Notes

The stigma around the carefree lifestyle of college students overshadows the serious problems some of them have like hunger and homelessness. A recent study by University of Wisconsin which surveyed students in 24 states found that 14 percent of them were homeless. There are several reasons why this vital problem is so widespread.

One reason is that there are fewer jobs with good salaries for people without college degrees these days. About 90 percent of the homeless students surveyed in the HOPE study reported making less than $15 an hour. And if the low-income students lose their jobs, their parents may not be able to support them financially.

Another reason is that nowadays there are more people going to college. Although this is a good thing, the number of accommodation facilities isn't enough for the rising student numbers.

Even the prestigious four-year colleges have students dealing with these problems. There are some institutions and groups of people trying to help these students in need. Amherst College keeps its dorms open over the summer so that the students with nowhere to go can stay on campus. Also, a group of students at the University of California opened a small homeless shelter which offers meals, nine beds and a study room for its residents.

Any student, regardless of gender, religion or background can be affected by housing problems. Hard circumstances can fall on anyone. And when a student ends up homeless, it can be extremely difficult for them to complete their education and break the cycle of poverty. Long story short, in order to educate students, it is essential that they at least have food and housing.