Students who are worried about food shortages or have already run out of food; students who are worried about housing or are already homeless.
Tips for Advising
Food and Housing Insecurity
It is important to be aware of the prevalence of food and housing insecurity with the populations we serve. The number of students who experience basic need insecurity at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is substantial and growing. For example, 47.5% of undergraduate students worry about the ability to pay for housing, and 34.4% of undergraduate students worry about paying for food (SERU data).
The rising cost of tuition due to reduced state funding and the decreased purchasing power of financial aid are major contributors to student food and housing insecurity. The high cost of housing, especially near our campus, adds significant strain to students’ budgets, forcing them to choose between rent, books, food, and other basic needs.
Food and housing insecurity is also associated with impacts on student success, such as a lower GPA, reduced sense of belonging, depression and anxiety, increased likelihood to sacrifice study time due to financial issues, etc.
Advising Considerations
- Continue to learn about resources available on campus and in the community
- Work to clarify the scope and goals of your work as it relates to the student’s current situation and the goals they have, which also may need to be adjusted
- Help the student recognize support areas and resources available to them that could reduce stress and anxiety
Referring Students
The basic needs directory is a central source for identifying resources on campus and in the Twin Cities area. This directory covers resources related to food, finances, housing and transportation, course materials and technology, and health and personal care for students experiencing basic needs insecurity.