As students rush to move out of their dorms and adjust to online learning, The Beacon has compiled a list of resources including storage space, grocery shopping and more for students adjusting to remote learning.
U-Haul offers free storage space to displaced college students
On March 12, U-Haul announced that it would give 30 days of free storage to college students displaced by the repercussions of the coronavirus. The University of Portland is among multiple universities across the nation who are transitioning to online learning and asking students to leave their residence halls.
Storage is subject to availability but will be completely free of charge for college students.
Instacart gives option of grocery delivery
For students in the Portland area looking to get groceries without leaving their homes, Instacart is providing “Leave at My Door Delivery.” Students can order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorsteps without having an in-person hand off.
Stores like Fred Meyers, Safeway and New Seasons are included with Instacart.
Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub and Doordash still up and running
As more people stay home, restaurants have begun to suffer in the midst of the novel coronavirus outbreak. For students who want to support local businesses and order takeout, they can order meals through Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub and Doordash. These companies have a similar “Leave at My Door Policy” as Instacart and provide an alternative to eating out.
President Trump waives federal student loan interest
During a news conference Friday, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would be freezing federal student loan interest in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump also declared a national emergency and outlined steps being taken to increase coronavirus testing capabilities across the country, including a drive-thru test option.
Resources for online learning available during closure
Although all in-person classes are suspended, the university will offer some resources to assist with online learning.
The Clark Library
The Clark Library will not be open as a study space, but online resources will be available. As of now, the library is only open for checkouts, returns and other transactions at the main service desk. Students should bring their ID to swipe into the building.
Through the library’s website, students can access course reserves and Summit items. Students will still be able to check out Digital Lab equipment, books and other materials. The library will post hours of operation in the coming days.
Online tutoring will be available
The university will offer online tutoring through the Learning Commons starting March 18. Students can make appointments through email or online. Students will be able to receive tutoring and assistance for math, writing, nursing, languages, natural sciences, business, speech and presentations, group work and computer science.
Virtual tutoring will take place via Microsoft Teams. Students should use a device with a microphone and camera and try to schedule appointments 48 hours in advance. All questions about the virtual tutoring program can be directed to Jeffrey White at white@up.edu.
Maddie Pfeifer is the News and Managing Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at pfeifer21@up.edu. Claire Desmarais (editor-in-chief) contributed to this story.
