Five University of Saskatchewan students are experiencing homelessness this week. For five days, they'll be sleeping outside in freezing temperatures.

It's a choice business students are making to raise awareness about the issue, as well as to raise money for charity.

David Liebrecht, a student at the University of Saskatchewan, says he's only lived in Saskatoon for six months, but has already encountered homelessness on campus.

"You'd actually be amazed how many students are actually homeless here at the university," he said. "And it's really an eye opener which makes your involvement in this campaign just so much more."

Jordan Cleghorn, who's also participating in the Five Days for the Homeless campaign, said he's seen them, too.

"They're just couch surfing, yet they're still coming to class and they're still going through university," he said.

All the money raised in Saskatoon this week is going to EGADZ, a local youth centre. The students have already raised more than $1,000 but hope to reach $20,000.

A similar campaign is going on at the University of Regina, with the money and clothing collected going to the Carmichael Outreach Centre.