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Join UCSB's annual Alumni Day of Service on September 20, 2025!
On September 20, 2025, Gauchos worldwide will come together to give back to their communities. Flex your Gaucho Pride and get ready to volunteer! Family and friends are welcome.
Opportunities to volunteer with other Gauchos in several metropolitan areas will be added to our website in the coming weeks.
Registration open!
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🔬✨ 2025 Heeger Lecture ✨🔬
📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025
🕤 9:30–10:30 AM
📍 Engineering Science Building, Room 1001
Join us for the 2025 Heeger Lecture, the keynote event of the Chemical Sciences & Engineering Career Symposium!
🎤 Featured Speaker: Professor Joseph M. DeSimone
Stanford University & Founder of Carbon, Inc.
Talk: “The Delicate Interplay Between Light, Interfaces and Design: The Complex Dance that Allows 3D Printing to Scale to Manufacturing.”
All our welcome, don't miss this inspiring talk!
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🚨 Protect Your EBT Benefits! 🚨
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has become aware of a third-party mobile app in the Apple iOS App Store called “Ebt edge – food stamps.”
⚠️This app mimics the official, state supported FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App and charges users $4.99 weekly or $60 for lifetime access.
✅ California will NEVER charge for the use of the official EBT app.
Screenshot of third-party mobile app Ebt edge – food stamps app:
Screenshot of the official, state-supported FIS ebtEDGE app:
Concerns about your Calfresh benefits?
Email Thrive: Basic Needs at UCSB at sa-bas...@ucsb.edu.
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🚲 Fall 2025 Commute Reset Challenge 🚆
The Sustainability Internships and Community Resources Department in Student Affairs invites you to join the Commute Reset Challenge! 🌍✨ Participants can earn a $60 gift card 💳 plus prizes from local businesses while helping UCSB reduce its impact on climate change.
🌱 How it works:
Commit to swapping out your single-occupancy commute 🚗 for a sustainable option at least 2 times a week during Fall Quarter 2025. Options include biking 🚴, bus 🚌, train 🚊, or joining a carpool/vanpool 🚐.
✅ Eligibility:
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UCSB employee or registered student in Fall 2025
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Held an individual UCSB parking pass (Spring or Summer 2025)
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Live 2+ miles from UCSB Main Campus
🎁 Why join?
Try a new way of commuting, reduce your carbon footprint, and earn rewards while making a positive impact!
📌 How to Register:
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🖥️ Register & make an account on Smart Ride
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📝 Fill out the survey: https://smartride.org/survey/take
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📧 Click the link sent to your email to complete registration!
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🌟 Ways to Give Back With LEAP
🍼 Donate Diapers All Month Long
This September, we’re shining a light on Diaper Need Awareness Week (Sept 15–21). Help local families by dropping off diapers at any of our partner locations across Santa Barbara. Every donation keeps little ones clean, healthy, and happy. 💛
🎒 Kinecta Helps Students Start the Year Strong
A huge thank-you to Kinecta, who donated 29 backpacks filled with school supplies through their back-to-school drive! These will be distributed to students at Isla Vista, El Camino, and La Patera schools through our School-Based Family Advocate initiative—ensuring kids start the year prepared and ready to learn.
💻 Upcoming Webinar: Hope and Healing in Uncertainty
📅 Wednesday, Sept 24 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM | Zoom
Join us for the final session of LEAP’s wellness series to learn strategies for finding hope, healing from past traumas, and building resilience. Free & open to all!
💰 Secure Your Financial Future – Financial Literacy Course
📅 Starts Wednesday, Oct 8 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM | Zoom
In partnership with Bank of America, this 5-session series covers banking, budgeting, credit, and protecting your finances.
📞 To register, call Ana Maya at (805) 869-3303.
🤝 Many Ways to Give
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Volunteer your time and talents
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Become a monthly donor ($5, $10, or $25 makes a big impact!)
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Donate shelf-stable food, diapers, or wipes to support families in need
Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities. Thank you for being part of this important work!
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💼 Job Opportunity: Rapid Rehousing Coordinator at UC Davis
UC Davis is currently recruiting for a Rapid Rehousing Coordinator. This role will support students by connecting them with housing stability resources and services.
