Resources

Resources

We all need support sometimes. The following MIT offices and programs are here to help you.

Graduate Students

GradSupport is the hub of support for MIT graduate students. GradSupport can provide advice and counsel on a variety of issues including faculty/student relationships, changing your advisor, conflict negotiation, funding, academic progress, interpersonal concerns, leaves of absence, and a student’s rights and responsibilities.

Undergraduate Students

Student Support Services (S3) is the hub of support for MIT undergraduate students. S3 can provide advice and advocacy on a variety of issues such as seeking academic extensions or excused absences due to personal hardship or illness, navigating academic stress, considering a leave of absence, or simply finding the right resource.

Emergency Response

  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255): 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources
  • The Trevor Project Lifeline: a free, confidential, and secure phone (TrevorLifeline), instant messaging (TrevorChat), and text messaging (TrevorText) service for LGBTQ+ youth
  • The Steve Fund: crisis text line for youth of color
  • MIT Dean on Call: The Dean on Call program offers after-hours emergency student support from Division of Student Life staff. To reach the Dean on Call, call MIT Police (617-253-1212) and ask to speak to the Dean on Call.
  • MIT Police: 24/7 Emergency number (617-253-1212) OR dial 100 from any MIT phone
  • MIT Violence Prevention and Response (VPR): VPR is a free and confidential resource to help members of the MIT community prevent and respond to interpersonal violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and unhealthy relationships. VPR advocates are available to offer emotional support, provide referrals, and help you think through your options.

Academic Resources

  • Disability and Access Services (DAS): DAS helps students secure accommodations such as notetakers, alternative exams, and alternative formats of class materials, among others. DAS can also support students in determining reasonable accommodations or securing appropriate documentation of a disability.
  • Talented Scholars Resource Room (TSR^2): TSR^2 offers pset nights, 1:1 tutoring, and exam reviews free of charge to all undergraduate students.
  • Tutoring services: Tutoring services are offered by a variety of departments, schools, and offices. Many offer tutoring free of charge to students registered in their subjects. 

Wellness Resources Available Through MIT Medical

Additional Wellness Resources

A comprehensive list of Personal Support resources for MIT students can be found on resources.mit.edu. We’ve highlighted a few below.

  • Calm-to-go kits are available through MIT Libraries and in the Compton (Banana) Lounge
  • MedLinks: Students promoting health at MIT. MedLinks can answer questions about MIT Medical’s policies and services or help you figure out when and how to connect with other MIT resources
  • Money and Food resources: Student Support Services (S3) can offer financial support for students in need. You can apply for emergency hardship grants, find free or affordable food resources, and learn about other programs to make life at MIT more affordable for students. 
  • Peer Ears: Peer Ears are a campus-wide network of MIT students who support their residential communities through workshops, one-on-one “office hours”, and other mental health-related events.
  • Heads of House, Area Directors, Graduate Resident Advisors, and other residential staff and student leaders support community building, resolve conflicts, and offer individual advice to students in their residence. Consult the DSL website for a summary of who’s who and how they can help.

Additional Support Resources

  • Ombuds: The Ombuds Office is a confidential and independent resource for all members of the MIT community to constructively manage concerns and conflicts related to your experience at MIT.
  • REFS: REFS (Resources for Easing Friction & Stress) are graduate students formally trained and certified in conflict management skills. dREFS support peers in specific departments and iREFS support graduate students across the institute.
  • International Students Office (ISO): ISO advises students on immigration regulations, aids in the maintenance of legal status, assists international students in their transition to life in the United States at MIT, and advocates on behalf of the international student population.
  • Taking a leave: If you are considering taking a leave from MIT, you should reach out to S3 (UG) or GradSupport (G). Guidance and policies for various types of leave may be found on the S3 and OGE websites.

How You Can Help Others

  • MindHandHeart: a coalition of students, faculty, and staff with fresh insights, new ideas, and diverse perspectives working collaboratively and strategically to strengthen the fabric of our MIT community
  • MIT Medical | Helping Others: Advice on recognizing and supporting peers in distress. 
  • Join a peer mentorship or support organization such as Medlinks, Peer Ears, iREFS, or dREFS or take on a support role in a residence hall as an RPM or GRA.