Check with your student affairs office to find out about reserving it. Perhaps you have some old stuff you fve been meaning to get rid of. Instead of just throwing it all away, hold a yard sale. Ask friends to donate some things that they no longer need to your sale. Make sure to tell people WHY you are collecting pennies.
Many people simply throw their pennies away.
Get a big bucket or jar, and ask people to donate their pennies. A few cents won ft seem like much money to them, but for you, the pennies can really add up. Make an announcement in your classes. If you are at work, ask your co-workers and others in your office building. Even put up signs to let people know about the drive.