UNT Junior Calls Attention To High Tuition Costs By Couch Surfing
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DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) – University of North Texas junior London Olawumi is couch surfing this semester; not abroad though, as most college kids do – in friend's apartments.
"I stack all the pillows up, lean back, and sleep like this," demonstrated Olawumi, adjusting his body to fit the confines of a red sectional sofa.
For the last 3 nights, he has stayed at a childhood friend's home. It has served as both a bed, and office. The Radio, Television and Film major turned the camera on himself, as he documented his experience sleeping on 13 couches… and counting.
"There's a little bit of an art form to it," explained Olawumi, describing the neck pain he felt when he first started his endeavor last semester.
It's an art form Olawumi has had to discover quickly. But one must suffer for their art, and the creative student is no exception. He said he hopes to bring attention to the exorbitant costs of higher education with his documentary called "Couch Surfing 101."
London said he personally worries constantly about finances.
"All the time. That's probably what I worry about the most, other than grades."
The junior works while attending school--and like most students he knows--has taken out loans to fund his education.
"People don't go to school because they can't afford it. They do it all the time," he said.
Since starting his project, he said the generosity of others has impressed him the most.
Olawumi stays mostly with friends and acquaintances but said, because many have roommates, those strangers have to be willing to welcome an additional roommate for a couple of days too.
"I'll know one friend at the apartment but the other three will be strangers. Those strangers take me in just like my friend did," he explained.
He said he misses having personal space the most. He generally does not get a key to the apartment he is crashing at, so it means tailoring his schedule around his host's schedule.
It has meant spending time in the library as he waits for his hosts to return home and allow him in.
Olawumi hopes to finish his film by May. He plans to couch surf until then and said he's committed to it, because this is very much a permanent reality for some.
'They actually don't know where they'll be next."
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