The 23-year-old actress left behind her home comforts and moved into the New Jersey facility in preparation for her role as a homeless, pregnant teenager in forthcoming film `Game Shelter`.

She said: "My character ends up at this pregnant, homeless teen shelter that`s actually ran in New Jersey by a woman and I actually went and stayed in the shelter for two weeks before I started filming.

"I lived there with all the girls, with all the kids, so I think that it`s really interesting because you find so much more about yourself."

Appearing on the Rachael Ray show, the former `High School Musical` star admits that chopping her long locks off for the part was a traumatic event.

She said: "I actually cut my own hair for this movie, I did that to myself, yes I did. [Rosario Dawson and I] both look so messed up in this movie."

The next thing on Vanessa`s to-do list is to cheer on Adele on 12.02.12 night`s Grammy Awards, where the `Someone Like You` singer is nominated in six categories.

She added: "I`m really excited to see Adele come back, considering she`s been taking her rest [for throat surgery] and she`s so amazing. I`m such a big fan of hers. She really is, her voice is just so stunning, so I`m excited to see her come back, yeah, working it!"
sections: Celebrities