Basic Needs
It can be difficult to focus on academics and other educational endeavors when a student is struggling with basic needs. Listed below are the resources available should you find yourself struggling with basic needs in your time as a student. The Student Basic Needs (SBN) office is available to support students with basic needs, please visit their website for more information.
If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a CSI staff member about your specific circumstances, please contact us via our contact form or by phone at 213-740-0411.
Many students face challenges as they transition to life at USC, ranging from academic challenges to social or emotional difficulties as they navigate this new environment. There are a wide array of resources available to help students connect and access support.
- USC’s cultural communities include Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS), the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA), the First Generation Plus Success Center, La CASA, the LGBTQ+ Student Center, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Office of International Services (OIS). These offices provide advocacy, support, and community for USC students in their time here.
- Counseling and Mental Health (CMH) is available to help students meet their academic and personal goals. With workshops, individual counseling, group counseling, and more, there are lots of resources available to students.
- Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity offers many wonderful programs to help with time management and learning challenges, including one-on-one Academic Coaching and drop-in hours.
- Campus Activities is a great place to start if a student is looking to get more involved at USC. With over 1,000 recognized student organizations, there is something for everyone.
- Recreational Sports is a great way to pursue a healthy lifestyle while connecting with others.
If a student is unsure where to start, they can always begin by calling CSI at 213-740-0411 or emailing uscsupport@usc.edu to set up a time to speak with a CSI team member.
Should a student face financial difficulties, there are several resources they can contact for assistance.
- Financial Aid can work with students whose financial situations have drastically shifted. If you believe you have gone through a situation that might require an adjustment to your financial aid package, you can contact their office at 213-740-4444. They also have a helpful online program on Financial Literacy available for students.
- The USC Credit Union offers personal and student loans to help students meet their academic and financial goals.
- Academic units sometimes have additional funding available in the form of scholarships, grant, jobs, and other opportunities.
- If you are an undergraduate financial aid recipient who is financially struggling to access health insurance that meets your health needs (e.g., you have a mental health condition that requires a level of care not covered by your insurance), please contact our office. We can explore options and resources to help.
- USC Annenberg students should visit Annenberg’s Scholarships and Awards web page and learn more about the Annenberg Student Emergency Aid Fund and Student Success Fund
- Emergency Loan Application – Students who have experienced an unforeseen financial emergency can apply for an Emergency Loan up to $1,000. CSI will process your application. If approved, funds will be dispersed through Financial Aid.
If a student needs additional assistance to resolve their financial issues, contact CSI at 213-740-0411 or via email at uscsupport@usc.edu to schedule a time to speak with a CSI team member.
There are several legal resources on campus for students, depending on the nature of their legal concern. GSG and USG provide free legal counseling to students. The USC Housing Law and Policy Clinic provides professional services in housing discrimination law, local affordable housing issues, and landlord/tenant dispute resolution. The Immigration Clinic provides free, confidential legal consultations and referrals to USC students, faculty, and staff who may be at risk of deportation, who are seeking to naturalize, or who have questions regarding their legal status and legal rights under the immigration laws.
For questions about housing availability and options contact the USC Housing office at 800-872-4632. Other housing options can be found in the Daily Trojan. The USC Civic Engagement Housing Law Clinic provides professional services in housing discrimination law, local affordable housing issues, and landlord/tenant dispute resolution.
The Trojan Food Pantry is an emergency resource for students experiencing food insecurity. The pantry is located in King Hall (KOH), Suite 103. Check their website for current hours and updates. If you are interested in learning more or applying for CalFresh Benefits, click here.