The week before spring break is hectic. Somewhere between studying for midterms and dragging through classes, we still have to make time to pack for our week off.

For the students living in Horn and Markham apartments, a few more items have been added to the to-do list.

All the residents received a notice along with the standard check out sheet.

The notice states all the sprinkler heads in each apartment will be changed.

An outside company will be replacing the sprinklers and to prevent liability, residents are supposed to clean out their bedroom closets and cover any valuable or non-waterproof items in the room.

The university was notified about the necessary maintenance by the state fire marshal one month ago but neglected to inform residents until the week before spring break.

According to fire codes, the sprinklers must be changed by April 1, or a fine will be imposed and the apartments will be shut down.

The fine could range anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000.

Sprinklers are required to be placed a certain distance apart so they reach the whole area of the apartment in case of a fire, causing each room and even closets to be vulnerable to water damage.

The sprinklers could simply leak or spray everywhere.

The apartments provide primary housing, which makes it absurd for residents to find somewhere to store items for the week of spring break when the apartments will be empty in two months.

Residents are supposed to find materials to protect their items on their own, while trying to keep up with classes and studying.

It’s unacceptable for the university’s irresponsibility to land on the shoulders of students during one of the most stressful weeks of the school year.