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Job Opening Number: 81091
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Working Title: Rapid Rehousing Coordinator
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Salary Range (Annual): $56,000 – $99,400
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Application Deadline: September 24, 2025
Please share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested in supporting student housing needs at UC Davis.
Application period ends on September 24
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🌎 2025 Central Coast Sustainability Summit
📅 Wednesday, October 15th | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Corwin Pavilion, UCSB
Join local leaders, agencies, and changemakers at UCSB for a full day of collaboration, learning, and climate action! 🌱
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council California, will share insights on how the built environment can drive equity and resilience across our communities.
🧠 Breakout sessions will cover topics like:
• Climate and community resiliency
• Building electrification and utility rates
• Waste management & food recovery
• Regenerative agriculture
• Climate education
🚗 Don’t miss the Clean Transportation Showcase, featuring EVs, e-bikes, and clean mobility solutions. Sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition.
Questions? Contact Jewel Persad at jewel...@ucsb.edu
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🎉 Rec Fest 2025
📅 Wednesday, Sept 24 | 🕐 1–4 PM
📍 UCSB Recreation Center
✨ Kick off Week of Welcome with our biggest annual showcase!
💪 Free fitness, sport & adventure demos
🏀 Info + sign-ups for Intramurals, Sports Clubs & more
🎶 Live performances & games
🎁 Prizes + giveaways from sponsors
Don’t miss the fun, come find your community! 🌟
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🎉 Campus Involvement Fair 🎉
👋 Want to get involved at UCSB? Come check out our annual fair and discover all the opportunities waiting for you!
🌟 Browse 500+ student organizations
🤝 Expand your network & make new friends
🎶 Enjoy a live DJ, performances & plenty of fun!
Don’t miss your chance to connect, explore, and find your place on campus! 💙💛
📅 Tuesday, September 23, 2025
🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Chemistry Lawn (Chem Lawn), UCSB
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🍎 Pantry & Food Support Updates 🥫
The AS Foodbank will reopen on October 6th (Week 2), so stop by to stock up on essentials then!
Need extra support or have questions about campus resources? The Basic Needs Advising Center in the UCEN is still open and here to help.
📍 Check our website or Instagram @ucsbthrive for hours and updates!
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🔧 Basic Needs Tech Support Program
The Basic Needs Technology Program provides currently enrolled UCSB students in a degree-seeking program with access to tech resources to support their academic journey.
To be considered, students must submit a Basic Needs Tech Request Form.
Once submitted, request forms are reviewed by our tech team, and students can expect a response within 2–3 business days.
💻 Loaner Laptops (All Students)
Short-term Chromebook loans are available for all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.
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📅 Max loan period: 30 days
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✅ Must sign a borrower agreement at pickup
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🔁 Requests accepted now—follow-ups will begin once Fall Quarter starts
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💡 Great for short-term tech access needs during midterms, finals, or hardware repairs
📱 Loaner iPads (Undergraduates Only)
Thanks to Associated Students, UCSB undergrads can also request loaner iPads with styluses!
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📅 Max loan period: 1 full quarter
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📍 Limit one iPad per student
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👤 Must be currently enrolled undergraduates (at least 6 units)
This offering helps ensure undergraduates have equitable access to creative, flexible, and mobile learning tools.
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Parenting Students: Get Support for Childcare expenses!
The new Basic Needs Childcare Grant is available to help parenting students, either Graduate or Undergraduate, cover childcare costs during their enrollment at UCSB. You could receive up to $1,000 per quarter (or $3,000 for the academic year) based on your childcare expenses.
If you’ve submitted a 25-26 FAFSA or CADAA, you're automatically considered for the Basic Needs Childcare Grant— no extra forms needed!
Not eligible to submit a FAFSA or CADAA? No worries! Simply apply through our quick Google Form. We will work with Financial Aid to determine your eligibility. Don’t miss out—apply now to be considered for childcare expenses support!
Students Paid Status must be SET with the Barc office to be eligible for this award. If you have any questions regarding your account balance, please contact barc...@bfs.ucsb.edu.
