Rethinking campus connectivity: Key takeaways from Big Ten housing leaders

Boldyn Networks recently spent a couple of days with senior housing leaders from Big Ten schools from across the country and while each campus is unique, many common themes emerged during these conversations—especially when it comes to the role of connectivity in student life. Expectations have evolved rapidly over the last few years and it’s clear that the digital experience is now central to how students live and learn.

Here were the key takeaways from our conversations:

• Today’s students expect always-on connectivity: Students today are digital natives. They arrive on campus with phones, laptops, smart TVs, wearables, and more—expecting seamless, high-speed access everywhere. Whether streaming a lecture or Facetiming home, Wi-Fi is not optional—it’s essential.
  
• Aging infrastructure can’t keep up: Many student housing facilities were not built with connectivity in mind. Concrete walls, outdated wiring, and hallway-based access points create significant limitations. Upgrades are necessary, but they must be done with minimal disruption and maximum return. Knowing how to navigate the specific needs of each institution and varied infrastructure requires a tailored approach–one that provides best value without sacrificing quality or scalability.
  
• Smart campuses start with smart networks: AI tools, immersive learning platforms, and IoT-powered facilities are becoming mainstream. Future-ready networks with room-level access points are key to enabling the next generation of campus innovation.
  
• Reliable wi-fi impacts more than just Internet access: Connectivity influences everything from academic performance to student well-being. We’ve seen usage demands spike late at night—just when students need it most. That’s why Boldyn Networks focuses on stable, resilient infrastructure that supports the full student lifecycle.
  
• Funding models matter: Institutions need scalable, sustainable solutions. Our predictable funding model helps housing departments plan long-term without pushing unexpected costs onto students.
  
• Bridging the housing–IT divide: Housing and IT are separate entities. Boldyn partners with both to create secure, efficient, and strategically aligned networks that serve institutional goals and operational needs.
  

Bottom line:

Connectivity is the foundation of today’s student experience. From move-in to finals, Boldyn helps institutions deliver fast, secure Wi-Fi that powers academic success, social connection, and smart campus innovation.

Because at the end of the day, Boldyn Networks is committed to unlocking the power of an interconnected future. And when it comes to higher education, the mission comes down to one simple idea: Take care of the students.