COVID-19 Resources

Updated May 7, 2020

As schools, restaurants, and businesses close to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, companies are offering modified services, discounts, and deals to alleviate the closures’ financial, emotional, and technological costs on consumers, institutions, and other businesses. See below for a list of the services and resources for students both in Philadelphia and around the world. Please be sure to read the full terms and conditions of each deal described:

COVID-19 Mental Health and Coping Resources

Education

Financial Assistance

  • Drexel Student Emergency Fund
    Apply for the Student Emergency Fund, designed to support students who are in need of immediate financial assistance due to unexpected emergency expenses.
  • Scholly COVID-19 Student Relief Fund
    Apply today to receive $200 in cash assistance to help cover expenses during this global crisis.
  • Relief for Student Loan Borrowers
    The recently enacted coronavirus legislation included several important provisions concerning federally guaranteed student loans. This resource contains numerous FAQs from the U.S. Department of Education in an effort to clarify the provisions and how they will be implemented and when.

Internet and Data

  • AT&T and Charter Communications
    Free public Wi-Fi for 60 days, broadband for households with students through college age who don’t already have a subscription and removing all usage caps on all accounts
  • Comcast
    Unlimited data for 60 days with no additional charges
  • Internet Essentials
    Internet program for low-income families free for first 2 months and costs $9.95 per month after
  • Sprint
    Expanding free roaming access on T-Mobile for 60 days and unlimited data for 60 days
  • T-Mobile
    Unlimited smartphone data to all current subscribers and increase the data allowance to schools and students using their digital learning programs
  • Verizon
    Temporarily hold off on any late fees and disconnections and will not terminate service due to economic circumstances to pay bills for 60 days 
  • Xfinity
    Free network for 60-days nationally, waiving late fees, and helping low-income families get connected

Moving

  • U-Haul
    U-Haul offers 30-day storage free for students who must suddenly move out 
  • College Boxes
    Kit of 5 standard boxes shipping to students for free 

Other Resource Lists

  • Barron’s
    This list also contains special offers and giveaways, particularly related to free or reduced cost subscriptions to aid online learning and work from home formatting.
  • Forbes
    This list contains 50 companies across many industries that are giving back to their employees and/or customers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
  • NBC
    This list contains consumer specials classified under the following categories: food, service providers, activities, and ‘other.’

Philadelphia

  • Sign up for Philadelphia’s Citywide and Neighborhood alerts related to COVID-19 by texting “COVIDPHL” to 888-777.
  • Philly Goes 2 College
    This guide shares information on accessing basic needs, getting home from campus early, completing your semester remotely, and self-care practices
  • Free Meals in Philadelphia

University Resources

For key facts and FAQs shared by the University at large, please click here. Please see below for additional resources related to:

  • International Students and Scholars Services
    International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) offers a vast array of programs and services to international students, scholars, and faculty. They have created a series of targeted FAQ pages which address potential questions and concerns of new, incoming international students, continuing international students, and foreign national faculty, scholars and employees updated regularly using guidance and information from both the University and the U.S. Government.
  • Pass/ No Pass Grading
    Pass/ No Pass (P/NP) grading is now an option that students can opt into for the spring quarter. There are many factors for students to consider before opting into P/NP grading. Before students choose the Pass/No Pass option for their course(s), they should understand the potential consequences related to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid, financial scholarship requirements, overall financial aid, time to degree and academic standing, and postgraduate study requirements and opportunities. Click the link above to read more.
  • Health and Wellness
    During these times of great uncertainty, Dornsife reminds you to take care of your physical and mental health. Learn more about Drexel’s Counseling Office, Office of Disability Resources (ODR), Drexel Student Health Center (DSHC), Office of Equality & Diversity (OED), Health Insurance, Immunizations & More.
  • Academic Support
    Have questions about academics in online learning? Learn more about Drexel’s Bookstore, Center for Learning and Academic Success Services, Disability Resources, Drexel Writing Center, English Language Center, Graduate College, Information Technology, Library, and Steinbright Career Development Center
  • Personal Support
    Looking for additional personal resources? Learn more about Commuter Student Resources, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), International Student Resources, Office of the Ombuds, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and Office of Veteran Student Services.
  • Drexel Central
    Looking for answers to your general University concerns? Learn more about Financial Aid and Federal Work Study Program.
  • Drexel Libraries
    Looking for trusted sources providing information about the 2020 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak? Find updated guidance, research and best practices
  • Electronic Research Notebooks
    Electronic research notebooks (ERNs) help researchers to manage the results of research efforts, record and document research processes and procedures, and manage digital research data in ways that increase reproducibility, efficiency, collaboration, searchability, and security. Drexel University has purchased an enterprise license for LabArchives electronic research notebook (ERN) services for use by its faculty, researchers, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students in performing or learning research activities.  

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
    Volunteer to conduct screenings, provide clinical support or medical assessments, provide administrative support, or canvas.
    Contact: mrc@phila.gov or call 215-685-6861
  • MANNA
    Volunteer to deliver meals.
    Register online or call: 215-496-2662 x3
  • PHL COVID-19 Fund
    Donate to the COVID-19 fund. Seeded with an initial $6.5 million from United Way, Philadelphia Foundation, William Penn Foundation and others, the fund is accepting donations as low as $25, 100 percent of which will go to nonprofits.
  • COVID-19 & Higher Education Study
    A DSPH alum is conducting a research study on the impact of COVID-19 on higher education:
    Are you an undergraduate student or faculty/academic advisor at a college/university in the United States? Participate in a survey on the COVID-19 outbreak and be entered into a raffle for a $40 gift card.
  • Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
    Looking for opportunities to give back? Learn more about remote/ virtual volunteer opportunities you can take part in while comfortably practicing social distancing.
  • Additional Opportunities