blocking websites that host malware, phishing schemes, or inappropriate content is a proactive measure to maintain the integrity and security of the school’s internet infrastructure. This action not only safeguards students from exposure to harmful content but also protects sensitive data and information.

Preventing Inappropriate Content

A fundamental reason for website blocking is to shield students from accessing inappropriate material. Schools must provide a safe online environment, and blocking explicit content, violence, or hate speech creates a secure space for students to explore educational resources without the risk of exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate material.

Bandwidth Management

Efficient bandwidth management is crucial for maintaining a reliable and fast internet connection within the school. By blocking certain websites, schools can prioritize access to educational resources and applications, preventing bandwidth congestion during peak usage times. This ensures that students and educators have seamless access to the necessary online tools for learning.

Compliance with Regulations

Educational institutions must comply with local, state, and national regulations governing internet usage in schools. These regulations may mandate website blocking to align with legal requirements and standards for online safety and appropriateness within educational settings.

Minimizing Distractions and Enhancing Focus

Blocking social media platforms, gaming websites, and other non-educational content helps minimize distractions during class time. This measure supports a focused learning environment, allowing students to concentrate on their studies without the allure of unrelated online activities.

Cyberbullying Prevention

To address the growing concern of cyberbullying, schools may block certain websites and social media platforms. This proactive step helps create a safer online space, reducing the potential for harassment and ensuring students can engage in online activities responsibly.

Why Do I Need a VPN in school computer?

There are several situations where having a virtual private network (VPN) at school may be beneficial. However, the following three reasons are common for using VPN in school.

To Bypass School WiFi Restrictions

Obviously, the school WiFi has limits set on it to prevent students from utilizing it for things like social media, streaming video, playing online games, and torrenting. However, a virtual private network can bypass any restrictions that could prevent pupils from accessing any and all internet content.

However, sometimes it is viable for students to take respite from their tough student life by venturing into World Wide Web. In this case, VPN for school Wi-fi emerges as a solution. Using the best VPN for school to get around a WiFi filter means you may continue using your preferred social networking apps, video streaming services, online games, and website without interruption.

Boosting your Online Security

Even if you need to provide a password in order to use the school’s WiFi, it doesn’t guarantee it’s very safe. For instance, if you give some apps or websites permission to use your location data or camera. A hacker or other malevolent invader won’t have to work very hard to figure out your password. Theft of your term papers or a blackout of your laptop is both possible outcomes. Public WiFi networks in any setting, including but not limited to schools, are equally unsafe.

All your data is encrypted when you connect to the internet using a VPN. This means that even if an intruder gains access to your network, they won’t be able to read your data unless they also have access to the VPN’s encryption keys.

Increase your privacy

Your school, institution, or even peers may be able to track your online behavior if you use the WiFi while on campus. For students in some schools, this is a real concern. Using a VPN to access the school network is one way to combat this.

For instance, a young student attending a religiously conservative college that actively discourages or even expels students who do not conform to traditional gender roles. They could use a VPN to protect their online activity and gain access to otherwise restricted university resources like online communities and support groups.

To Unblock YouTube at school

Because it is considered a distraction to students, many schools and universities have disabled access to YouTube on their WiFi networks. Additionally, this blocks access to YouTube for teachers and other school workers. Moreover, certain countries have blocked YouTube, and some producers restrict their videos to a few countries for political reasons.

But no matter where you are, there’s a simple solution for accessing your favorite and even educational YouTube videos. You can unblock YouTube and all of its channels and influencers with the use of a VPN.

To Unblock Social Media Platforms at School

Aside from being a convenient medium for instantaneous communication, students can utilize social media to document and discuss their experiences and have meaningful conversations with their peers. Many find the campus-wide ban on social media to be tedious and inconvenient. They resort to VPNs to restore some semblance of normalcy to their social lives. Because of this, a VPN is essential for students to bypass the censorship of social media and messaging apps on school WiFi.

Facebook

A VPN enables students, faculty, and visitors to access Facebook and maintain online relationships. In addition, your information and connection will be safe and secure at all times.

All that needs to be done is to sign up and connect to a secure VPN server location where Facebook is not censored.

Twitter

Use a VPN to access your Twitter account from anywhere, including places where access is blocked for political reasons or at school, so that you may continue to tweet and scroll as usual.

Instagram

A VPN can be used as a school internet unblocker, allowing you to access Instagram and its associated stories so that you can continue sharing and posting photographs with your pals even when you’re not at home.

Unblock Netflix at school

Netflix is accessible in more than 190 countries across the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Germany, France, and Japan. Netflix has localized its original material so it can be viewed in all its markets. However, the selection of movies and television shows accessible in each region differs.

It’s common for schools to prevent access to Netflix on their WiFi networks so that kids (and staff) won’t waste time streaming videos. Although Netflix is blocked on school WiFi, you can watch all the latest movies and TV episodes online with a VPN. In the break between periods.

How to use VPN for School Wifi?

