Tuition for international students can be very expensive. At times, these students feel stressed and face financial hardships. If you are an international student in this situation, De Anza offers resources that can help you!
Raquel Perez, administrative assistant for the Resource Hub and food pantry, mentioned the food pantry has been open for all students since 2018 and the Resource Hub started in 2023.
“The food pantry provides free groceries for students and the Resource Hub provides basic needs such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste etc,” she said. “Around 80% of the students that use those resources are international students.”
You can stop by Room 143 in the Registration and Student Services Building to get snacks, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, baby supplies and other useful items. Any De Anza student is eligible.
Students only need to bring a De Anza student ID and they’ll provide a bag for you. You can stop by once a month to get basic needs and supplies. They can also assist you with information regarding housing and tutoring, and have computers available to help find resources and submit applications.
If you are struggling with transportation, De Anza students are eligible for the SmartPass. You may obtain a personalized SmartPass Clipper Card from the Office of College Life. For a fee of $7.75, you will have access to unlimited rides on VTA buses and light rail within Santa Clara county.
For students that need groceries, there’s a food pantry in RSS 127. Students may stop by once a week and they’ll have a list of the food that is available. You only need to bring your De Anza student ID (physical or digital card) and a bag. They offer a variety of groceries and, once a week, offer freshly prepared food. In addition, there’s a mobile pantry in parking lot A on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
You can also apply for grocery gift cards. To find out if you qualify for the gift cards or to ask questions you can email [email protected]. These gift cards can only be used for food-related groceries.
Elizabeth Tsai, 17, an international student and computer science major, spoke about the tuition fees and limitations for international students which make it difficult to work in the United States.
She said that she uses the food pantry every week, “I don’t need to spend money on food.”
She also uses the basic needs resources and said, “I know there’s other resources, like, the De Anza bike program that’s really nice.”
International students are eligible to work up to 20 hours on campus. It’s another great opportunity to get help with your tuition.
Michelle Cho, 19, an international student and computer science major, said that the hardest thing about being an international student is worrying about tuition fees and living expenses.
“Since international students can not work legally outside the campus, getting work on campus helps us a lot,” she said. “It might not cover all expenses but it covers the living expenses at least.”
Cho shared she uses the food pantry once a week and basic needs resources once a month.
“I save a lot because of the food pantry,” Cho said. “For the basic needs, our monthly necessities are my priority.”
You may also find more information through the Academic Skills Workshop.
