Basic Needs
At the University of Florida, we recognize that students within our campus community may face challenges related to basic needs, which can impact their well-being and academic success. The following resources may be helpful.
If you require support with basic needs, please submit a CARE Concern, and a U Matter, We Care Case Manager will reach out to you within 1-2 business days. U Matter, We Care services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
If you know of a student who would benefit from basic needs support, please submit a CARE Referral.
If you require assistance with basic needs outside of U Matter, We Care business hours, consider contacting 2-1-1 by telephone to be connected to their confidential service, which helps people access local community resources. They assist individuals seeking help with stable housing, utility payments, food, mental health services, healthcare, disaster recovery, transportation, and other essential needs. Visit 211.org for further information.
If you are experiencing an immediate risk to health or safety, please call 911 or you can reach UFPD at 352-392-1111.
Food Assistance
Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry: A free resource for members of the UF community to access supplementary food staples such as bread, nonperishable canned items, frozen meat, and seasonal produce from the Field & Fork Farm and Gardens.
CARE Concern: Use this link to submit a request for on-campus emergency meal assistance. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled at least part-time during the semester of the request. Students must be currently experiencing or have recently experienced a basic needs insecurity during the semester they are seeking assistance. Meal vouchers can be received for two consecutive semesters.
HOPE @HealthStreet Food Pantry: Dedicated to improving food security in the community by offering nutritious food to those in need and connecting individuals to additional resources for comprehensive support.
Additional community resources:
Housing Resources
UF Housing & Residence Life: On-Campus Housing providing a full-service living experience for our 7,900+ residence hall students and 600+ Graduate and Family Housing village residents. This includes in-house maintenance and custodial services to provide the highest quality support for students.
UF Off Campus Life: Fosters connections between the UF and Gainesville communities by assisting students with their transition to Gainesville, advocating for a positive living experience, and helping students engage in local opportunities.
Southern Scholarship Foundation: Provides rent-free housing to students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character.
Cooperative Living Organization: Student-run and student-maintained low-cost dorm-style housing, home to 80 students from both the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.
Additional community resources:
Financial Assistance
There are several campus resources for students facing financial challenges:
Scholarships: Scholarships are awards based on academic achievement, but financial need may also be considered. They do not have to be repaid, and they do not require recipients to perform services in return for receiving them. They are considered gift aid. Scholarships are awarded by various sources such as the university, the state, and individual colleges and departments, and private companies and individuals.
- Financial Aid Revision Petition: Students who can document extenuating financial or personal circumstances can submit a revision petition to appeal their Financial Aid decision.
Tuition Waivers: Waivers are a non-cash method of satisfying all or a portion of tuition and fee costs.
Graduate Student Financial Aid: UF offers financial aid for graduate students, including employment and loan programs.
Emergency Funding: Students who experience an unforeseen financial hardship can request additional assistance with unpaid basic needs expenses they cannot resolve.
-
- Aid-a-Gator: The University of Florida can provide funding to students experiencing unanticipated expenses due to an emergency situation. This financial assistance is intended as a funding bridge for UF students to cover education-related expenses.
Clothing Resources
Molm Family Gator Career Closet: The Molm Family Gator Career Closet alleviates the financial strain of purchasing professional clothing for career fairs, interviews, and the workplace. Students who come to the Closet can obtain free professional attire to help them look and feel their best. This service is available to all University of Florida students with a valid UF ID and UF Alumni up to one year after graduation.
Questions
This is not an exhaustive list of resources available at the University of Florida. If you have questions, please reach out to umatter@ufl.edu.