Are you facing an unexpected financial emergency that is getting in the way of focusing on your education? Are you not able to make ends meet as a result of a financial emergency, such as:

• An unexpected car repair?
• Lack of food resources?
• Homelessness or housing insecurity?
• Difficulty paying utility bills or rent?
• A medical emergency?
• Another type of financial emergency?

FIU offers short-term resources to help you during these times of need.

Homeless Tuition Exemption

Tuition exemption is available for Florida residents who meet certain criteria and provide requested documentation. The exemption covers tuition and mandatory fees.

Short-Term Tuition Loan

This institutional tuition-only loan is available to degree-seeking students who are enrolled at least half-time. Short-term tuition loans are available two weeks before the tuition payment deadline for each semester. The loan must be repaid within 45 calendar days of the first day of classes. A $25.00 service fee is added. Students who qualify will have a Short Term Tuition Loan link to accept the conditions of the Short Term Tuition Loan online under the Accept/Decline link on my.fiu.edu.

Student Food Pantry

The purpose of the food pantries is to serve FIU students in need. Students who are currently enrolled may access the pantries located at MMC and BBC campuses. No proof of need is required and students can access the pantry once a week taking up to 10 pounds of food each visit.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students office supports students who are experiencing challenges that may impede their ability to progress towards their academic goals. Examples of these challenges include family or personal emergencies, distress, anxiety, depression, health issues, and more. The Dean of Students office can help students explore and access available campus resources.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS provides mental health services that can help you with the stress and emotional impact that may come with experiencing an emergency. CAPS also helps students enhance their personal learning, emotional well-being and academic skills development.

Victim Empowerment Program (VEP)

VEP provides free confidential assistance to students who have been victimized through threatened or actual violence. VEP is dedicated to assisting students in overcoming trauma and remaining successful in their academic pursuits.

Student Health Centers (SHC)

SHS provides affordable and accessible student-focused medical care. Students are charged a mandatory health fee every semester which provides students access to office visits, routine medical exams for illness or injury, medical consultations, family planning consultations, health education, screening for high blood pressure, and other conditions at SHS.

FIU Law Practice

FIU Law Practice offers affordable, low-cost legal services in the following family law areas: divorce (contested and uncontested); paternity, child support, time-sharing; post-judgment modification(s); domestic violence injunctions (civil); prenuptial/postnuptial; and enforcement of judgments.

Florida Department of Children and Families / Access Florida

Food, medical and monetary assistance. (866) 762-2237

Homeless Education District Liaison / Homeless Education Assistance Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.)

K-12 Homeless verification, transportation, school supplies, after school activities, academic support and case management/referrals for families to access to community partners.

Project UP-START, Homeless Education Program / Division of Student Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Project UP-START seeks to ensure a successful educational experience for youth living with unstable housing in Miami-Dade County by collaborating with parents, families, schools and the community.

Homeless Helpline

Shelter placement, food banks and case management services. (877) 994-4357 or (305) 375-2273

Broward Homeless Helpline

Shelter placement, food banks and case management services. (954) 563-4357

Branches

Food pantries, tax preparation, low-income car loans program, business training and financial coaching. (305) 442-8306

CareerSource South Florida

Job seeker and career services. (305) 594-7615