School Survival


Has school destroyed your creativity and self-confidence? I'm working on a book called Recovering From School, to help you heal the damage caused. Join the Patreon or Newsletter to be notified about updates. Paid Patreon members will get early draft previews, as well as a free digital copy when it's done.


How To Unblock Websites At School On Android

Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School

Unblocking Websites on Android using a VPN

The tool that can assist you in this situation is called a VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network (VPN). Think of a VPN as a covert tunnel through the internet. It protects your online activity and makes it look like you're accessing the web from a different location. This way, it can bypass the restrictions set by your school and grant you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be unable to access.

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They offer a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a effective tool because it respects your privacy - no activity logs, no speed limits, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it operates under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The sense of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the tedium of school life.

Now, there's one catch: you'll need to have the ability to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a challenge. In such cases, check if you have the necessary permissions or if there's a way to get them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much easier.

To install ProtonVPN, simply go to the app store on your device and search for ProtonVPN. Download the app - it's free. Once it's installed, open the app, and follow the setup instructions. You'll be able to connect to their servers and start browsing as if you're anywhere other than the confines of your school's network.

The free version of ProtonVPN is quite generous, but if you find you need more features - such as faster speeds or access to more servers - you can consider upgrading to the paid version. If you choose to use our affiliate link, we'll earn a small commission, but more importantly, you'll get a tool that might just make those long school days a little more bearable.

Other ways to unblock Websites on Android

Schools block websites for reasons that often seem as overbearing as they are illogical. They want to enforce conformity, keep diversions at bay, and preserve a sense of order. In the process, they quash curiosity and creativity, turning us into unquestioning followers of their agenda.

The websites that might offer a bit of escape, a moment of comfort, or even a glimmer of understanding, are often unreachable. These aren't just minor interruptions; they're sometimes the only sources of support and interaction for those of us feeling alone and out of touch. Here is a list of commonly blocked sites and our instructions to unblock them:
[Facebook] [Spotify] [Pinterest] [YouTube] [Google] [TikTok] [Instagram] [Reddit] [Discord] [Telegram] [WhatsApp] [Snapchat] [LinkedIn] [Twitter]

Unblocking Websites On Android using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Think of you need to find a friend's house, but you just know their name, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who is aware of where they live, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those helpful people. When you enter a website's address (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers convert that name into an IP address (a numeric address) that your computer can understand and use to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be restricted by your internet service provider or your school's authorities. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) pass through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can assist:

  1. Different DNS Servers: By changing to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might avoid these blocks. These alternative servers might not have the same exact restrictions or might not block the website you wish to access.

  2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for not blocking certain websites, using that server can assist you circumvent the restrictions put in place by your school.

There exist a lot of complimentary DNS providers. This guide explain how to set up OpenDNS, but you are able to substitute the IP addresses for any of the others if you would like to.

There is a big list of DNS servers here: https://public-dns.info/

Here are some of the popular ones:
Google: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

How to Change DNS Settings on Android

Step 1: Open Settings

  1. Access the Settings Menu:
    • Locate the "Settings" app on your Android device. This app typically looks like a gear icon.
    • Tap the "Settings" app to open it.

Step 2: Access Network Settings

  1. Navigate to Network & Internet:

    • In the Settings menu, find and tap on "Network & Internet" (the exact wording may vary depending on your device and Android version).
  2. Select Wi-Fi:

    • In the Network & Internet section, tap on "Wi-Fi" to view available wireless networks.

Step 3: Modify Wi-Fi Network Settings

  1. Select Your Network:

    • Find the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to and tap on it. If you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, connect to one first.
  2. Open Network Details:

    • After tapping on your connected Wi-Fi network, look for an option to modify or manage the network settings. This is usually represented by a gear icon or three-dot menu (⋮). Tap on this to access more options.
  3. Modify Network Settings:

    • Tap on "Modify network" or "Advanced" (depending on your device, this option may be located in a submenu).

Step 4: Change DNS Settings

  1. Switch to Static IP:

    • In the network settings, look for "IP settings" or a similar option. It is typically set to "DHCP" by default.
    • Change the setting from "DHCP" to "Static". This will allow you to manually enter DNS addresses.
  2. Enter DNS Addresses:

    • Scroll down to the "DNS 1" and "DNS 2" fields.
    • In the "DNS 1" field, enter 208.67.222.222.
    • In the "DNS 2" field, enter 208.67.220.220.
  3. Save Your Changes:

    • Tap "Save" or "Apply" to save your new DNS settings.

Step 5: Restart Your Connection (Optional)

Your Android device is now configured to use OpenDNS for the selected Wi-Fi network. This can help enhance your browsing security and performance. If you switch to a different Wi-Fi network, you will need to repeat these steps for each network where you want to use custom DNS settings.


If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!