The connected student accommodation

The best WiFi network for student accomodation

Does your current WiFi solution meet the students' needs?

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Addressing WiFi challenges in student accommodation during peak times

The history of WiFi within student residences is inseparable from that of Wifirst. Since 2002, students have needed fast, reliable WiFi to be available at all times. To meet this requirement, Wifirst developed a technical solution that we call the Wibox, a device deployed at each site that guarantees the highest quality of service, which is especially important during peak hours. Wifirst has embraced the evolution of WiFi standards and continues to research and develop new and innovative deployment methods to ensure we provide the very best service possible.

With the development of our core network, we connect the majority of our customers with Wifirst Fibre Leased Line services, meaning you don't have to juggle multiple vendors. We are a single provider for all your WiFi and Data Line needs. This extensive history has led us to become a class leader in high-density WiFi networks for the student accommodation market.

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Student WiFi at peak hours
Uses of the internet by students on Wifirst networks

The explosion of video streaming

Reliable, fast video streaming is essential for students. Traffic transmitted using our core network via the Wifirst data centre gives us a unique insight into how students are using the internet, allowing us to adapt accordingly and ensure that we are always capable of meeting their needs.

Managed WiFi is at the heart of student accommodation

As a pioneer of managed WiFi, or "WiFi as a Service", Wifirst provides unparalleled support to student housing managers to ensure your investment into WiFi connectivity goes well beyond its primary use. Our main goal is to build a foundation for you to power all of your digital needs through a robust and secure network infrastructure.

Read the Student Hotel case study

Connected services in student accommodation
WiFi Room area Netwok

Our student WiFi works just like at home

Wifirst provides students with their own private network to replicate a connection experience just like at home. All of their devices (smartphones, computers, games consoles, smart TVs, Chromecast, printers, connected watches, connected speakers, etc.) can seamlessly connect to a private WiFi network and communicate with each other.

Wifirst calls this feature the Room Area Network and developed it to be accessible throughout the entire building, so students always remain connected to their digital world.

DOWNLOAD OUR ROOM AREA NETWORK BROCHURE

Student WiFi

Our customers

We are proud to support the most prestigious operators within the student accommodation market. See all case studies ›
Logo CROUS
Fac Habitat Logo
Kley Logo
The Student Hotel Logo
Logo CRM Students
Studelites logo
Les Estudines logo
Nexity Studéa logo
Mi Campus residencias logo
“Having a fast and reliable broadband Internet access is a right that we must guarantee to every student housed. Wifirst delivers this.”

Guillaume Houze
Former director, The Crous

“We were very happy with the Wifi installation as it had minimal impact on our existing infrastructure. Building on this success, we have continued to follow Wifirst’s recommendations and have brought the connectivity solutions that meet the needs of our residents for all their devices.”

Bernard Manin
O.S.E. Le Club Etudiant

“During the deployment phase, the relationship with the project manager was rigorous and professional. In particular, the Wifirst team was able to deliver a solution in line with our specifications while keeping the tight deadlines.”

Perceval LEFEBRE
COO Nexity Studéa

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our WiFi and Fibre services for student accommodation.

I'm unhappy with my current WiFi service provider. How can I be sure that Wifirst will offer a better solution?

Wifirst is the leader in managed WiFi for student accommodation and has provided services to student market leaders such as Crous, Studea Nexity, Les Estudines, amongst others for over 15 years. Our solutions are developed specifically for the student market to deliver the best possible WiFi experience, even during peak times.

How many personal devices can students connect?

There is no limit to the number of devices students can connect: computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, the list goes on. Also, our unique “Room Area Network” solution, allows multiple devices such as wireless printers, speakers and computers to communicate with each other, thus delivering a “home from home” experience.

Is the WiFi service easy to use for our international students?

Connecting to the WiFi is very intuitive, and available in a variety of languages such as French, English, German, Spanish, Dutch and Chinese. The WiFi service captive portal automatically matches the native language of the connecting device. Several authentication methods are available including eduroam, an international roaming service.

What happens if there is a problem with the WiFi?

The network is monitored continuously by our proactive support team who will intervene remotely or on-site as required if an issue is detected. Students can contact our customer care team to receive support 24/7 by phone, email or online chat.

Site Managers also have access to our online support portal, which in addition to providing the ability to report any faults, also shows live information on the status of all equipment. 

I'm looking at upgrading my data line, will it work with the Wifirst WiFi system?

Yes. To make sure you receive the best performance we would recommend ordering a commercial-grade Fibre Leased Line which provides you with guarantees around the recovery times, guaranteed bandwidth, static public IP addresses and also symmetrical upload and download speed. If you're unsure of what speed you need, we can help. Or, as Wifirst is an Internet Service Provider as well as a student WiFi provider, we can take away the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors and provide you with a Fibre Leased Line connected to our own data network to provide your internet connectivity at a very competitive price.

What hardware does Wifirst supply?

Wifirst continuously evaluates hardware from different manufacturers to ensure you are provided with the best wireless solution to suit your needs. Our engineers have very close relationships with prestigious suppliers such as Ruckus, Cisco Meraki, Aruba, ExtremeWireless / Aerohive, Dell and Huawei.

Will I own the equipment installed in my student accommodation?

So that we can provide you with the most competitive rates possible, Wifirst retains ownership of the hardware installed. In addition to great value for money in comparison to buying hardware, it also means that if any of the equipment develops a fault throughout the contract duration, Wifirst will supply a replacement at no additional cost, giving you full financial predictability month to month.

Can I use my existing cabling infrastructure?

In most cases, to guarantee an optimal quality of service, our integration team carries out a complete redeployment to certify that all cabling is of the correct standard which will allow your new WiFi service to function correctly.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch:

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