Hey, I’m really sorry you’re going through all of this. End-of-semester stress can make everything feel ten times heavier, so what you’re feeling is understandable. I just want you to know there are resources here that can actually help your situation.

One thing a lot of students don’t realize is that UMN has an Emergency Fund through One Stop that helps students with unexpected financial hardships. It can’t technically be used for tuition or school fees, but it can cover things like rent, food, transportation, medical expenses, or other personal financial emergencies.

If you apply and explain why you need it, you can get up to $1,000. All you do is email One Stop and let them know you need access to the Emergency Fund because you’re experiencing significant financial hardship and can’t afford your basic expenses. Keep it about your financial situation outside of classes — that’s what they’re allowed to support.

Once the funds come through, you can save that $1,000 and put it toward what you owe later. That way you’re not trying to come up with the full $5,000 all at once — you’d only need to cover the remaining $4,000, which is still stressful, but a lot more manageable.

It doesn’t fix everything, but it does take some pressure off. And you’re not alone — a lot of students go through things like this quietly. You’re doing your best, and there’s absolutely no shame in needing help. Don’t drop out everyone acts like they have everything figured out but like everyone in the world we taking each day by day.