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Student & Campus Life

Big Red Basics

Big Red Basics provides Cornell students with free access to personal hygiene and wellness essentials. Students may enter the space - take the items they need - and leave without speaking with anyone. 

Accessing Big Red Basics

Location: Hygiene products are available in a large, red, metal cabinet located inside the Gender Equity Resource Center at 206 Willard Straight Hall. This space is within the Office of the Dean of Students, under Okensheild’s Dining Hall.

Cabinet hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Students are welcome to visit whenever they need something—no appointment, referral or check-in is required.

Students: Do you have feedback about the cabinet? We invite you to complete a brief survey about your experience with Big Red Basics. Your feedback helps us understand student needs and improve the program!

What you can find

The items available in the cabinet may change based on student needs, availability and funding. Examples include:

  • Oral health care essentials
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Menstrual products
  • Soap and body wash
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving cream
  • Razors
  • Hand and body lotion
  • Lip balm

Opportunities to get involved

Interested in partnering with Big Red Basics? 
Please email us at fgliempowerment@cornell.edu 

We welcome opportunities to partner with additional campus departments, programs, and student organizations to expand access to essential resources for Cornell students. Partnerships could include presentations, donation drives, awareness campaigns, etc.

Interested in donating? 
Donations help us keep Big Red Basics stocked and responsive to student needs. 

Monetary donation: We graciously accept monetary donations. Please know that the Big Red Basics program stems from the Access Fund which supports low/limited income and first generation students. Click Here to Donate. 

Physical donations: Donations can be dropped off at the FGLI office in Barnes Hall, Suite 200 (M-F, 9am-5pm). We accept unopened physical items. Some items we are currently seeking include:

  • Hair care products for textured hair
  • Individually wrapped brushes and combs for textured hair
  • Individually wrapped nail files
  • Individually wrapped brushes or combs
  • Individually wrapped cotton swabs (Q-tips)

About the program

Big Red Basics is a collaboration between First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support and the Gender Equity Resource Center. The program helps reduce barriers to everyday necessities and supports student well-being.

Big Red Basics also partners with Cornell Health, Residence Life, Student Support and Advocacy Services, and the Centers for Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging. These partnerships help expand access to hygiene resources and connect students with the supplies they need.

Additional Questions? 

Please email fgliempowerment@cornell.edu