Free Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This post originally appeared on Chegg Play.
Students around the United States are being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to help students navigate this difficult time, we have collected a list of free resources currently available to students. This list will be updated with additional resources as they become available.
Free 30-day storage from U-Haul
With the closure of campuses nationwide, U-haul is offering free 30-day storage for all college students. If needed, students may reserve a U-Haul truck, trailer, or a U-box for free simply by showing their student ID. If you are in need of boxes, Collegeboxes.com is also offering students a kit of 5 standard moving boxes that can be shipped for free.
Free internet access
Because most libraries are closing to reduce the spread of the outbreak, in-home internet access is vital. If you currently do not have internet access or need to cut down on your bill, Comcast is offering free internet to qualifying individuals for 60 days. Spectrum, another internet provider, is also offering free internet access specifically for students for 60 days. Sonic is also offering three months of free internet to qualifying persons.
Student loan assistance
Until further notice, the United States government is temporarily pausing interest on federally funded student loans. In addition, students are able to get temporary relief for student loan payments through FAFSA. Keep in mind that you should always consult with a loan officer for assistance regarding student loan payments as policies and procedures may differ due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Physical health
During a pandemic, it is vital to keep your physical health at its best. With gyms closing in order to flatten the curve, working out from home will have to be the new norm. If you’re used to going to the yoga studio, check out Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. She has over 6 million subscribers and is known for her inclusive lessons for all levels of learning. The YMCA is also offering free virtual classes, including tai chi, boxing, and more, which can be streamed from almost any device.
Mental health
Everyone is feeling added stress at this time, and anxiety and depression can compound during social isolation. Mental health maintenance is super important, and can help you avoid a more serious complication later on. To help, therapist Tiffany Roe is offering a free one-hour intro course into meditation. Tiffany’s Instagram also offers a whole community where you can get support and ideas on how to combat social isolation. She also has a podcast, Therapy Thoughts, where she dives into “quick therapy lessons that improve your life.” Keep in mind that these resources do not take the place of actual mental health counseling and medical care. If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to mentalhealth.gov for additional resources.
Share this post on social media to raise awareness with other students, and if you know of a free resource available, let us know on Twitter.
