While many Boston University students collapsed into their beds last night after finishing term papers at the last minute, members of BU’s Habitat for Humanity slept in cardboard boxes on Marsh Plaza.

Students camped out overnight for 13 hours, from 5 p.m. yesterday until 6 a.m. this morning, in effort to raise awareness about homelessness and to collect donations for Habitat.

“We’re trying to raise awareness about housing problems,” said Habitat Public Relations Chairwoman Erin Stone, a College of Arts and Sciences senior.

Habitat members constructed their box town from 15 cardboard boxes donated by the Housing Office. The temporary arrangement also featured a poster displaying facts related about homelessness and housing.

In addition to raising awareness about homelessness, the boxes served as a fundraiser for the organization. Group members said they expected to raise between $600 to $700 throughout the night.

“As we sleep out here and raise awareness, we also panhandle,” said Habitat member Jon Waldo, a CAS sophomore.

Some of the proceeds will go toward funding upcoming “build trips,” weekly excursions to volunteer at Habitat sites and build houses, and some will be deposited into a general fund for next semester.

The BU Habitat chapter has increased its membership, with an average of 40 to 60 students attending meetings this year, which is ultimately increasing visibility, Stone said.

The group is also branching out and expanding its efforts to include projects beyond just building houses.

“Last year, we only went to build sites, but now, we’ve branched out to shelters and [surplus food provider] Fair Foods,” Waldo said.

The chapter plans to involve more students as it hopes to raise at least $60,000 by the end of next school year to fund the building of a house.

“We want to declare next year the ‘year of the house,'” Waldo said. “We think this venture to make the ‘BU House’ is something the whole campus can unite around.”

Members said they originally wanted the fundraiser to coincide with the national Habitat’s Act, Speak, Build Week from April 16-20, but Marsh Plaza was already booked for those dates, Stone said.

Regardless of the different date, Stone said, this year was a significant improvement on last year’s fundraiser, which was plagued with unfavorable weather and only had about five small boxes, Stone said.

“Last year, it was cold and rainy,” Stone said, “and the Red Sox lost, so people were angry.”

Habitat members predicted they would receive a mixed reaction from people walking along Commonwealth Avenue.

“Some people stop and are legitimately interested in what we’re doing,” Stone said. “Those are the ones we’re interested in reaching.”

Bystander Liz Suarez said she doubted the fundraiser’s effectiveness.

“I feel like it’s a good idea, but it’s kind of small, and not many people are aware of what they’re doing,” the CAS sophomore said.

Though participants said they were addressing a serious issue, they took the evening as an opportunity to enjoy themselves.

“It’s really good for bonding,” Waldo said. “We have a frisbee and Wiffle ball, but most of the time, we’ll be collecting donations.”

“I doubt I’ll get any sleep,” said Habitat member Erin McDonagh, a CAS freshman. “I have class at 8 a.m., but it’s worth it.”