The Basic Needs Center is committed to supporting all students, including our international community. The resources below provide urgent relief for the basic needs of international students, but is not exhaustive.
It is important to be aware that there are tax implications for any award as your home country may tax you for any non-qualified award you receive.
For more information regarding tax implications, please see Glacier/Tax Information.
Support @ The Berkeley International Office (BIO)
The Berkeley International Office provides advising and support for Cal's international students, including a limited financial aid program for those who have experienced a significant, unexpected change in their financial situation. We highly recommend contacting BIO to speak with an adviser about your situation and learn about available resources.
Food
CalFresh is not available as a food resource for international students, but the resources below remain available to you:
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Basic Needs Food Pantry: An emergency food relief supply for all UC Berkeley students (undergraduate and graduate), staff, visiting scholars, and postdocs. We offer pantry staples such as rice, pasta, milk, cereal, frozen proteins, and fresh produce. Visitors are welcome to visit up to once per week, by joining the virtual line. You can take as much as needed while being mindful that it is a shared community resource for emergencies. See our website for open hours and to sign-up for the virtual line.
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Additional Food Resources
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The Bear Pantry: Emergency food relief for low-income student families living in University Village Apartments
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Food Now: Find food pantries near you, or call the Emergency Food Helpline at 510-635-3663
Housing
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Emergency Housing: short-term emergency housing for students facing an imminent loss of housing or currently unhoused
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Financial support for housing needs through the Basic Needs Emergency Fund
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Housing Security Deposit Award)(link is external): Financial support for students facing severe housing insecurity and need assistance in paying security deposits to secure off- or on-campus housing
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Emergency Rental Assistance(link is external): Short-term assistance with one month's rent
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Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board: Obtain information about tenant rights, resources, and responsibilities from a Housing Counselor with the Berkeley Rent Board.
Health Care
- BIO Need-Based Medical Fundhttps://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/financial-aid/medical-fund: maximum award of $1000 to help international students who experience unanticipated medical costs
- University Health Services (UHS)/Tang Center: Tang Center services and the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) are available to all registered students, including international students
Mental Wellness
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): short term counseling available at no charge for all registered students, regardless of insurance plan. You can find counselors who specialize in supporting international students here
- Let's Talk Counseling: informal, brief, free consults with providers from University Health Services, some dedicated to supporting international students.
Basic Needs Assistance Form
If you are experiencing an urgent challenge with access to adequate food, stable housing, general financial resources, or other basic needs, we encourage you to complete our Basic Needs Assistance Form so that we may connect you with the needed resources.