What are basic needs? What does “basic needs” mean? 

At the UT Dallas Basic Needs Resource Center, we define basic needs as essential resources that support the holistic wellness of all Comets. Basic needs include (but are not limited to) stable and reliable access to food, housing and utilities, clothing, physical and mental healthcare, financial resources, child and dependent care, personal hygiene products, transportation and technology. 

For students, this means having: 

  • Sufficient food to eat full meals every day. 
  • Safe, stable housing. 
  • Adequate clothing for various weather conditions, social and work settings. 
  • The access to affordable physical and mental healthcare. 
  • The ability to manage finances and meet financial obligations. 
  • The means to care for children and dependents. 
  • Items for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, including access to menstrual products.  
  • Reliable transportation to and from campus. 
  • Technology to do coursework, like a laptop and internet access. 

Fulfilling a student’s basic needs is what makes it possible for them to stay enrolled and succeed during their time throughout higher education. Without having basic needs met, learning becomes much harder. 

Who can use the Basic Needs Resource Center?

All current UT Dallas students have access to the Basic Needs Resource Center. This includes undergraduate, graduate, domestic and international students. Services are intended to directly support current students, not their dependents and family members. Pregnant and parenting resources are available to both students and university employees. 

Some support services, such as emergency aid funds, have eligibility requirements. These support services are typically reserved for currently enrolled students who are experiencing unforeseen, short-term financial difficulty. There are no eligibility requirements for visiting Temoc’s Closet. 

Everyone in the Comet community can check out the Resource Hub for on- and off-campus resources and services that may be useful.  

Is there a cost associated with resources offered by the Basic Needs Resource Center?  

All resources offered by the Basic Needs Resource Center come at no additional cost to currently enrolled students. They are covered by student fees and philanthropic giving. Referrals to resources outside of UT Dallas may have additional charges depending on the organization.  

What can I expect when visiting the Basic Needs Resource Center?

When you first arrive at the center, the team member at the front desk will welcome you to the space and help guide your visit. All currently enrolled students are expected to sign in using the UT Dallas mobile app or show their Comet Card.  

  • No appointment is necessary to visit Temoc’s Closet. Students visiting the closet will be prompted to separately sign in each visit using the same methods described above.  
  • Visitors utilizing the Lactation Space in the center will be prompted to set a schedule if recurring visits are anticipated.  
  • Students interested in checking out a calculator or taking school supplies will need to speak to the team member at the front desk and show their Comet Card.  
  • Students arriving to the center for an appointment with a staff member will be asked to wait in the lounge. The staff member will meet you in the lounge and then take you back to their office or conference room.  

All Comets are welcome to use our lounge, which includes study tables, a microwave, a refrigerator, a water dispenser, white boards for study use, and board and video games. Various supplies, such as menstrual products, are also accessible via the lounge.  

Staff member availability is not guaranteed for unscheduled meetings, but the team member at the front desk will take your information for follow-up. If your situation is urgent, our team will do our best to connect you with a staff member immediately.  

How can I start using resources offered by the Basic Needs Resource Center?

Students are welcome to stop by the Basic Needs Resource Center, Student Services Building (SSB) 4th Floor, SSB 4.300, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The center follows university closures and holidays according to the academic calendar.  

You can contact our team via email at basicneeds@utdallas.edu and via phone by 972-883-6515. 

How can I support the Basic Needs Resource Center?  

The Basic Needs Resource Center always accepts donations of clothing, supplies, and funds. Visit our donate page for further information.  

Current students can register for volunteer opportunities on the EngageUTD platform. Alumni volunteer opportunities are coordinated through UT Dallas Alumni.  

Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates about our resources and services and ways to support our center’s efforts. 

Resource Hub

Check out our Resource Hub for more on and off-campus resources and services!