(U-WIRE) PROVO, Utah — Ben Taylor first became a homeless person to make a statement about the high costs of being a student. Two years later, he wouldn't want to live any other way.

"A few years ago, I thought camping was stupid," he said. "I was the kind of kid that didn't like to get his pants dirty, but I soon became a camping expert. Now I'm trying to feel like a minimalist expert."

As a minimalist, Taylor's possessions are limited to what he carries on his back. He carries everything he owns in his backpack and camps every night on state-owned property.

He doesn't own a pair of shoes or socks. He only wears a pair of Chacos, which are a type of sandal. He keeps a two-week supply of clothes in a locker at the school gym, where he will take his daily shower.

Taylor knew because of the rising cost of housing and tuition, he would have to go into serious debt to make ends meet. Inspiration struck, and he realized there was another way.

Taylor decided to head for the woods. On a typical night, he'll sleep about a half mile away from campus. The next morning he will wake up, pack his gear and go to class.

Because he doesn't own a car, Taylor must hitchhike everywhere he goes, a practice that got him arrested last Thursday in Centerville. Despite some occasional inconveniences, like going to jail or exposure to poison ivy, he hasn't had much of a problem living homeless.

Taylor, a student at Utah State University, keeps a tent, sleeping bag, tarp for when the weather gets bad and an emergency blanket in case the temperature plummets. He's prepared for weather up to 10 degrees below zero, but in case it drops below that he would have to find some other place to stay.

Last winter, Taylor's camping equipment was rated to 50 below zero, so sleeping during the nighttime was not a problem. This year, because he has chosen to be a minimalist, his sleeping bag and tent are much smaller. They are only rated to 10 below zero. During the upcoming winter, Taylor plans on building and sleeping in a small igloo.

Like other college students, Taylor doesn't eat much healthy food. He lives off freeze-dried food he buys in bulk cans.

"It doesn't taste very good," Taylor said.

"I was planning on buying a stove and cooking everything, so I could become a little more comfortable. Because my budget was limited this year, I decided not to do that. I just heat everything up on campus and enjoy some freeze-dried food."

Taylor was given two sponsorships, with Vortex and Black Diamond. They provided him a backpack and a Bibler tent, each gift valued at about $450.

"I've never had any problems with police telling me that I can't camp in a certain spot," he said. "I move around a lot, so most people don't even see me."

One of the reasons Taylor is living this way is to get the attention of school administrators and the public about the hardships of living as a poor student.

"Not all students can get scholarships," he said. "I want to encourage them to try this. To show them that this actually is an option and it's a lot easier than people think. Living this way only adds about 20 minutes a day to my schedule."

Despite the criticisms and objections of some people, including his parents, Taylor thinks that the situation has worked perfectly.

"My mom worries about him a lot, and my dad, who is a doctor, thinks that he isn't being smart, but they know that he'll do whatever he wants," said Taylor's sister, Cristina.

Taylor, who is a pre-med student, said his dad was furious at his decision to live outdoors.

"He told me that Med students don't do that," Taylor said.

His parents even offered to pay for all of Taylor's housing, if he would move back indoors, but Taylor wouldn't accept it.

"I'm trying to make a point, and I love the experience I'm having," Taylor said.

During the two years Taylor has been living as a homeless person, he has come to love and appreciate the outdoors."I really can't afford housing, unless I get a student loan," Taylor said. "I had an academic scholarship my first two years through the university. But now, without that, my budget is really tight. It might sound terrible to live like this, but I really do enjoy myself."