​Even during COVID, there are still many resources available to students! 

Financial Responsibilities

Only enough money for one. A student shouldn’t have to choose.  #RamenLunch&Dinner
#Broke 
​ #UCSB
Although many students receive financial aid packages to help them cover their costs, many also find themselves still strapped and in need of financial assistance. In fact, many 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.
 
  • Click here to check out this awesome list of resources compiled by the Associated Students Food Bank:
    • Financial resources
    • Food banks and food pantries
    • Lower cost shopping options
    • Healthcare resources

Satellite Food Bank Available in Rose Room

The Mental Health Peer Program is thrilled to announce a pilot program we have been working to get off the ground with the AS Food bank (3rd floor of the UCEN). We are now a satellite location from the main Food bank to serve as a conduit towards the primary location and show the ease that the food bank can offer food resources.

"Hunger can force students to drop out of school to work more, which inhibits academic success, said Nicholas Freudenberg, a distinguished professor at CUNY’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy."

"Another ramification is an increase in student loans to cover living expenses, Dr. Goldrick-Rab said. (National student debt now totals about $1.5 trillion.) "

"...it’s hard to be hungry and motivated...When you’re in class for, like, three hours, it’s hard to concentrate when you’re hungry..."

"existing investments in financial aid will be undermined as students drop out simply because they don’t have enough to eat.”

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