Student Resources for Basic Needs

Are you stressed about making ends meet? 

You’re not alone. 

Over half of all college students in Washington qualify as low-income. Many students don’t have the resources to cover food, housing, and other basics.   

Resources are available—and your college can help you find them. 

Most colleges have an office where students can go for help with basic needs. It’s usually called Student Services or Student Affairs. There you’ll connect with navigators who can help you find and apply for resources to help you cover the basics. They’ll be familiar with the resources available through your campus and community as well as state and federal programs. 

Learn more

Doing a little research before visiting student services/affairs can help you prepare. But try not to rule anything out or assume you won’t qualify until you’ve met with an advisor or counselor.

This list is not exhaustive. Your school’s student services/affairs office will have more info about all the options available in your area. 

College students can qualify for assistance with food, housing, healthcare, utilities, and more. Again, the best first step is to connect with your school’s student services/affairs office. They can help you apply.  

Online resources: 

• Washington Connection: Learn more and apply for state-managed programs like Basic Food and TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families)
• Washington 211: Find local public and nonprofit support for food, shelter, physical and mental health, utility assistance, and more. 

Students who are immigrants may be affected by the Public Charge Test when they apply for legal permanent residency. Find out if the test includes any of the benefits you're seeking before applying. The City of Seattle has more information about the public charge test and public benefits in multiple languages.