@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
Only enough money for one. A student shouldn’t have to choose.  #RamenLunchAndDinner #Broke #NoMoneyMoProblemz #1stGenExperience  #UCSB
Although most 1st generation students often receive financial aid packages to help them cover their costs, many find themselves still strapped and in need to assistance. In fact, many first-generation students struggle to pay for textbooks, groceries, and other college necessities. Some may also be contributing to financially supporting their families at home. If you are struggling financially to adequately provide for your needs, check out the resources below to find some help.

  • Talk to a financial aid counselor.  Financial aid counselors can help you to explore options you have, including loans and other assistance that you might qualify for. Some students hesitate to take out loans for fear of accumulating debt in the long term. Make sure to review with your financial aid counselor the terms of your loans...many will allow you to defer repayment until after you graduate and get a job. It is perhaps worth considering how to relieve some of your financial stress now and plan towards future repayment.
 

Financial Crisis Support


Even with the best planning, students sometimes find themselves in urgent need of financial help. There are a few university resources that can provide that help.

There are Associated Students/EOP grants that can be used to meet unusual educationally-related expenses (e.g., urgent medical, dental, and housing crises; graduate program testing, application fees, textbooks & supplies). You must be enrolled in EOP and meet the requirements of the grant terms to be eligible.

The university has also established a financial crisis team that provides support to students in urgent financial need. For assistance, email the Financial Crisis Team: financialcrisis@sa.ucsb.edu