This resource is made possible with support from the Student Fee Advisory Committee.
FAQs:
If I received the AS Child Grant can I still receive this grant?
Yes.
Would the maximum per quarter vary depending on how many dependents there are?
Yes, if someone has more children they may be eligible for more support. Students will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award is $1,000 per quarter or $3,000 for the academic year. Awards issued will be based on actual child care expenses.
How can I apply as an international student?
Through the Google Form application or the QR code on the Basic Needs Childcare Grant flyer. The link can also be found here: https://forms.gle/wQvxGDTxnPAB419z7
Do I need any specific documents for the Google Form application?
No.
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💎GEMS! 💎
Looking to explore gender identity and build community in a safe, affirming space? Join GEMS: Gender Empowered Mutuals: a supportive discussion group facilitated by UCSB’s Health Equity Advocate and RCSGD's Assistant Director of Student Support & Advocacy. 😆
🗓️ 4 Thursday afternoons this Fall
🕒 1.5 hour sessions
✨ All identities welcome
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🏡 Move-In Resources
Got questions about move-in? UCSB Housing has you covered! Visit the Move-In Welcome page for details on arrival times, check-in, parking, and everything else you need to start the year smoothly. 📦🚗
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🎓 Outreach Events for Prospective Graduate Students
UC Santa Barbara is committed to supporting prospective graduate students by providing clear, accessible, and helpful information about the admissions process.
📢 Fall 2025 Graduate Admissions Webinar Series
Join the UCSB Graduate Division’s Admissions, Outreach & Diversity team for free virtual workshops designed to help you prepare a strong application and better understand the admissions process. Open to all prospective students!
🗓️ Webinar Dates
October 14, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PDT
November 12, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PST
December 2, 2025 | 10:00 –11:15 AM PST
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UCSB IV Small Artists Co-op Executive Team
The UCSB Exec Team is searching for passionate students to join us in roles across Social Media, Event Organizing, Fundraising/Tabling, Music Coordination, and Graphic Design (and more!).
Fill out one application per role you’re interested in.
We will release decisions and/or interview requests on a rolling basis through the email address that you provide.
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Starbucks Barista ($20.25 to 22.99/hr.)
Isla Vista (888 Embarcadero del Norte)
Job Description: As a Starbucks barista, you’ll create the Starbucks Experience for our customers through excellent service and expertly-crafted products. You’ll be in an energetic store environment where you’ll have the ability to master your food & beverage craft, work alongside friends and meet new people every day. A cup of coffee and smile can go a long way, and we believe our baristas have the power to be the best moment in each customer’s day.
Apply by: 09/22/2025
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UCSB Library Opportunities
Services Desk Student Assistant ($16.50/hr.)
The Services Desk in the Paseo is a combined Reference and Access Services point in the Library where patrons can request or check out materials from Course Reserves, the Main Library, Interlibrary Loan, and various other off-campus locations. Additionally, the Services Desk provides general, directional and basic reference information for students, faculty, staff and the public. Student assistants are expected to maintain a high level of competency, accuracy and professionalism with a high degree of independence while assisting patrons with a variety of tasks in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
*Federal Work Study eligibility is required for this position*
Apply by: October 1st 8:00am
DREAM Lab Student Assistant ($18.40/hr.)
The UCSB Library’s DREAM Lab provides access to the Library’s growing collection of data sets, resources, and high-end workstations with analytical software such as R, Python, ArcGIS, Matlab, SAS, SPSS, and Stata. The DREAM Lab staff offers consultations on research involving data, including finding and recommending data sources and advising on technical data issues such as file format conversion and basic software use. We are seeking students that can help our users and provide assistance particularly in the use of the tools we support.
Apply by: September 25th 6:00am
Web Developer Student Assistant ($16.50/hr.)
We seek a proactive, detail-oriented student assistant to support website design, development, and maintenance. This role will involve assisting with ongoing content updates, managing code and documentation, and ensuring the site remains up-to-date and fully functional.
Apply by: September 20th 6:00am
DREAM Lab Student Assistant - Chinese Typing/Transcribing ($18.40/hr.)
