Random request for Americans - please help!
 

Awhile back I mentioned that I'm going to be roadtripping through the States in May. In case you're curious... the current internary goes as follows:

Chicago -> Iowa -> Nebraska -> Denver -> Salt Lake -> Reno -> San Fran -> Yosemite -> Los Angeles -> San Diego -> Las Vegas -> Zion National Park -> Grand Canyon -> Arizona -> New Mexico -> W. Texas -> Houston -> New Orleans -> back to Canada (some how)...

Now, we're going to be camping for part of the journey, but when we're in major urban areas (or it's cold) we'd like to stay over.

Now, why am I rambling on about this? Let me explain - one of the cheapest ways to travel is by staying in College dormitories. A lot of Colleges have their Dormitories set up as "hotels" during the summer months when they aren't in major student usage.

My question is:

1. What College/University do you go to?
2. When does the School year end (april, May, june etc)
3. Does your school rent out its dorm rooms during the summer? (if you don't know... that's cool)

Thanks so much! (I tried doing this myself, but there are a LOT of college/universities in the USA!)

Re: Random request for Americans - please help!
 

Where in Iowa are you interested?

We'll be following the major hiway (80?) - passing through Des Moines. We'll probably get off the hiway to sleep if possible (cheaper).

Chicago has several schools in the city limits...UIC, DePaul, Loyola are the bigger names. Northwestern is a little north of the city and accessible on the CTA. School year ends in May for most but it might end later at Northwestern. I have no idea if they rent out dorm rooms. There is a gigantic hostel downtown near the Loop...the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel. There's also some pretty decent hotels in the suburbs that are fairly cheap.

sounds like a wonderful trip.
new mexico--albuquerque, university of new mexico. out in may. don't know if they rent rooms.
santa fe is pricey in everything.
texas -- el paso, five hours down the road from albuquerque. utep. out in may. don't know if they rent rooms, but some fairly cheap motels and camping areas.
i'm in el paso so holler if i can help more.

he he i like how you put West Texas, then Houston, like they're moons away. Then I remember how big my lone star state is!!

I've never heard of a college/university renting rooms to travelers during the summer. I've only heard of people staying in dorms over the summer who are in special summer programs/camps at that university or are involved in summer classes or sports and either need to be there or have no where else to live..........

Iowa State University
 

If you like the Greek System, and you're in Iowa, you have to check us out. Unfortunately, I don't think our dormitories rent out rooms to random people during school year (I can double check it with the officials). However, our Memorial Union also serves as a hotel, and the rent is $55 per night - cheaper than regular hotel in Ames. From the MU, everywhere in Iowa State Campus is within walking distance - we're talking about 20 minutes walk to corner of our campus.

ETA. Our commencement is on May 8, 2004, that's when the Spring Semester ends. The summer school starts a week after.

Did you try doing a search for student hostels? Generally they are really cheap .. . .

Other than that it might be cheaper to stay at various Bates Motels outside of towns.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Dorm rentals are pretty common up in Canada (I know that Laurier, and U of T both rent), as well, last year when I went to Kalamazoo in July we stayed at WMU.

We'll look into hostels if neccessary - but from our experience it's the same or cheaper to stay at a university (if in a pair). That's because usually dorm rooms are charged as a room but a hostel you are charged per person. For an example: WMU charged us $35 US for a large double dorm room - with a private washroom!

As for checking out Greek systems while in the States - definately! I love touring university and university town - not to mention oggling at the magnificant Greek houses!

Just doing a quick Google search, I found out that Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago offers summer housing in the dorms. Here's the link. They do charge per person, though. And I'd definitely check out the neighborhood...I can't remember if this is a good area or not, although I would hope they wouldn't have people staying in a bad area!

Alaskan public Universities rent out rooms, but you aren't driving there :)

I highly suggest purchasing some travel books from the 'Let's Go" series. They are written for young people and have lots of advice and suggestions on CHEAP things. I would have never though to eat at the USDA cafeteria in Washington D.C. without it. There is also a whole section on bar and night life.

Stupid question: but how would I know if it's a bad neighbourhood? (in general, not neccessarly just for Chicago)


I had a friend who took the Greyhound to Alaska... for a weekend...

Thanks for the book suggestion - there are so many travel books that it's hard to tell which ones to buy...

Honestly, I don't think you should stay there. I'm sure it's ok, but you'll most likely be taking the El (elevated train) and going out at nights. That area is a little shady, especially for those who might appear to be not from around there. Your better bet would be to try the hostel downtown (you're close to the lake/park, shopping on State St or Michigan Ave, a couple el stops to Rush st). Or look for college dorm rooms at DePaul or Loyola in Lincoln Park (lots of great bars, Wrigley Field and little boutiques).