Basic Needs Center
We want to thank everyone for their patience as we adjust to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This webpage will be kept up to date with any changes involving basic needs for students.
University Updates
Main Page for the COVID-19 impact on campus can be found at COVID-19 CENTRAL
Donate to the Basic Needs Center
To support the Basic Need Center, please consider making a donation. Donate to Basic Needs Center
Financial Assistance
- Students can apply to the University of Utah Emergency Fund This is a collaborative initiative between many of our Student Affairs units and the Office of Financial Aid.
- The Financial Wellness Center is operating virtually and can assist with Financial Counseling and Questions.
Food Assistance And Wellness
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- Union Food Pantryis open and stocked with fresh and shelf-stable food!
- For Upper Campus folks the Health Science Education Building (EHSEB) Stensaas Lounge of EHSEB is open and stocked with fresh and shelf-stable food.
- Free Meals Finder to help families locate food distribution sites. The interactive map is available in both English and Spanish can be found at No Kid Hungry
- Victim Advocacy with the Department of Public Safety is available by email, phone, or video call. A Victim Advocate is available to talk through your options, discuss what it’s like to make a police report, how to get a protective order, and any number of other things you have on your mind. Folks are welcome to email or call us with any questions. 801-637-4783| Jamie.justice@dps.utah.edu
- The University Counseling Center staff is committed to supporting the mental health needs of students. We are offering 30-minute single-session/triage appointments and crisis services by phone. If you are an enrolled University of Utah student, call 801.581.6826 to speak with a counselor.
- We are also providing Telemental Health services for ongoing clients of the UCC via HIPAA compliant Zoom.
Workshops are continuing through Zoom:
1) Coping with Chaos
2) Feel Better Now
for more information on workshop times, visit the Counseling Center - The Counseling Center is also providing Mindfulness Guided Meditations on our website: Guided Meditations
- We are also providing Telemental Health services for ongoing clients of the UCC via HIPAA compliant Zoom.
- The Center for Student Wellness is operating virtually. They are providing Virtual Support
- Victim-Survivor Advocacy is still available through a confidential, virtual platform. Health and wellness events, including online workshops, dance parties, backyard workouts, and more are also available. Follow @UofUWellness on Twitter for more details.
- All of the Career And Professional Development Center’s services – including resume review, job search and interview support, career coaching and exploration, Handshake, and employer info sessions – are available to you remotely. Please visit the Virtual Support section of our website to learn more and connect with a staff member who can help.
- The University of Utah libraries has put together a “Legal Resource Guide” on free legal advice available to students.
Free Legal Resource Guide - All of us are adjusting. All OF US. During this time, staying mentally healthy is important for all of us. For mental health resources, visit SafeUT
Academic Information and New Skills
- Student Success Advocates extensive Tools for Success
Laptop and Wifi Needs
- If you are a student enrolled for Fall in need of a laptop or other technology equipment, see Marriott Library student checkout equipment
- If you are in need of off-campus internet access, many Xfinity and Xmission public wireless locations are free to access.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials is free for 2 months to qualified customers and $9.95 in subsequent months. Students enrolled for Fall can request a mobile hotspot from Marriott Library student checkout equipment
Community Resources
- Most of your questions concerning Housing, Utilities, Food, Transportation, Employment, and MORE can be addressed at the United Way 211 Utah site.
- Bus hotspots are available through Granite School District buses. Download GSD Wifi Buses
- The Salt Lake Tribuneis allowing free access to all things COVID.
- Free Emotional Health Relief Hotline
A new hotline has been established in the state for those feeling increased anxiety due to the pandemic. It is called “Emotional Health Relief Hotline” and can be reached at 833-442-2211. They are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week. - Medicaid Enrollment
- For questions regarding eligibility and free assistance with Medicaid enrollment, contact the Take Care Utah health access assisters:http://www.
healthpolicyproject.org/ remote-enrollment-options/ - You can reach our team Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and We have remote enrollment capabilities, including phone appointments, video chat assistance, and screen sharing capabilities. Enrollment options will change depending on community needs and client accessibility.
- For questions regarding eligibility and free assistance with Medicaid enrollment, contact the Take Care Utah health access assisters:http://www.
- Accessing contraceptives during COVID-19 Download Contraceptive Guide
The Basic Needs Center is located on the basement level of the A. Ray Olpin Union building near the Feed U Pantry.