In addition to the already busy workload of graduate students, housing can be another difficult task to navigate. The Santa Barbara housing market is one of the most competitive in California. We recommend that graduate students begin their search for housing several months before their expected arrival or end of current lease. Below you will find a recording of the Campus Housing Team with graduate specific resources.
Four key resources for you to keep on hand:
Food Resources
Associated Students Food Bank
Located on the third floor of the UCEN, the ASFB provides students with free food resources and toiletries. To be eligible, users must (1) be registered UCSB undergraduate or graduate students and (2) making less than $14,484 per year. This amount excludes family income, spousal income, financial aid, scholarships, TA-ship, and fellowships!
Miramar Pantry
Located in the Sierra Madre Villages, Miramar provides students with free food resources and toiletries. To be eligible, users must (1) be registered UCSB undergraduate or graduate students and you must make under $17,130 per year. This excludes family income, spousal income, financial aid, scholarships, TA-ships, and fellowships!
Isla Vista Elementary Food Pantry
Pop-up food distribution service that supplies students and families with fresh produce and food staples. Occurs once a month at IV Elementary. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
Calfresh
A federally funded nutritional assistance program, Calfresh gives students purchasing power when shopping for groceries. Qualifying students can receive up to $192 in monthly benefits. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds, Calfresh, is back in the courts and waiting for a ruling. International Students and Scholars are advised to not pursue SNAP funds until the court ruling comes through.
Food, Nutrition and Basic Skills
Free workshops that give students the opportunity to taste delicious and easy meals, practice their hands-on cooking skills, and learn how to stretch their dollar while grocery shopping.
Food not Bombs
Both a social movement and community potluck, this all-volunteer organization prepares free vegan and vegetarian dinners for the IV community every Sunday.
OLIO
OLIO connects neighbors with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away. For your convenience, OLIO can also be used for non-food household items too. OLIO is super easy! To make an item available, simply open the app, add a photo, description, and when and where the item is available for pick-up.