Not even students are immune to the housing market and rising gas prices. Now, due to these factors and higher freshman enrollment, some colleges are having problems housing their students in on-campus dorms.

The hardest hit of these colleges is the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, which plans on placing around 250 students in nearby hotels and apartment complexes. A combination of more freshman and upperclassmen who want to stay in dorms has created a mini housing crisis for the university.

Some schools such as Adelphi University are offering $2000 incentives for students to move off campus. Those taking the deal will be commuting but will be given special amenities such as weekly linen changes, trash disposal, breakfast, and gym access. For now, these temporary fixes should work but universities are already planning for 2009 and hoping for the best.

Photo: Scott Goldsmith-Aurora for USN&WR