It can be difficult to navigate financial resources as an international student. Be sure to check with your Office of International Students and Scholars prior to applying to any public assistance programs as it may affect your F-1 or J-1 visas. They have provided many helpful resources around transportation, dining, housing and money.
UNH Basic Needs
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International Students are eligible for all of the UNH Basic Needs Supports. You must be enrolled in the current semester to receive support.
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SEFA is meant to serve as temporary and emergency funds and is not intended to be long term financial support.
Food Pantries and Food Resources
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New Hampshire Food Access Map (located under food resources link) will show you the local food pantries, their times they are open and available and anything you may need to bring with you. Recommended to contact the pantry to ensure times are up to date or if you need an appointment and any documentation you may need to bring.
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Cat's Cupboard located in the MUB is a great resource for perishable, non-perishable and ready to heat meals. In addition, you can also utilize Waysmeet (next to Hannaford shopping center) for their food pantry.
Housing
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Housing in New Hampshire is difficult. Keep in mind public transportation availability when looking for a place to live and watch out for housing rental scams! If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not send or accept payments from anyone without vetting them first.
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Ride buses for free with UNH ID but keep in mind the timing of when the buses are running.
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Utilize the Off-campus Housing Office https://offcampushousing.unh.edu/ to find availability off-campus or consider living on campus.
- What I should know before renting an apartment.
Clothing and Household Goods
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It can get very cold here in New Hampshire. There are many local stores that offer free or heavily discounted clothing including winter coats, gloves and hats or business attire. Check out local thrift stores like Echo Thrift Shop in downtown Durham or Goodwill in Dover which offer affordable clothing, furniture and household goods.
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Participate in the Trash 2 Treasure event August 24, 25 and 26th in the Granite State Room in the MUB- great way to find furniture, supplies and mirrors, fridges etc.
Immigration Services
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Catholic Charities New Hampshire provides high-quality, affordable legal services for individuals who are eligible under federal law to apply for immigration benefits. Can assist with applications, petitions, adjustment of status and visas etc.
Public Benefits
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Those on an F-1 visa: acceptance of public benefits renders you ineligible for a F-1 or J-1 status and can impact renewal. Be sure to contact your OISS advisor prior to applying to any benefit program.
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This includes Food Stamps, TANF, Medicaid. You may be approved but it could impact your visa status.
Financial Supports
- One of the most comprehensive sources for locating funding sources is Edupass which began as the international student section of The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid.
- International Education Financial Aid is a database that identifies scholarship opportunities and banks that have loan programs for which international students qualify.
- Financial Aid for Undergraduate International Students is a resource provided by the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) on various funding sources for international students studying in the U.S.
- The International Education Finance Corporation offers loans to international students with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.
- Avoid Internet Scams: Unfortunately, the international community is often targeted for internet and phone scams. Every year, students or scholars report being scammed and sometimes they lose large amounts of money. The University of California Santa Barbara has compiled some great guidance and support to help you avoid being scammed.
