Free Textbooks & Course Materials
Buy new, used or rent:
Course materials from the U of M Bookstores must be ordered online this semester. To find the books you need, log in with your University ID & password and get a list of your required course materials for the semester.
Free options:
Check to see if the Libraries has your required textbook available for free online. You can also use the Libraries Search to find print or older editions. Explore other ways to save on your books.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid
Many students qualify for some type of financial aid. See the eligibility requirements for most types of financial aid and find out how to apply.
Other types of aid include loans, grants, and scholarships.
Undergraduate Scholarship Search
The undergraduate scholarship search provides an individualized list of scholarships that you are eligible to apply for based on your student profile.
Work-study awards
Work-study awards are a form of financial aid that is available to students with financial need. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a work-study award. Work-study awards are included in your Financial Aid Award Notice.
You must obtain a work-study job at the University to receive work-study funds. You receive your work-study award through your work-study job in the form of a paycheck distributed every two weeks.
Food & Nutrition Resources
Nutritious U Food Pantry
Free groceries are available to any University of Minnesota student. Any student can visit the food pantry, no proof of need is needed.
Boxed Prepared Meals To-Go
Swipe Out Hunger is distributing boxed to-go meals prepared by the Campus Club. These are available to all students at no cost; no proof of need is required. Vegetarian options are always available. This is a plentiful resource, and students who could benefit from these meals should come to Room 210 on the second floor of the Student Union (same location as Nutritious U) every Thursday from 3-6 pm. Email [email protected] for more information.
Discounted Apartment and Commuter Meal Plans
University Dining Services has discounted meal plans for students living off-campus and commuter students! With a Meal Plan, you get easy access to breakfast, lunch or dinner meals in four residential restaurants (Bailey, Pioneer, Sanford, and 17th Ave Halls).
Swipe Out Hunger Meal Cards
Meals will be available to students who need them once a sufficient number of meal swipes have been donated, likely in the first half of February. Email [email protected] with questions.
Twin Cities Mobile Market
This market-on-a-bus is available on select dates each semester. It offers affordable and fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, grains and other high-quality groceries. Students can pay with cash, card, or their EBT card (SNAP benefits). For Fall 2022, the Market will be open on the south side of Coffman Union on November 21 and December 5 & 9 from 2:30–4:30 p.m.
SNAP
Formerly called Food Stamps, SNAP can help you with extra cash to buy groceries. Complete this screening survey to see if you are eligible. Students who are eligible for work-study often qualify.
Food Resource Locator
Find local food shelves, dining sites, discounted groceries and more near you.
Student Emergency Funds
The University of Minnesota has created emergency funds to assist and support University of Minnesota students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event.
These funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a supplement to a student's education funding sources. Instead, these funds are for those students who experience an event or unforeseen circumstance that negatively and severely impacts their academic success.
The Care Program
The Care Program staff connects with students to listen, support and explore resources for:
- Stress management
- Mental health support
- Substance use or abuse recovery support
- Unexpected financial hardship
- Food and housing insecurity
- Post-hospitalization (short-term assistance with coordination of care)