Many familiar websites and apps are limited in China. Install and test a reliable VPN on your phone and laptop before you leave — and keep login or payment details available offline.
Once you land, a working VPN helps you stay in touch with family and access study tools you already use. Choose a provider carefully and follow local rules; this tip is practical, not an encouragement to misuse networks.
If your VPN fails on arrival, ask seniors on campus which options they currently use, then reconnect calmly. Never share paid accounts in public groups.
Popular options students often try before departure include Proton VPN (free plan available), Windscribe (free monthly data), and Cloudflare WARP. Always download from the official site, create your account at home, and test on Wi‑Fi plus mobile data.
Free plans are usually slower or capped — that is normal. If a free option is unstable after landing, ask trusted seniors which tools currently work for them, then reconnect calmly. Follow local rules; these links are practical starting points, not legal advice.