The Department of Scandinavian Studies is committed to helping our students succeed. We know that the costs of attending college can sometimes be a strain on students' financial and emotional resources. We care about you and we want to help if we can!
Below you will find a list of University of Washington resources as well as State and Federal aid information. We hope this information is helpful and you are able to find resources to support you. If you do not see what you are looking for, contact Washington 211, a hotline to connect you with community resources.
Please reach out to the department if you have any further questions or concerns.
Teresa Bresee - Administrator (teresab@uw.edu)
Lauren Poyer - Undergraduate Adviser (lpoyer@uw.edu)
Financial Support
Short Term Loans
The Office of Student Financial Aid has short term loan funds available to students who are experiencing temporary cash flow issues. You may receive up to $2500 or $3200 for undergraduates and graduate students, respectively.
State Unemployment Benefits for Workers
The Washington State Employment Security Department has programs designed to help individuals and employers. They have an easy-to-read comparison guide listing some of the most common scenarios that may occur and benefits that may apply. More information for workers and businesses here: esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-1.
WorkSource Critical Job Opportunities
For those in need of employment, WorkSource has highlighted opportunities here for people looking for immediate work.
Food Resources
Seattle Food Banks
Seattle Food Committee works with 27 food banks to serve those in need. Visit www.seattlefoodcommittee.org/food-bank-map/ to find the food bank closest to you.
Campus Food Pantry
The Campus Food Pantry is open three days a week in Poplar Hall. Anyone with a Husky ID may access the pantry. Appointments for urgent need are also available and can be set up via email or phone call.
University District Food Bank
The University District Food bank is nearby on Roosevelt Way.
Northwest Harvest SODO Community Market
Northwest Harvest SODO Community Market is a no-cost grocery store offering prepared foods and shelf-stable groceries. This is open to anyone, with no restrictions. SODO Community Market is located in Seattle's SODO neighborhood at 1915 4th Ave S, near the corner of 4th Ave S & S Holgate St. More location and transportation information can be found here.
Utilities and Rent Support
City of Seattle
The City of Seattle is offering low cost internet options for residents.
The City of Seattle has free and discounted devices available.
City of Seattle Utility Discount Program (UDP)
The Utility Discount Program (UDP) lowers Seattle City Light bills by 60 percent and Seattle Public Utility bills by 50 percent. To learn more about enrollment in UDP, call (206) 684-0268 or go to: seattle.gov/humanservices/services-and-programs/affordability-and-livability/utility-discount-program.
Snohomish County Energy Assistance
Snohomish County has announced that utilities will not be shut off at this time. Call 425-388-3880 or go to: snohomishcountywa.gov/552/Energy-Assistance for more information.
Mental Health Resources
The CDC has released guidelines for managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak. People who already are managing existing mental health conditions should prioritize self-care during difficult times and should contact their clinicians if they have questions or concerns.
University of Washington Counseling Center
The Counseling Center provides free support services that can help with the stress and emotion that comes with unexpected circumstances.
Let's Talk UW
Let’s Talk is a program that connects UW students with support from experienced counselors from the Counseling Center and Hall Health without an appointment. Counselors hold drop-in hours via video conference to provide insight, solutions and information about other resources. Let’s Talk drop-in visits are free, confidential and there is no appointment necessary. Let’s Talk offers informal consultation – it is not a substitute for regular therapy, counseling or psychiatric care.
University of Washington Health and Wellness
The Health and Wellness office offers student care, support, and education on important mental and physical well-being topics.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources. To reach the lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Connections
Crisis Connections connects people in need to access the state safety net, whether it’s for mental or emotional support services, housing assistance, or help with financial needs.
Disaster Distress Helpline
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Together We Will
The University of Washington is united and committed to supporting our community together. As a community, we will persist together. Please visit the web page below to see how you can get involved:
https://www.washington.edu/together/
Departmental Connections
Departments are collaborating to create holistic student support. Please visit their department pages: