We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more…
– Dalai Lama XIV
Basic needs include, but are not limited to, food, housing, clothing, childcare, mental health, financial resources and transportation. At some point in your educational journey, you may face challenges in accessing adequate amounts of food, housing, financial or other resources. This is called basic needs insecurity and millions of college students experience it each year. To ensure that basic needs are met for all Rutgers students, on-campus resources and those available in the surrounding community are listed below.
For food or housing emergencies during the holiday/winter break period, students should email basicneeds@echo.rutgers.edu.
Resource by Category
- Food Assistance
Explore a variety of food resources including the Rutgers Student Food Pantry, Mobile Pantry and NJ SNAP / WIC.- Housing & Transportation
Support by connecting students to resources that provide suitable housing, shelter, transportation in the New Brunswick/Piscataway area.- Emergency Aid
Short-term emergency grants to help students experiencing financial hardship.- Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Wellness
Life skills and prevention services to help you thrive.- Utility Assistance
Resources to help students have access to affordable essential utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water.- Internet & Technology
Resources to help students pay for internet service and connected devices, like a laptop or tablet.- Child Care Resources
Resources to help parents locate available childcare and other important tools to be successful.- Faculty & Staff Resources
Resources on how to identify a basic needs and wellness situation, talking to students about these needs, and resources.
What are Basic Needs (BN)?
We define Basic Needs as the essential resources that impact one’s health, sense of belonging, persistence, and overall well-being related to:
- Food Security
- Stable Housing
- Financial Sustainability
- Transportation
- Quality Healthcare
- Mental Health & Wellness
We provide referrals and supports for registered Rutgers students from a collective of on campus and off-campus programs.
