Experiencing delays with CalFresh or military housing benefits?
UC Santa Cruz can help.
Here for what you need, when you need it
College life comes with a lot to navigate, and we know your ability to succeed is shaped by more than academics. From food and housing to technology, health care, and finances, UCSC provides a range of basic needs resources for your day-to-day. Whether you’re just getting started or facing an unexpected hurdle, we’re here for you.
What are Basic Needs?
Basic Needs refers to the essential resources required for health, safety, and well-being—things every student deserves. At UC Santa Cruz and across the UC system, we define Basic Needs as access to:
- Nutritious and sufficient food
- Safe, secure, and adequate housing (to sleep, study, cook, and shower)
- Mental and physical healthcare
- Affordable transportation
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Emergency resources for students with dependents
The University of California is committed to student success by prioritizing health equity, financial stability, and social justice.
Food security
Nutritious food is essential to student success. UCSC offers resources like pantries and CalFresh support to help ensure all students have reliable access to the food they need.
Housing assistance
Need help finding housing? From tenants’ rights guidance to local referrals, we’re here to help you explore your options.
Support for student parents
Student parents face unique challenges and often juggle multiple, sometimes competing, responsibilities between their work and home lives. UC Santa Cruz has resources for student parents balancing work and home life. Find links and support from students and campus programs dedicated to helping those raising children at UC Santa Cruz.
Contact us
Connect with Basic Needs for general inquiries, programming requests, Redwood Free Market, CalFresh, Cowell Coffee Shop, Produce Pop-Up, and more.
Basic Needs hours and locations
