University of Illinois System

University Resources

Each university in the University of Illinois System has services to support students' mental health, well-being, and basic needs security. Learn about some of them below.

URBANA

Illinois Counseling Center

Illinois Scholarships

Illinois Food Assistance & Well-being Program

Illinois University Housing

Illinois Meal Plans

Illinois Off-Campus Community Living

Illinois Student Legal Services

Illinois Wellness Center

CHICAGO

UIC Counseling Center

UIC Scholarships

UIC Wellness Center Pop-Up Pantry

UIC Campus Housing

UIC Meal Plans

UIC Commuter & Off-Campus Life

UIC Student Legal Services

UIC Wellness Center

SPRINGFIELD

UIS Counseling Center

UIS Scholarships

UIS CARES Stars Pantry

UIS Residence Life

UIS Meal Plans

UIS Health & Wellness

Community and Government Aid Programs

There are a wide variety of community and government aid programs available to help low income individuals (including students) manage the costs of basic needs (e.g., housing, food, etc.) Below are a few examples, but there may be more in your local community.

  • Call 211 or visit 211.org for local help in your community.
  • Illinois SNAP helps individuals (including students) with low income afford groceries.
    • WIC is a similar food assistance program that helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
  • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income individuals with utilities costs. 

We also produced several episodes along with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in our Making Cents of Money podcast addressing basic needs for consumers, including: