WiFi and internet for college students

Are you a student looking for reliable internet? Whether you’re living in an apartment, town home or single-family home, you can get the internet speeds you need to stay on top of assignments, course work and more with Brightspeed. 

How to choose the best internet for students

For students, staying connected to teachers and classmates is crucial. That’s why having a strong internet connection is essential. Before choosing an internet plan, it may be important to understand how you use the internet and the size of your household. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers official speed recommendations for download speeds for various online activities. 

Online activityRecommended speed for 1 user
Streaming music1.5 Mbps
General web browsing, email, social media1.5 Mbps
HD personal video chat (Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.)15 Mbps
Game console connected to the internet3 Mbps
Online multiplayer gaming 20 Mbps
Streaming HD (High Definition) video15 Mbps
Downloading large files10 Mbps
Streaming ultra HD 4K video25 Mbps
Remote work/learning20 Mbps

Note: Mbps (Megabits per second) is the standard measure of internet speed and refers to how much information can be downloaded or uploaded in one second.

For students living alone in their own apartment or home, a 10 Mbps internet connection could be sufficient, as this supports basic functions like general web browsing, emailing, video calling and even internet gaming and streaming music. However, for college students living with roommates, a faster connection of up to 25 Mbps may be a better option, as this connection can support multiple users who want to stream media, surf the web and video chat simultaneously.

 

Brightspeed’s Fiber Internet could be a great option, with speeds of up to 940 Mbps that would allow you to use multiple devices to upload and download, video chat with friends and family, and stream video, virtually lag-free. 

WiFi for students

Students need not only a strong and reliable internet connection, but a stable WiFi signal as well. If there’s more than one person using the internet, then a WiFi connection will be essential, as WiFi allows multiple devices to connect wirelessly to the network from anywhere in the house or apartment. Brightspeed modem/routers — and most modems that you can buy today from an internet provider — have WiFi built right in, so all you have to do is connect to the network. Many routers also have dual-band wireless, meaning you can connect your devices to whichever frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) gives you the strongest signal.

 

For college students who live in a larger apartment or house, WiFi coverage may be spotty. One way to increase WiFi coverage in your home is by using a WiFi extender. Extenders work to improve signal quality throughout your space, taking your existing WiFi signal and helping it gain strength throughout the space. To use, you place the first extender unit close to your modem, and then place one or more additional units throughout your home, extending both Ethernet and WiFi access to areas where you’re struggling to get an adequate signal. Find out more about common signs you could benefit from a WiFi extender.

 

A strong WiFi connection is crucial, as is a secure WiFi network. Students looking to keep their devices protected from online threats can rely on Brightspeed's Secure WiFi, which is built right into select modems offered as part of new internet plans. The Secure WiFi service delivers integrated cybersecurity for your connected devices and features easy-to-use home network management tools.

 

Once you’ve decided on the best internet for students, learn more about how to improve your WiFi signal. Discover other useful guides and tips with the Brightspeed Support Center.

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