Help with the Essentials
Let's take care of the rest so you can be at your best!Food and Toiletries
Swipe Out Hunger allows Blue Hens to donate their unused swipe from a campus meal plan or FLEX account. Donations can include:
– ≤2 guest meals from an unlimited or 14 weekly meal plan
– ≤5 guest or regular meals from a block meal plan
– FLEX dollars, which can be added to any ONEcard
Swipe drives are held each fall and spring semester.
Meal swipes are available now for any UD student in need and can be added to any UD ONEcard, regardless of what type of student you are or whether you otherwise have a campus meal plan. Email ODS if you are interested in having swipes added to your UD ONEcard.
Finding oneself without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food is called food insecurity, and it is a growing concern on many college campuses. Students, faculty and staff working within UD’s Episcopal Campus Ministry aim to address that need at Blue Hen Bounty, a campus-area food pantry that is fully stocked with canned meats, fruit and vegetables; various grains and single-serve meals; cereal, snacks and condiments; assorted beverages; and even basic toiletries such as shampoo and toothbrushes.
Located at St. Thomas’ Parish at 276 South College Ave, students can access the Blue Hen Bounty by simply showing their UD ONEcard. The pantry is open by appointment; call 302-368-4644 or visit Blue Hen Bounty online for more information.
Housing and Computer Access
Any student struggling to maintain access to adequate housing or utilities should contact our office at deanofstudents@udel.edu for a consultation. Below are some resources that may be applicable to your situation.
Residence Hall Housing and Housing Between Semesters
Residence Life and Housing is able to meet with you to discuss your on-campus housing options. Our office can assist in that discussion and advocate for options. It is important to note that students must be involved with the university in some capacity to live in our residence halls over the Winter and Summer sessions.
Newark Area Support for Housing Needs
Individuals who need to explore resources not affiliated with the University of Delaware in regards to low cost housing may contact the following:
Central YMCA (Wilmington DE)
302-571-6950
Housing Alliance of Delaware
302-654-0126
Newark Empowerment Center
302-544-0165
Sunday Breakfast Mission (Wilmington, DE) emergency shelter
302-652-8314 x214
YWCA Delaware (Wilmington DE)
302-658-7110
If you are in imminent risk of becoming homeless or need shelter, you can call 211 to receive support in the state of Delaware. As always, in emergency situations please call 911.
Laptop Loaner Program
Students that need a laptop for the semester can work with IT to access the Laptop Loaner program. The application can be found here.
Clothing
The Clothing Coop, offered through Student Diversity & Inclusion, provides free professional attire and gender-affirming clothing, items and accessories for all UD students.
Learn more about the Clothing Coop and view their hours or make an appointment online.
Financial Crisis
If you are a current UD student experiencing an unforeseen crisis and are in need of financial support, you may be eligible for the Student Crisis Fund. The goal of the Fund is to provide assistance so that those students in crisis may remain on their path to academic success. This assistance is primarily possible through donations made by members of the UD community to the Student Crisis Fund.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide a nominal amount of money to eligible students who face a serious financial hardship due to unanticipated expenses. Each situation will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis. The Student Crisis Fund is underwritten by the Division of Student Life.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Applicant must be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student at the University of Delaware.
- Applicant must be able to show temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation.
- Applicant must have considered other possible sources of funding.
- Applicant must understand that the Office of the Dean of Students reserves the right to check level of financial need with the Office of Student Financial Services.
- Applicant may not receive more than one grant per year.
- Applicant should provide documentation of situation if available.
EXAMPLES OF COVERED EXPENSES DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN CRISIS SITUATION:
- Travel costs related to a sudden death or illness in the immediate family.
- Out-of-pocket costs related to medical care.
- Replacement of personal belongings due to fire, natural disaster, or theft.
- Food or home insecurity.
EXAMPLES OF EXPENSES NOT COVERED:
- Funds needed as a result of poor financial management or funds needed for a situation that does not constitute an emergency.
- Tuition, study abroad costs, application/test fees, dues for campus organizations.
- Non-essential utilities, (e.g., cable), general household costs, lab fees, health insurance.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- Complete the application. Please be sure to fill out all information and attach any relevant documentation if available.
- A staff member from the Office of the Dean of Students will connect with you about your application and discuss next steps.
- If approved, you will work with that same staff member on next steps and connection to other resources at UD.
- If not approved, that staff member will connect with you about the reason and share other resources at UD and in the area.
- After the process has completed, a staff member will reach out. You may be asked to write a brief reflection paragraph on how this grant has assisted you and can be kept anonymous if you choose. Your reflection may be shared with donors to the Student Crisis Fund.
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact deanofstudents@udel.edu or call 302-831-8939.