A university blocking IRC.... wtf... what is the error?
You should try connecting on ports from 6667-6669 see if they've blocked them all, other wise you might have to ask sparky if he will give you an account on his ZNC server, that thing uses port 5000 and I doubt they have blocked that port, if they have though then you're fucked xD
Apparently most universities block it lol...
Kinda wired imo but what ever...
Also VPN's cost money, why spend money when Sparky has a ZNC online, It's why I've been online since the 5th of august...