INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — More than 100 IUPUI students are still living on campus trying to navigate their way through this pandemic.
Many of them say they don’t know how they will afford rent or when they can buy their next meal.
“This summer, I was going to be working a full-time job, a part-time job on campus and a full-time internship to make ends meet,” said Maddie Lueken, a sophomore at IUPUI. “But at this point, I don’t know if I will have any of them.”
Lueken is one of several students who spoke with us saying they are worried about what the future holds.
“I am 20, and I am looking at being homeless. I know I am in a better situation than most students on this campus, which is why we need to bring light to this [issue],” she said.
More than a month ago, IUPUI like many universities, closed its campus housing after its spring break. If a student needed to stay for various reasons, they were asked to fill out a form. Those students who were approved then moved into River Walk Apartments on campus.
Concerned about paying rent and other necessities, students sent a letter to the university Monday asking for a rent freeze or at least some financial help until the pandemic is over. They also asked for more communication and transparency about what is going on.
However, the university reassures students they will not be evicted for financial reasons.
“We are going to make sure that students have a place to go if they don’t have a permanent residence to go to or return to. We are going to make sure they do have a place,” said Chuck Carney, IU spokesperson and director of media relations.
Carney said students should contact the housing office as soon as possible to figure out a plan for the summer since the spring semester is coming to an end.
“We are flexible right now. Again this is something that, if nothing else, we should be able to provide some students assurance that we are going to work with them, we are going to hear them out, and figure out what is the best thing to do for them,” Carney said.
The number and email to contact IUPUI housing can be found on their website.