🎓 Connectivity for students: campus Wi-Fi, "quiet zones" and traffic 📶

Student life is an amazing journey packed with fun-filled classes, exciting part-time jobs and thrilling group calls between lectures. Campus Wi-Fi is usually super-fast, but during peak hours the network can get a little congested and calls are scheduled, which is great because it means you can really make the most of your time on campus! The solution is simple: know your "quiet spots," keep a mobile reserve for important calls, and calculate your monthly traffic without overpaying. I'm thrilled to tell you about the way campus networks are organised, which tariffs are suitable for students, where to hide for calls, and how to prepare for online exams.

How are campus networks organised and what should you expect?

Universities have large networks with roaming within the campus, often with eduroam or a branded SSID. Speeds are high, but latency and jitter increase during peak hours. Access is via a university account; guest networks may be limited. In common areas, priority is given to studying: it is better to move long calls to phone booths/meeting rooms. Always have a mobile plan B (eSIM/hotspot) and find a couple of "quiet zones" in advance.

Where is it quiet: libraries/co-working spaces/background rooms?

Look for: library reading rooms, quiet zones, bookable phone booths, small meeting rooms at departments, corners by windows with power sockets. In campus co-working spaces, check the rules for phone calls and book rooms. Cafeterias are quieter in the morning and in the afternoon. Write down the addresses and opening hours — this will come in handy for your "campus route."

Which tariff should students choose?

If you study on campus and have Wi-Fi access, 10–25 GB/month on your phone + 5–10 GB for hotspot should be enough. For frequent calls outside the campus, get 30–50 GB/month. Check the tethering policy, home/campus coverage, and the price of additional GB. Check VoWiFi/VoLTE in advance — this will save you in the "concrete jungle" of a dormitory.

How many GB per month for lectures + part-time work?

Estimate: 1–2 calls/day at 45 minutes in 720p — 8–12 GB/week for a busy week, with a buffer — up to 15 GB. If 3–4 calls/day — plan for 20–35 GB/week. For a month, multiply by 4.3 and add 20–30% reserve. With regular campus Wi-Fi, consumption is significantly lower — transfer heavy tasks to Wi-Fi.

How not to waste data (night windows/cache)?

Pause updates and cloud services during class hours, and upload/update during night windows or at home on Wi-Fi. In collab clients, turn off HD and backgrounds, and share the window, not the screen. Keep a local cache of course materials; turn on "data saver" mode on your phone.

What are the recording/confidentiality rules?

University policies apply in lecture halls and open spaces: recording is not always permitted. If you are recording a seminar, notify participants and hide any unauthorised persons/screens. Only show NDA materials in closed rooms; after the session, transfer the recording to secure storage and delete local copies.

How should I divide traffic between my laptop and phone?

Calls and demos — via campus Wi-Fi or Ethernet during meetings. Phone — messengers/navigation. On the road — hotspot from eSIM (10–20 GB per month as a backup). Keep an eye on traffic counters and hotspot limits so you don't use up your data allowance in a day.

How to prepare for online exams?

The day before the exam, check the uplink and jitter in the same room and on the same device. Sit closer to the router/use Ethernet, close cloud services and updates, and have a plan B (hotspot, dial-in). Check your camera/microphone, lighting, and privacy. Do a "dress rehearsal" — a short test with a friend.

What discounts/benefits do operators offer?

Many providers offer student rates/discounts and promo codes at the beginning of the semester. Look for packages with flexible GB add-ons and "freezes" for holidays. Check the tethering and VoWiFi/VoLTE terms and conditions — they are limited on some prepaid plans.

What is the minimum headset setup?

A wired headset with passive noise cancellation and a microphone close to your mouth is sufficient — less echo, better clarity. Plus, a foldable camera stand at eye level and a USB-Ethernet adapter with a short cable for calls. A 10k+ power bank will save you on a long day of classes.

What to do if the campus Wi-Fi drops out?

Move closer to a window/router, switch to 5 GHz, close any cloud services. For important calls, switch to audio and turn on your hotspot. If the problem is regular, book a phone booth or move your calls to "quiet hours" (before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.).

Students need to know three things to make the most of their phone: where to go for a call, having a backup connection, and not using up your data. With a "campus route", a small amount of GB, and a couple of simple settings, you'll be amazed at how easily your classes and part-time job fit into one day!

We would love to hear from you if you spot any inaccuracies or updates to campus rules, discounts or networks. Just write to us via the feedback form in the catalogue and we will check and update the article as soon as we can. And don't forget to share your "quiet spots" and life hacks in the comments — we're here to help future freshers!