The DREAM Lab staff offers consultations on research involving data, including finding and recommending data sources and advising on technical data issues such as file format conversion and basic software use. We are seeking students that can help our users and provide assistance particularly in the use of the tools we support. This student will be expected to assist with Chinese-language research projects, including but not limited to transcribing and coding recorded interviews.
Apply by: September 25th 6:00am
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The Gaucho Athletics Program (GAP) Internship
Job Description: Welcome to the Gaucho Athletics Program (GAP), a new internship program created to provide students the opportunity to work in the college athletics environment before graduating from UCSB. We will be launching the first cohort of students in GAP for the Fall 2025 quarter. This is a very competitive and selective program to be accepted into. Our Fall 2025 cohort will allow 5-10 students the opportunity to work within the athletic department for a guided 10-week learning and hands-on experience.
Apply by October 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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Multimedia Student Assistant (17.50/hr.)
UC Education Abroad Program
Job Description: The Multimedia Student Assistant supports the Marketing, Communications, and Engagement team as they produce the highest quality communication to effectively meet UCEAP strategic objectives. This position supports updating, maintaining, and creating content for the UC Education Abroad Program's systemwide website, digital and print publications, social media, emails, and presentations for a wide range of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Media includes text, photography, video, graphics, and icons. With supervision, the Multimedia Student Worker collaborates across the organization with other units, including regional teams, student finance, health and safety, IT, research, and the director's office.
Apply by: February 21, 2026 at 6:00 AM
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🎶 Fall Kick-Off Block Party 🎶
📅 Sunday, Sept 28 | 🕛 12–2 PM
📍 St. Michael’s, Isla Vista
🎤 Live music
🎨 Arts & crafts
🎲 Games & fun
🍴 Delicious food
Join us for a free celebration of community, all are welcome! 🌟
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🎶🛍️ WELCOME BACK CONCERT + THRIFTOPIA! 🛍️🎶
Thriftopia is back AND we’re bringing the vibes with a Welcome Back Concert! 🎤 Stay tuned into AS Program Board for the artist reveal! 🎸
👕 All clothing $30 and under 💸
📚 Learn about UC student orgs
🤝 Connect with your community 🫶🏼
📅 Saturday, Sept 27th
📍 Anisq’Oyo Park
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📚✨ Chapter 3: Alice Keck Gardens – Book Exchange Meetup
🌿 Start your Sunday morning with conversation and community at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden on September 21 (10–11:30am). Bring a lightly-loved book you’ve already read, your favorite morning brew, and maybe a blanket or chair to get cozy. Exchange stories, meet new friends, and discover a fresh read while enjoying the beauty of the gardens. ☕📖
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🎥✨Join us for “Movies in the Park” every Friday
September 12th - October 3rd at 8pm in Anisq’Oyo’ Park!
This year’s theme is Friendship, Frights, & Nostalgic Nights with classics like Ghost Busters, Beetlejuice, and more!
Free snacks while supplies last - bring your friends and enjoy some delicious popcorn and entertainment!
📍950 Embarcadero Del Mar, IV. See you there! 👋
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🌊✨ Countdown to Coastal Cleanup Day ✨🌊
Our biggest cleanup of the year is almost here!
🗓️ Join us on Saturday, September 20th at your favorite beach, creek, or park.
🌍 30+ cleanup sites to choose from, including NEW locations: Elings Park, More Mesa, and Ellwood. Pre-register and be automatically entered into a drawing!
🪙 Bonus fun: A Trashure Hunt at select sites! Find a hidden treasure chest while you pick up litter and win a prize. 🎁
Let’s make a difference together. 💙 See you out there on September 20th!
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🧘♀️ Rooftop Vibes & Vinyasa 🌞🎶
Join the Santa Barbara Yoga Collective for a morning of flow, movement, and music! Enjoy a live DJ + yoga session in the beautiful Courtyard at DT Santa Barbara by Marriott.
