Connecting to the Bowdoin Guest wireless network

Questions

  • How do I connect to the Bowdoin guest wireless network?
  • How do I get Wi-Fi as a visitor at Bowdoin?
  • What is BOWDOIN-GUEST?
  • Do I need a Bowdoin account to use the guest network?
  • How long does my guest network access last?
  • The guest network registration page is not loading — what do I do?

Environment

This article applies to guests and visitors to Bowdoin College who do not have a Bowdoin account and need internet access on campus. BOWDOIN-GUEST is available in all campus buildings, athletic fields, the Coastal Studies Center, and outdoor areas around campus.

Bowdoin community members (students, faculty, and staff) with a Bowdoin account should not use BOWDOIN-GUEST. If you are having trouble connecting to the eduroam or BOWDOIN networks, contact the Service Desk for help.

Resolution

  1. On your device, select BOWDOIN-GUEST from the list of available wireless networks.
    Wi-Fi network menu with the BOWDOIN-GUEST network highlighted in red.
  2. A registration page will load automatically in your browser. If the page does not appear within a few seconds, open a browser and navigate to any website (such as www.bowdoin.edu) — you will be redirected to the registration page.
  3. If the registration page still does not load, you can open it directly at: http://guestwlan.bowdoin.edu/guest.php
  4. On the registration page, enter your name and email address. A Bowdoin ID is not required.
    Bowdoin College guest Wi-Fi login page with fields for name, email, and purpose outlined in red and a Log in button.
  5. Click Log in to complete registration and connect to the internet.
24-hour access: Guest access is provided in 24-hour periods. After 24 hours, you will need to register again. Mobile devices may ask you to re-register more frequently as a device security feature.
Windows 11 — registration page may not load: If the registration page does not appear automatically after connecting, open your browser and type a web address (such as www.google.com) in the address bar. This will trigger the redirect to the registration page.
Limited access: BOWDOIN-GUEST provides internet access only. Some Bowdoin services — including printing, network storage, and campus-only video resources — are not available on this network. See BOWDOIN-GUEST Network Limitations in the Related Articles section for a full list.

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.
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Related Articles (1)

BOWDOIN-GUEST Network Limitations
Explains what services and resources are and are not available when connected to Bowdoin's BOWDOIN-GUEST wireless network. Intended for campus visitors and community members who want to understand the network's limitations.