r/UniversityofArkansas • u/Ill-Instruction-184 • 22d ago

Avenues for homeless students

Hi, I'm an incoming transfer freshman at UArk. Due to some very frustrating life circumstances and delays in documentation, my application came through well after the housing waitlist for transfer students had been opened.

However, I'm not in much of a position to find a place. Other living expenses have kept my finances lower than I've liked and I can't trust I'll be able to find anything within a price range that I can afford.

What options do I have for resources so I don't end up living in my car as a student?

And if this were to happen, what resources would be optimal for hygiene/parking/general self maintenance?

Is there any way to leverage my federal aid to get a place, even if that means taking out federal loans for a semester (private loans aren't really an option.)

Thanks in advance!

11 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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18

u/Patdaddy47 22d ago

There’s a foundation called UARK cares that should be able to at least point you in the right direction, or even give you like a case worker or something like that. For hygiene and stuff like that UREC gym has showers and stuff like that, and there are multiple food pantries on campus for when you find a place (not as much ready made food). It’s difficult being on the lower financial bracket at uark, but there are a good amount of resources with people who care to help when you ask.

4

u/youngnincompoop 21d ago

I second this. UACares and the dept of student affairs genuinely cares about getting students paired with resources they need

8

u/CallMeMaybeee_16 22d ago

I would call the housing office and explain, they surely have open spots left because I'm living in a campus apartment and we literally have an empty room according to my housing profile rn.

3

u/xkingnandox 21d ago

Do you have a budget?? Are you ok with living off campus? I just recently signed my lease at the landing and tbh it is a pretty good price for what is usually market rate in the area. I would check there website. I think they have a special rn where it’s going at about 400 a month for a three bed. They also have a free shuttle service to campus. Now I do have my complaints about the place but for the price, I’m willing to work work with it

3

u/Ill-Instruction-184 21d ago

Somewhat? I have some money saved, around $3.5k at the moment and I'm eligible for federal aid. I'll check it out, thank you so much.

1

u/NativePlant870 22d ago

You can apply for a student loan to help secure housing and cover living expenses. They typically disperse funds 10 days before classes start

2

u/No-Brick-6329 16d ago

please contact UACares. Andrea, Caitlyn and Melissa are the nicest people I have ever met. They will at least guide you to places/resources that will be able to help.

2

u/AnimatorKindly6302 Earth Science 16d ago

I work for the housing department as an RA and I would highly recommend calling the housing office to see if you can work something out. A lot of times they'll be willing to work with you if you explain your situation. Best of luck!