University students across Canada are trying to live for five days without money, food or shelter, in a campaign to raise awareness about homelessness.

Participant Jeff Martino, who attends Ontario's Wilfrid Laurier University, has been trying to prepare himself for the ordeal by increasing his exposure to the freezing temperatures outside.

"For a couple weeks I've been trying to go outside in the poor weather without a jacket, to get myself ready mentally and physically," he told CTV News.

The campaign is called "5 Days for the Homeless" and runs from March 9 to 14. Donations can be made on the campaign's website and will be given to local charities.

During the five days, participating students must follow several rules:

• Remain on their school campus until Friday at 5 p.m.;
• Have no disposable income;
• Only eat food they receive from donations;
• Have a blanket and pillow, which can be exchanged for an emergency meal;
• Sleep outside, unless temperatures put their health at risk;
• Do not use their student access card for showers; and,
• Attend all of their regular classes and follow all academic responsibilities.

Martino has two essays due this week, and said he'll have to stuff them into the same garbage bag he'll use to carry around his clothes and sleeping blanket.

"My mom and dad are in Florida right now and they think I'm crazy, because it's 20 degrees over there and I'll be sleeping in minus-20-degree weather," he said. "But they understand where I'm coming from and why I want to do this."

Eight universities across Canada are participating, with students from each school trying to see how long they can last, and maybe get a small glimpse of what it's like to live in extreme poverty.

Wilfrid Laurier co-organizer Taylor McGuire said the campaign shows that university students are not just focused on themselves and their studies, but are aware of the social issues surrounding them.

"Students aren't just self-involved," he said "We do care and we do have a spot in our heart for people who are a little bit less fortunate."

At the University of British Columbia, some of the participants are used to wearing a suit and tie to class. But like Martino, they're giving it all up.

Money raised at the university will go towards Covenant House, which provides shelter, food and counselling for young people on the street.

Participant Paul Aulakh said the campaign has already made him more aware of those who exist on the edges of society and often go unnoticed.

"It made me start thinking about when I've passed those people by and pretended they weren't there," he said.

With reports from CTV Southwestern Ontario and CTV British Columbia