If OS 9 won't connect, there's not much you can do with your setup. I'm assuming you aren't running a firewall or virus scanner, since they aren't often needed for OS 9.

I don't recall anything about HKU blocking. Is the default port (6346) blocked? Try here http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ and see if the test page says "success"

Perhaps as a grad student if you can show need (like downloading large world maps), maybe get to know any of the network admins and see if they have some suggestions--LW can use many other ports.

btw--you might not have to be connected to use magnet links, like the map.