November 18, 2008 College students get a taste of life on the streets Play video

(Anya Huneke, NECN: Burlington, VT) - It's fair to say, many college kids are used to less-than-ideal living conditions, too many people, in too small a space.

"Maybe about 9 of us last night... we were lined up this way, and that way..."

But few are used to living like this, in a tent. In sub-zero snowy weather. With body heat as the only source of warmth.

Chris "The closer we all stay, the more people we have in here, the more bodily warmth will get trapped inside the tent."

About 160 students at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, are voluntarily sleeping outside this week-- to get a taste of life on the streets. It’s the fourth year students have set up 'tent city' on campus... And this is by far the largest turnout.

Organizers had to cap the number of students sleeping outside each night at 40.

Kyle "This year is clearly the biggest- it's almost becoming institutionalized."

Tent city is designed to raise awareness about the growing issue of homelessness in this area. Students brave the elements... Visit shelters... Participate in workshops... And shed themselves of technology- including cell phones and computers.

Ashley "I think that's sometimes more of a shock than the cold weather."

The students will also be collecting donations for the Committee on Temporary Shelter, or COTS... and that's money that's badly needed these days- with shelters around the area at capacity, and waiting lists growing.

Ashley

"I worked a year and a half at COTS, and over the summer and into the fall we were seeing record numbers on the waiting list."

And those numbers are expected to rise as temperatures drop. Which makes junior Kaitlin Elias even more convinced- she's doing the right thing.

Kaitlyn "One of the most important things to do as an activist - lead by example. Through that- everyone sees it."

Kyle "Many students I think do come to college as self-centered- it's about me... and something like this helps get them out of themselves and think of others." Which community service director Kyle Dodson hopes they will continue to do through college and beyond.