University of Georgia’s Bulldog Basics: A Decade of Student Support
At the University of Georgia, a unique initiative known as Bulldog Basics has been quietly making a significant impact on student life for nearly a decade. This program, designed to provide essential personal care items, ensures that students can focus on their education without the worry of affording basic necessities.
Established in March 2016, Bulldog Basics was the brainchild of the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences along with UGA staff member Cara Winston Simmons. Their mission was clear from the outset: prevent students from having to make the tough choice between purchasing essential items like shampoo and buying textbooks.
Today, students can conveniently access Bulldog Basics through an online platform, where they are allowed to order up to five items weekly. Since the academic year 2025-2026, the program has fulfilled over 765 orders. In total, it has saved students more than $95,000 since 2020, highlighting its critical role in alleviating financial burdens for students.
