We’re invested in you as a student. Your well-being is a priority when undertaking a world-class education. Below you will find resources to help you keep your health at optimal levels as well as additional information to help you in time of need here at Berkeley.
The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office works in closely with the Basic Needs Center, which acts as a virtual and physical hub that supports students with food, housing, and financial stability resources, and connects students to other essential services. The Basic Needs Center is made up of three distinct physical spaces which provide community connection, individual care, and direct food support. All enrolled students including undergraduate, graduate, international, and undocumented students are eligible for Basic Needs Center programs and services.Students can access support from the Basic Needs team by completing their Assistance Form. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office also has two dedicated Basic Needs Financial Aid Counselors to support students in partnership with Basic Needs.
Need Help Right Now?
The UC Berkeley Food Pantry in Stiles Hall, located in the ASUC Building – Room 68, provides emergency, nonperishable food to UC Berkeley students while they explore campus food security resources. Visit the Food Pantry website for current hours of operation.
Student parents can contact The Bear Pantry, which provides an emergency food supply to low-income UC Berkeley students who have dependent children and who receive tuition assistance through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. Contact The Bear Pantry by emailing thebearpantry@berkeley.edu.
The following resources are available all year to students
- UC Berkeley Basic Needs Center
- Cal Student Central
- Center for Financial Wellness
- Appeals & Special Circumstances
- Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence
- Counseling & Psychological Services
- Nutrition Resources
- Health Center Resources
- Social Services at Berkeley
- CalFresh Clinics
Eliminating Hunger at UC Berkeley
As living costs rise, food insecurity — the lack of nutritious food — is becoming a significant issue for college students across the country. In fact, Feeding America, a national hunger-relief charity, will for the first time this year include in its quadrennial survey a breakdown of college students seeking food assistance.
Food insecurity can affect any student. UC Berkeley prepares students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to be future leaders, and we recognize the need to help students become food secure so that they can successfully complete and obtain their degrees.
UC Berkeley offers the following comprehensive food security resources.
Housing Security Deposit Award Fund
Students helping Students obtain safe, secure, and stable housing. Your UC Berkeley education should be accessible regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, immigration status, criminal record, or your socioeconomic status.
The Housing Security Deposit Award Fund was established to empower student success in the face of economic injustice. This self-generating award is funded by student fees and was created through a popularly supported student fee referendum. Students are now helping enrolled students who need assistance in paying security deposits to obtain safe, secure, and stable housing.
You Can Pay it Forward
This award is intended to be repaid once you have moved out and your security deposit is returned. These funds will go towards helping the next student, like you, find safe, secure, and stable housing.
Do I Qualify?
To be considered for the Housing Security Deposit Award, you will need to complete an application through the Basic Needs Emergency Fund.
Are you a Past Recipient?
If you are a past recipient of the award, and would like to contribute back to the self-generating fund and repay some or all of what you were awarded, you can DONATE HERE.
Financial Aid Awards and Financial Aid Counseling
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides financial aid to eligible students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application. You may also request financial aid counseling to help you better understand how to use your financial aid to meet food budget costs. Start by contacting Cal Student Central.
Center for Financial Wellness Peer-to-Peer Workshops and Mentoring
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office does more than connect you with sources of financial aid—they can also help you learn how to use your resources wisely with an eye toward lifelong financial stability. The Center for Financial Wellness program offers financial wellness group workshops and one-on-one peer mentoring. You can request a workshop or schedule an appointment on their website, which also provides essential financial wellness information to help you manage your money and build for the future.
Appeals for Special Circumstances
If you’ve experienced special circumstances that affect your financial aid, you can appeal for a re-evaluation of your financial aid package or budget.
UC Berkeley Food Pantry
The UC Berkeley Food Pantry in Stiles Hall in the ASUC Building, Room 68 provides emergency, nonperishable food to UC Berkeley students while they explore campus food security resources. Visit the Food Pantry website for current hours of operation.
Student parents can contact The Bear Pantry, which provides an emergency food supply to low-income UC Berkeley students who have dependent children and who receive tuition assistance through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. Contact The Bear Pantry by emailing thebearpantry@berkeley.edu.