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A surprise bill, a tough month, nowhere stable to sleep — these end more college journeys than grades do. They don’t have to. Here’s the help that exists, and exactly how to reach it.
Asking for help is the strong move
Needing help isn’t failing. These exist precisely so a temporary crisis doesn’t end your education — and the students who ask are the ones who stay enrolled. Reaching out is the strong move, and it’s confidential.
These offices connect you to everything else.
Dean of Students office
The all-purpose front door. If you’re not sure who to ask, start here — they connect students to every kind of help and keep it confidential.
Campus “Basic Needs” center
Many Arizona campuses now have one office for food, housing, money, and benefits help — one stop for all of it.
Financial-aid office
For emergency grants, completion funds, and your aid status.
2-1-1 Arizona
Off campus or between terms? Dial 2-1-1 for local food, rent, utility, and shelter help statewide.
Small one-time grants (often $250–$1,500) to cover an unexpected cost — a car repair, a utility bill, a tuition balance — so a short-term crisis doesn’t make you drop out. You don’t pay them back.
How to find it: Ask the financial-aid office or the dean of students for an “emergency grant,” “hardship fund,” or “completion grant.” Apply early — many are first-come.
In Arizona: ASU, UA, and NAU all run emergency-aid or completion-grant programs. Search “[your school] emergency aid.”
Instead of one big bill, split tuition into monthly payments — often interest-free — so a tight month doesn’t cost you your enrollment.
How to find it: Set it up through the bursar / student-accounts office before the payment deadline.
A free statewide line that connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, and more — for any Arizonan, student or not.
How to find it: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211arizona.org. It’s confidential and free.
Free groceries for students, usually with no questions asked and no income proof. Many also stock toiletries and school supplies.
How to find it: Search “[your school] food pantry” or ask the dean of students. Most are open weekly during the term.
In Arizona: Arizona’s public universities and many community colleges have on-campus pantries.
Monthly money for groceries through the state. College students can qualify — the rules are broader than most people think (working, work-study, or caring for a child can all help you qualify).
How to find it: Apply through Arizona’s Health-e-Arizona Plus, or let the campus basic-needs office help you apply.
Programs where students with extra dining-plan swipes donate them to classmates who run short — a few free meals when you need them.
How to find it: Ask dining services or the dean of students about a “swipe out hunger” or meal-share program.
Help if you’re at risk of losing your housing or have nowhere stable to stay — emergency short-term housing, deposits, or rapid rehousing.
How to find it: Contact the dean of students or a campus “basic needs” office right away — sooner means more options.
In Arizona: Call 2-1-1 for statewide housing and rent help, including emergency shelter.
Extra support — sometimes including year-round housing and tuition help — if you’ve been in foster care or experienced homelessness.
How to find it: Ask the financial-aid office about your “independent student” status and any foster-youth liaison.
In Arizona: Arizona offers a tuition waiver for eligible former foster youth — see the aid finder.
On-campus childcare and grants that help student-parents pay for it, so childcare costs don’t force you to stop out.
How to find it: Ask about campus childcare and the federal “CCAMPIS” childcare grant for low-income student-parents.
Free or discounted bus/light-rail passes for students, plus occasional emergency help with gas or a ride.
How to find it: Check the parking-and-transit office for a student transit pass (often included in fees), and the dean of students for emergency transport help.
Borrow a laptop or a Wi-Fi hotspot for free — by the hour, the day, or the whole semester — so you’re not locked out of online coursework.
How to find it: The campus library is usually the place; ask about a device-lending or technology-loan program.
Free, confidential counseling for enrolled students — for stress, anxiety, a hard stretch, or just someone to talk to. Using it is normal and common.
How to find it: Search “[your school] counseling services.” Most offer same-week appointments and walk-in crisis support.
Free, confidential support any time you’re in crisis or just overwhelmed — by call or text, 24/7.
How to find it: Call or text 9-8-8 from any phone. You don’t have to be in danger to reach out.
In crisis right now? Call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, or dial 2-1-1 for immediate help with food, shelter, or bills in Arizona.