At RPI, we’re committed to helping you meet your basic needs. Through strong campus and community partnerships, we connect you with resources for food, clothing, housing, and everything in between — so you can focus on your success at RPI.
Clothing & Household
Attending a career fair, interview, or professional event? The CCPD Career Closet is here to help you look and feel your best. It offers a variety of professional clothing that students can borrow or keep, free of charge.
The Career Closet is maintained year-round and supported entirely by generous donations from our community. If you’d like to contribute, please drop off clean, professional clothing to donate.
Location: CCPD, DCC 209
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Open: Year-Round
Refresh your wardrobe and household essentials without breaking the bank. The Talk Without Borders Thrift Store offers sustainable, affordable items for RPI students — all at one flat rate with easy checkout through your Bursar account.
Location: Armory Basement
Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Who Can Shop: Undergraduate and graduate students
Employment
Handshake is RPI’s official career platform, connecting students with employers through targeted outreach, job postings, and virtual career events.
With an activated Handshake account, you can:
- Explore and apply to thousands of job and internship opportunities
- Attend career fairs, workshops, and employer info sessions
- Connect with employers, alumni, and students across the Handshake network
Join the Handshake community to manage every part of your career journey — all in one place.
Financial & Emergency Funds
Offered through the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, this fund provides emergency financial assistance of up to $200 for students in need.
To apply, contact Jordan Lenaghan, OP DMin, Chaplain of Religious & Spiritual Life at 518-276-8622 or email: lenagj@rpi.edu.
The Undergraduate Student Relief Fund at RPI provides emergency financial assistance to undergraduate students facing unexpected hardships that could impact their academic progress. This one-time grant of up to $2,000 is available to matriculated undergraduates experiencing urgent financial need and may be used for a range of emergency and basic living expenses.
Note: The Fund does not cover personal travel, legal expenses (civil or criminal), or non-essential/luxury items.
How to Apply
If you're facing a financial emergency and believe you may qualify for support, please schedule a meeting with a Support Dean. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the Student Relief Committee with further instructions.
Need a short-term loan? The Union Loan Program provides temporary financial assistance up to approximately $500 to students who can repay the amount.
Once approved, students receive the funds directly, and the loan amount is added to their Bursar account as part of their student bill.
Contact
Student Union, Business Coordinator
518-276-6505
Food
RPI’s Student Food Pantry offers non-perishables to supplement all undergraduate and graduate primary food sources. Students are encouraged to be eco-friendly by bringing a recyclable bag.
Location
East Campus Class Community Center (EC4)
2 Edgehill Terrace
Troy, NY 12180
Hours
Tuesday: 1–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
How to Get to the Food Pantry
CDTA Bus #87 Stop
Burdett Ave. & Detroit Ave. and Hoosick St. & Georgian Ct.
CDTA Bus #802 Stop
Burdett Ave. & Detroit Ave.
RPI Shuttle
Brinsmade East Shuttle
Support RPI's Student Food Pantry
For more information or to volunteer, email: offcampus@rpi.edu or call 518-276-6284.
RPI, in partnership with Rensselaer Dining, participates in Swipe Out Hunger to support students experiencing food insecurity. Meal swipes are added confidentially to the student’s ID for dining hall use. Students will receive an email once their swipes are active.
For more information, contact a Student Support Dean or call 518-276-6266.
Housing
Supports students living off campus by fostering connection, community, and engagement. The office offers guidance on finding safe, affordable housing and helps students stay connected to RPI and the Troy community.
To learn more, visit Off-Campus Services or email offcampus@rpi.edu.
Legal
Free legal consultations are available to RPI students seeking advice or guidance. If additional legal representation is required, services are available at reduced rates.
Contact:
Howard, Hinman, and Kattell
An Albany-based non-profit providing free civil legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Visit The Legal Project or call 518-435-1770 for a 30 minute virtual consult regarding tenants rights.
Transportation
Students, faculty, and staff with a valid RPI ID can ride all CDTA bus routes, including STAR and NX services, free of charge — just swipe your ID.
If you feel unsafe or prefer not to walk alone, you can request a safety escort anytime, day or night. Public Safety Officers provide point-to-point escorts within a 5-minute radius of campus and can either walk with you or provide transportation to your destination.
Contact: Call 518-276-6656 (available 24/7)
The RPI Shuttle provides safe and reliable transportation around campus. All drivers receive safety awareness training and work to maintain on-time service, though delays may occur due to traffic or weather. Riders must present a Rensselaer ID to board.
