FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Some Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) students are worried about putting food on the table this holiday season after the university sent an email telling students wishing to remain on campus during holiday break they'd have to pay a fee to do so. University officials informed students the fee to stay on campus during break would be $30 dollars per day. For this academic year, occupancy ends Dec. 21 and starts back Jan. 12 for a total of 22 days and $660 dollars. 15 Finds Out: Small Claims University One student WANE 15 spoke to said he was at work when he received the news. "That is more than I make in two weeks. That's a paycheck and a half for me. I can't afford that," said Sparrow Harvison, a sophomore English major. Funding college out of his own pocket, Harvison was stunned and worried about how he would cover the cost. Geoff Thomas, Senior Director of Communications for PFW, said within the student housing contract ... at the top of the second page, housing in between semester dates is available based on student's need by request; however, fees will apply. It does not state how much fees will be within the contract, but students are saying they didn't charge to stay on campus in previous years. Thomas said after realizing the change caught some students off guard, "the university has been communicating directly with those impacted and has decreased the interim period rate to $20 per night for this year only. PFW will also work to better communicate exact interim period fees in future student housing contracts." Students have started a petition that has gained over 1,000 signatures. The rate has now been lowered from $660 dollars to $440 dollars for the three weeks.