Questions
- What is eduroam?
- Can I use eduroam at other colleges and universities?
- Where is eduroam available?
- Is eduroam secure?
- Is eduroam the same as being on the Bowdoin network?
- Do I need a VPN when connected to eduroam at another institution?
- What credentials do I use to connect to eduroam?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff who want to understand the eduroam wireless network and how it works on campus and elsewhere. Bowdoin is a member of the eduroam consortium.
Resolution
What is eduroam?
eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, worldwide wireless network service developed for the international research and education community. It allows students, faculty, and staff at member institutions to connect to Wi-Fi at any participating campus by signing in with their home institution's credentials. At Bowdoin, that means you use your Bowdoin email address and password.
How do I connect to eduroam at Bowdoin?
Select eduroam from the list of available wireless networks on your device, then sign in with your full Bowdoin email address (e.g., jdoe@bowdoin.edu) and your Bowdoin password. For device-specific steps, see the platform articles listed in the Related Articles section.
Can I use eduroam at other colleges and universities?
Yes. eduroam works at hundreds of participating institutions in the United States and around the world. When visiting another member institution, connect to the eduroam network and sign in with your Bowdoin email address and password — no separate guest registration is required.
For a list of participating US institutions and a map of global locations, visit the eduroam website linked in the Additional Resources section.
Is eduroam secure?
Yes. All eduroam member institutions are required to use specific authentication methods and encryption protocols. eduroam is more secure than most public Wi-Fi networks, and your Bowdoin credentials are protected in transit.
Does connecting to eduroam count as being on the Bowdoin network?
It depends on where you are. When you connect to eduroam while physically on the Bowdoin campus, the connection is treated as an on-campus connection — you have access to the same resources as the BOWDOIN network. When you connect to eduroam at another institution or location away from Bowdoin's campus, you are considered off-campus. You will need to use the Bowdoin Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access resources that require a Bowdoin network connection.
Off-campus access: If you need to access Bowdoin resources while connected to eduroam at another institution, connect to the Bowdoin VPN. See Install GlobalProtect VPN on a Bowdoin-Issued Computer or iPad or Install GlobalProtect VPN on a Personal Device in the Related Articles section.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources