Wireless router

If you can't access the school's wireless network from your room, it doesn't mean that you can't use your wireless card. If you purchase a wireless router (like the one pictured on this page), you can set up your own wireless router in your room. Prices start around $30 (routers are usually sold with rebates, so the price you pay when you walk out of the store will be somewhat higher), and come with installation CDs that will walk you through the setup process. Make sure that both the speed (a/b/g) and level of encryption (WEP/WPA) of your router are compatible with your card. You will have to register your router before you can use it.

Picture courtesy of BestBuy.com