What to do when the dorms shut down

When the dorms close, people who are unable to go home are faced with a dilemma. Here are some tips for avoiding the hassle of being homeless during breaks.

Change dorms
IU Residential Programs and Services allows alternate dorm arrangements for students that need to stay on campus during breaks.

For the upcoming Thanksgiving break, dorms will close at 10 a.m. Nov. 17 and re-open 8 a.m. Nov. 25. Students can sign up for temporary housing for the week. Sign up before Nov. 9. Housing for the weeks costs $50 and is nonrefundable.

Center desks and food and mail services will close during break.

House-sit
Volunteer to get the mail, water the plants, feed the pets or make the house look lived in. Your friends are likely to be on vacation, and many professors leave for research or are otherwise out of their homes when the campus is on break.

Sublease
Hospitality exchange websites like couchsurfing.org can also help students locate a place to stay.

Work at a place that provides housing
Summer camps and retreat locations are always looking for workers.You can often get free housing while making some extra cash and adding to your resume.

Travel
The IU Office of Overseas Study offers alternative living plans. In the past, students have traveled to more than 50 countries. Many student-run organizations offer the opportunity to travel within the United States.