You can easily connect your school WiFI with a VPN through a few simple steps:

1.      First, subscribe to AstrillVPN.

Astrill pricing plan - VPN For school

2.    Download and install Astrill app for your device.

Vpn app for windows

3.      Sign in to the app and connect to a VPN server.

Astrill vpn servers

Is  Using a VPN in school Considered Illegal?

Using a VPN is perfectly legal as long as you’re not engaging in illegal activity on the internet. Virtual private networks are widely used by businesses, governments, and millions of individuals worldwide.

Again, the policies at your school or university may differ, so if you’re concerned about getting in trouble, you should talk to an administration or a teacher about using a VPN at school. Also, limits on what you can do on the school’s WiFi may vary by country.

How a School VPN is a Better Option than a Proxy

An encrypted VPN is not the same thing as utilizing a proxy. To begin with, VPN connections and speeds are normally substantially quicker than those offered by random proxy servers. Moreover, random proxy networks could be selling your data to the highest bidder despite offering their services for free.

In short:

VPNProxy Server
EncryptedNot encrypted 
Protects all the data of your deviceProtects your browser or a specific app
Prevents ISP trackingOnly good for changing IP addresses and safely
Ensuring security and privacyWeb browsing  
Changes IP address

Should I Use a Free VPN

If you are thinking about using a free VPN for school WiFi, then you must stop immediately. A free VPN is a high risk that you cannot afford to take. Free VPNs are free because they do not charge you anything but they log your online activities and sell them to advertisers. In simpler terms, they sell your data forward, which is a hefty price you pay for using them. 

Other Things that a VPN can Help Me With?

VPN does a lot to your online privacy, security, and liberty. For example, with a virtual private network (VPN), your Internet service provider (ISP) and school IT department won’t be able to see the sites you visit or the content you’re interested in because your VPN will mask your IP address.

A virtual private network (VPN) can mask your online activity from anyone able to see your real IP address, such as network administrators and internet service providers. A “fake” IP address will be revealed only once you connect to one of the VPN servers on the approved list. Using a masquerade like this, you can safely and quietly explore the web.

Will my school know if I use VPN?

Your VPN usage may likely be detected by your educational institution. They won’t be able to view your actual online activity. Still, they will be able to see that you’re using an encrypted service. However, your device will save your browser history even if you utilize a Virtual Private Network.

The situation’s specifics will determine whether or not the school will be okay with that. For example, it’s possible that your school has a policy prohibiting utilizing a virtual private network, while others may not care if you use one for educational purposes.

Why does AstrillVPN work well on school networks?

There are many VPNs out there, all of which claim to be able to get over school firewalls on WiFi, so it’s important to know how to pick the best one.

We recommend AstrillVPN to use with school WiFi for the following reasons:

  • It is highly functional to bypass school WiFi restrictions.
  • Unblocks restricted apps and websites with a high speed.
  • It is affordable for students.
  • Dedicated services to protect students’ online privacy and security.

Other Ways to Unblock School Wi-Fi and Bypass the Firewall

1. Proxy Servers and Web Proxies

Students can use proxy servers or web proxies as an alternative to VPNs. These services act as intermediaries between the user and the internet, allowing them to access restricted content. However, schools often employ measures to detect and block proxy usage, and relying on this method can still lead to disciplinary actions.

2. Changing DNS Settings

Modifying Domain Name System (DNS) settings is another method individuals might consider to bypass network restrictions. By using custom DNS servers, users aim to access blocked websites. However, schools are increasingly aware of this technique and may implement measures to prevent such alterations, leading to potential consequences.

3. Mobile Hotspots

One of the simplest ways for student to bypass firewalls in school is to use mobile hotspots or personal mobile data to access the internet independently of the school’s Wi-Fi. While this method might provide an alternative internet connection, it is important to understand that the more connections are shared on hotspots, the more data is used, and the bandwidth usage increase may lower browsing speed.

4. Browser Extensions

Certain browser extensions claim to unblock restricted websites by circumventing firewalls. However, these extensions may compromise the security of the user’s device, expose them to malware, and are sometimes ineffective.

5. Using Different Devices

Switching to personal devices with mobile data capabilities is another approach some individuals may take to bypass school Wi-Fi restrictions. While this might provide internet access, it’s important to understand that students may face disciplinary issues if the school does not allow mobile phones on the school premises. 

Conclusion

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are useful tools at every educational institution. Since school WiFi provides limited internet access to students, VPN enables students to access their favorite websites, apps, social media platforms, and streaming apps. AstrillVPN is most recommended for students due to its functionality, affordability, and compatibility with a number of devices.  

Faq: 

why doesn’t my vpn work at school?

Deep Packet Inspection is a method used by network administrators to analyze and filter network traffic at a granular level. If your school uses DPI, it may detect and block VPN protocols, making it difficult to establish a VPN connection.

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About The Author

Arsalan Rathore

Arsalan Rathore is a tech geek who loves to pen down his thoughts and views on cybersecurity, technology innovation, entertainment, and social issues. He likes sharing his thoughts about the emerging tech trends in the market and also loves discussing online privacy issues.

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