When you're an online student, it's a good idea to have a back up Internet connection. While your home connection may be the most convenient way to access the web, many people find themselves without service when they move to a new location, experience a power outage, or have unreliable connections.

If you're trying to engage in an online class discussion or post your midterm essay to your course Web site, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you'll be able to access the web. When you find yourself without the Internet in your home, check out some of these great alternative places to catch a signal:

Libraries: The great thing about public library Internet access is that it's usually free. Many public libraries are creating and improving computer labs for public use.

Depending on the consumer traffic at your local library, this could be a great place to do your work or it could be a giant headache.

Some library labs are overcrowded and a bit too loud for writing that mid-term. You probably don't want to face shoving high school students, long waits, and 15-minute limits. However, other library labs can offer a calm and peaceful place to do your work. Ask your librarian what the best hours are.

Internet Cafes: Cafes are springing up all over the place. They generally offer a reliable connection at a fast speed for a reasonable price. Search your neighborhood for these tiny shops and you'll probably be surprised at how many you find.

Neighbors: If you have a wireless connection on your laptop you may be able to access your neighbors' wireless signal in your own home. Don't "borrow" their bandwidth without permission though; be sure to ask if you can use their connection.

Bookstores and Coffee Shops: These local hot spots often have wireless connection available, free of charge, to patrons. If you bring your laptop with a wireless connection, you can grab a hot chocolate and use the Internet to your heart's content.

The nice thing about bookstores is that, unlike public libraries, they generally maintain long hours and have a very clean atmosphere. However, you may want to call ahead to make sure you won't find yourself in the middle of a dramatic poetry jam.

Local Colleges: If you live near a college, you may want to check out their Internet policy. Many colleges offer free wireless connection everywhere on campus. College libraries often provide Internet hook ups for laptops as well as computer labs. At some colleges you may have to have a student ID to log on, so check with the school before connecting your computer.