USB network adapter

My son has a Lenovo laptop computer (unfortunately, I'm not sure of exact model/RAM) running Vista Ultimate. It is supported by the IT folks at his college, but he is having a recurring problem. His network adapter keeps breaking. It's a purely mechanical issue involving his inability to reliably connect/disconnect the network cable. He can take the computer in for repair but that means leaving the computer for a while. I don't know whether the problem is with a poorly designed network cable that damages the connector, whether there is a design defect in the laptop, or whether he is proving to be mechanically challenged in his attaching/removing the cable. Maybe all of the above. I think the problem has come up with more than one network cable.

Many parts of the university have WiFi, so he can access the network there, but his dorm room requires a wired (ethernet) connection.

I have seen USB network adapters for sale, but I don't know anything about them. Does anybody have any experience with them? A USB connector might allow him to connect/disconnect from the wired network with less risk of breaking the computer.

Thoughts?