UArts Cares

Eligibility and What to Expect

University resources, through UArts Cares, are available to currently enrolled students. If you are not currently enrolled please see the National and Community Basic Needs Resources link on this page.

In order for us to assess your need, students seeking services must fill out our UArts Cares Intake Form. 

A student who is at risk for homelessness after hours should call UArts’ emergency line at 215-717-6666 (or ext. 6666 if they’re calling from a campus phone) and ask to speak to a staff member from Student Affairs. 

Students with campus meal plans are not eligible to receive support from our food resources.

Food Programs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Hunger Coalition connects Philadelphia residents to food pantries and soup kitchens in their neighborhoods and helps individuals apply for SNAP benefits. 

South Philadelphia Community Fridge six outdoor community fridges located throughout South Philadelphia. 

United Way of PA

The Share Food Program

Why Hunger is a resource to connect you with resources, put in your zip code and set it for 25 miles for the best results.

Free Food PA

ACCT Pet Food Pantry provides food for pets, not individuals.

Technology

Search WiFi hot spots in your area for free internet access.

Notebooks for Students  (NFS) works with tech brands to provide refurbished, discounted laptops to students of all ages.

ComputersWithCauses is a national program that provides refurbished computers. There is a 30 day application review period.

The University of the Arts provides free software for currently enrolled students.

Textbooks

Chegg Buy or rent used textbooks.

Campus Books Buy, rent or sell used textbooks. This site also searches the inventories of local libraries where you can find textbooks on loan for free.

Classroom Supplies

The Resource Exchange Affordable, reclaimed art supplies and maker materials. Shop online and in-store. Follow them on Instagram for special updates. 

FabScrap Volunteer in exchange for free fabric and other textile-based art materials, or schedule a shopping appointment to purchase items at low-cost. Follow on Instagram for inventory updates.

Rabbit Recycling Complete Rabbit’s online form for the opportunity to tour their facilities and take home a variety of art, office, and salvaged materials for free. Follow them on Instagram for inventory updates.

South Philly Craft Coven Come to the group with art questions, creatively related events to attend, requests of supplies to receive or share for low/no cost, or just to brag about something awesome you made!

Supply Library Growing network of community-supported little libraries full of art supplies and tools. Donate items you don’t need, and take items you can use.

Photo Video Edu Student discounts for photo, video, and film equipment from MAC Group. Quality tripods, gear bags, lighting, studio equipment & more! Enroll in their discount program on their website.

Reverb Buy and sell used and new musical instruments and gear.

Musical Instruments Outlet Wide selection of slightly blemished gear. 

Tutulist Buy and sell new and gently used dancewear. 

Health and Wellness

Health Services on campus provides in-person and tele-health appointments. Visit their website for information about local pharmacies, urgent cares and advanced practitioners. Their office can assist with navigating your insurance, the evaluation and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, access to menstrual products, male and female condoms, band aids, throat lozenges, OTC medication, and provides flu shots beginning in October each year. You can also book an appointment with our on-campus Physical Therapists through their website. 

Counseling Services provides in-person and tele-health appointments to students and offers walk in hours every Monday-Friday, 11am-1pm, when classes are in session. Visit their website to complete the new client intake form, meet the staff, and gain access to area resources. 

All UArts community members can join Planet Fitness with a $5/per month discount for any membership, please see your UArts email for information and the discount flyer to join. Valid university is required to join. 

Employment

For information about employment off campus, check out Career Services.

For information about work-study jobs on campus, check out the UArts Job Board on the Portal under Student Financial Services. 

National and Community Basic Needs Resources

BenePhilly is a free program with direct, one-on-one support to help low-income Philadelphian's enroll in critical benefits and services (SNAP, employment, healthcare, etc)

Search Philadelphia resources for local food access, free wi-fi, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, legal needs and more.

Search national resources for obtaining rent, housing, utilities, food pantries in your zip code.