📅 Saturday, Sept. 20
⏰ 10 AM
📍 Courtyard DT Santa Barbara by Marriott
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💧✨ Rethink Your Drink Game Day is coming up! 🎉
Join us for a day full of fun and excitement 🎲🎶 while learning about:
🌍 Your water rights
♻️ Ways to reduce plastic waste
🥤 Healthier drink choices
👫 Come play games, meet new friends, and enjoy the vibes!
🙌 Hope to see you there!
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🍦🎶 Ice Cream Social 🎶🍦
Cool off with sweet treats and great vibes at our Ice Cream Social! 🍨✨ Enjoy a DJ set and drag show hosted by the fabulous Melina Poinsettia 💃🎧.
📅 Monday, Sept 22
🕗 8 PM
📍 Storke Plaza
🍦 A variety of ice cream & popsicles will be served — first come, first served! Don’t miss the music, the performances, and the chance to kick off the quarter in style! 🌟
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🤠🐴 Rodeo at UCSB! 🐴🤠
Saddle up for an afternoon of fun at the San Nic Lawn! 🎉
The Mechanical Bull is back — challenge your friends and see who can hold on the longest! 🐂💪
✨ Plus:
🎯 Ring Toss
🏀 Basketball
🐐 Petting Zoo (featuring chickens, pigs, goats & more from the Mobile Zoo of Southern California — first come, first served!)
📅 Wednesday, Sept 24
🕓 4–6 PM
📍 San Nic Lawn
Grab your boots and come join the fun! 🤎👢🌵
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🥗 Need Help Applying for CalFresh?
Join our CalFresh Enrollment Parties this October! 🎉 Our CalFresh & Basic Needs Advocates will walk you through the application process, help determine your eligibility, and support you if challenges come up.
📅 Wednesday, October 1 & Wednesday, October 8
🕕 6–8 PM
📍 SRB MPR
Don’t miss out on free application support and the chance to maximize your benefits! ✨
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📚 UCSB Enrollment Services Fair ✨
Got questions about fall enrollment? The Enrollment Services Fair is here to help! Join us from Sept. 22–25, 10 AM–3 PM in the SAASB Courtyard for guidance and answers.
✅ Representatives from Financial Aid & Scholarships, the Registrar, BARC, Basic Needs, Student Health, and more will be on hand to support you through the process.
Don’t miss this chance to get your questions answered and start the year off smoothly! 🌼
 
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📍 SNAC (Food Security & Basic Needs and Advising Center) Hours
Navigating college life can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone! At SNAC, we offer support for basic needs like housing questions, technology access, financial resources, and more. 🏡💻💵 It’s important to ask for help when needed. Whether you're facing challenges with housing, need assistance with technology, or have questions about finances, we’re here to guide you through it all. Your well-being is our priority, and we want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed. 💪
Students are welcome to stop by the SNAC main office in the University Center for all your advising needs. If you're at SRB or El Centro, make sure to bring your laptop. 💻 Not sure where to go? No worries—just stop by our main location at the University Center! 😊
We’re here to support you through the finish line! ✨
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To book an appointment, scroll down to "booking an appointment" for appointment options: https://basicneeds.ucsb.edu/
Follow us on IG & Tiktok @ucsbthrive
for the latest news on basic needs resources! |
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Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Hours
💰 Need help with financial resources or scholarships? We've got you covered! 💡
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to assist you Monday-Friday from 10 AM–12 PM & 1 PM–4 PM. Drop by for guidance and support navigating your financial journey! 📚✨
📱✨ Need to chat with someone?
Skip the wait — join QLess to schedule a phone appointment and get the support you need, right from your phone! ☎️💬
Tap the link, join the queue, and they’ll call you when it’s your turn! 🙌
💰 Office of Financial Aid QLess Info 💻
Heads up! The QLess system won’t accept new check-ins if the max number of people waiting is reached.
⏰ The office is closed from 12 PM to 1 PM —
so if you try during that time, please join the virtual line starting at 1 PM.
Plan ahead and save your spot!
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ASK A QUESTION
Want more information? We've got you covered – just reply to this email!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
The basicneeds.ucsb.edu site acts as a central hub for all things relating to basic needs at UCSB. It is regularly updated with information on critical resources, and you can use our virtual chat feature to get one-on-one advising with a peer advocate!
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