NYU Resources

Are you in need of emergency food assistance?

NYU Courtesy Meals is a short-term, emergency resource for students facing an unexpected financial situation and are unable to afford meals or groceries. Courtesy Meals are accepted at our NYC campus only. Courtesy Meals:

  • Provide a 75 dining dollars credit to a student's NYU ID.
  • Are provided free of charge to those who seek them.
  • Will not have an impact on a student's financial aid.

Courtesy Meals requests can be made in both Washington Square and Brooklyn; visit our designated office locations page to learn about available locations.

To receive Courtesy Meals, students must be:

  • Enrolled in the current semester at NYU-NYC
  • If on a meal plan, have exhausted both meals and dining dollars 
  • Have not reached the limit of three requests per academic year 

Students in need of emergency assistance beyond a third Courtesy Meals request in this academic year are referred to the Wellness Exchange or the Office of Financial Education where staff can provide appropriate guidance specific to each student's individual situation. At the Wellness Exchange, students can receive counseling support, and assistance with connecting to governmental resources such as SNAP benefits. At the Office of Financial Education, students will receive individualized coaching and review of their financial circumstances to support them in their navigation of financial choices and making informed fiscal decisions.

Dental Students seeking Courtesy Meals must email the Office of Student Affairs & Academic Support Services at the College of Dentistry in order to initiate their request.

Please be sure to review the most up to date hours of operation for NYU dining facilities.

If you are a student, staff, or faculty member, and have a question about the NYU Courtesy Meals program, email nyucourtesymeals@nyu.edu.

Looking for great deals on campus?

$3 and $5 Deals are available at NYU dining locations.

Bringing food from home?

The following locations may be helpful to you.  

The Center for Student Life (Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South, 7th floor) offers the following:  

  • microwave
  • refrigerator
  • sink for washing up

The Commuter Den (33 Washington Square West, lower level)

  • microwave
  • refrigerator
  • sink for washing up

What is Swipe It Forward?

Swipe It Forward is a peer-to-peer program run by the NYU Student Government Assembly to assist students facing food insecurity through donated meal swipes.  Use of this programs is dependant on the availability of donations, and is located in the following Dining Halls:

  • Lipton (Manhattan)
  • Downstein (Manhattan)
  • Third North (Manhattan)
  • Kosher Eatery (Manhattan)
  • Jasper Kane Cafe (Brooklyn)

Go here for more information on this program, including how to donate.

External Resources

SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded nutrition assistance program. Eligibility for SNAP benefits has been temporarily expanded for students as of January 2021. For more information on eligibility requirements and links to apply, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service site.  

College Student Pantry

Any NYC college student, graduate or undergraduate, is eligible to use this food pantry.  Get more information and make an appointment.