International students often use it because it's not feasible to take their stuff home over the summer. I also used Summer storage, because I was estranged from my family, so didn't have a "home" to go back to and would have to spend the Summer in sublets or couch-surfing (the only accommodation that would accept me as a tenant were student properties, which is why I typically had to be out over the Summer).

[–] AshLassay@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

So students in the US who live in dorms need to move out during summers even if they come back the next semester? That’s crazy.

[–] despoticruin@lemm.ee 1 points 20 hours ago

It depends on the school, but here in the US it is generally expected that the majority of students return home for the summer. Most universities have housing available over the summer but it is limited and generally reserved for those with disabilities and graduate students who are expected to attend the school for 4+ years. Most college students only go for a year or two.

[–] AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

My experience is actually in the UK, but based on anecdotes from friends, it's similar in the US.

In my case, in one of the years, I could apply to stay in university accommodation over the Summer, but the room I was allocated for that was tiny, so I needed to get some storage anyway. It's annoying as hell

[–] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 1 points 20 hours ago

Yeah its ostensibly to do stuff like pest control and maintenance (and my dorms really needed such things), but you'd think you could basically offer a "I'll keep my arrangements through next year" deal and get summer housing.

My university actually did have apartments and I think my friends were able to stay over the summer in those.