Welcome to the Basic Needs Food Security Resources!

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting your basic needs such as being hungry or worried about when your next meal will be. 

If this is you, you can come to the Big Blue Pantry and take a bag of food items while being mindful that there are others needing this shared community resource for emergencies. We ask that Pantry visits be limited to three visits per month and if you must utilize this resource regularly, we will connect you with the Financial Wellness program to get budgeting and other financial support. Or you might be eligible for the Swipe Ahead program.

Case management is designed to guide you to identify your needs, build problem-solving strategies, and connect to the resources; all with the care and support of your case manager. Sign up to meet with a case manager here!

There are many resources, both on and off campus. Learning what is available and a good fit for your needs is something we can help with. Case managers have in-depth knowledge of the resources and can walk you through every step in making those connections.  Making a referral for yourself gets you set up with a case manager.

UK Dining believes dining on campus is a quintessential part of the university experience. For locations, meal plans, and nutrition information, please visit the UK Dining website. If you have a severe food allergy, celiac, or other physiological condition requiring dietary restrictions or accommodations to the dining plan, please register for DRC services. Once you have registered with the DRC, you will be referred to Nutritionist serving as the liaison with UK Dining.

Today’s student faces increased costs of higher education while federal grants and loans continue to shrink. Many students are one emergency away from dropping out of school because of their inability to pay their bills. The solution we have turned to are emergency award grants.  These grants are typically around $500 and can support students who are experiencing a financial crisis, that for many of us would be an uncomfortable hit to our savings account, but for these students, it may mean walking away from an undergraduate or graduate degree.  

Students must apply for these emergency grants and provide the necessary information and documentation. This process allows for student at financial risk for leaving to institution to connect with a Basic Needs Coordinator who can provide additional resources, referrals, and financial education. 

Complete this Form to Apply for Support

The Financial Ombud Services office provides guidance and assistance, specific to their UK billing statement, to students who have encountered financial difficulties only after they have met with their University of Kentucky financial aid counselor. The Financial Ombud Services works with students individually to assist in student financial challenges affecting scheduled payments for tuition and fees to the university. 

Do you have a maintenance request for your room? Our FIXIT call center is available 24/7 to assist you. Requests can be submitted directly via the button on this page or by placing a call to 859-323-4948.

Navigating life stressors through the college years can be difficult and overwhelming at times. The Center for Support and Intervention staff are here to help! Case management is designed to guide you to identify your needs, build problem-solving strategies, and connect to resources around campus and Lexington; all with the care and support of your dedicated CSI case manager.  

Our office provides free menstrual hygiene products to any student who needs them. Students may come into our space to retrieve these products any time during our office hours. 

Kentucky Paratransit is an on-campus transportation service for students with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. The program is a partnership between UK Transportation Services and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and is designed to assist individuals in reaching classes, jobs, or other on-campus activities. Paratransit Service is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Individuals seeking access to the service must first complete an online intake form on the DRC’s website. For additional information about Kentucky Paratransit, please view this page.

Students who have multiple stressors in their personal, family, or academic life often don’t know what to tackle first. We are here to listen, understand, and help students prioritize their needs. If you know of a student who may benefit from outreach from our office, submit a referral on their behalf. 

CSI listens to your experiences, helps you to identify your needs, and connects you to resources on campus that can support your success and well-being. Set up a meeting with us to get help now!

Residence Life at the University of Kentucky provides an online form for the submission of concerns or reports related to residence hall experiences. This confidential and easy-to-use platform ensures that all issues are heard and addressed appropriately. Whether you are a student in need of guidance, a parent with questions about housing, or seeking support in any aspect of campus living, we are ready to listen and provide assistance. All submissions are reviewed by Residence Life staff, ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Please be aware that while Res Life makes every effort to handle your inquiry with the utmost care and a commitment to privacy, there may be times when the team must share information to comply with legal obligations or university policies.

This program is intended for UK students experiencing food insecurity.  Applications are open during the Fall and Spring semesters. 

If accepted, an initial amount of 10 meal swipes will be loaded to your UK Student ID within two business days. You will then be asked to meet with a Financial Wellness staff member to assess for ongoing need and access to additional swipes/vouchers and/or other resources.