UofL Free Store grows to help more students and cut waste
October 23, 2025
The UofL Free Store, a student-run initiative dedicated to diverting campus waste, has a new location on campus.
Now housed in a renovated 272-square-foot space at the rear of the Honors House, the move significantly boosts the store’s accessibility and impact.
“It makes a huge impact for students that either can’t afford or don’t have easy access to certain items, and it’s also just an incredible way to reduce waste on campus,” said Lilly Clagett, a third-year student who manages the store and is pursuing an individualized major in environmental sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Other highlights include a changing room with a bench for ADA accessibility and capacity for more volunteers. The new space was sponsored by Cannon, who has been a steadfast partner to the university in student enrichment. Additional support was provided by Turner Construction and the Office of University Planning, Design and Construction.
What is the Free Store?
The store operates on a simple premise: any student with a Cardinal ID can walk in and take what they need, completely free. Items frequently include clothes, shoes, bedding and essential kitchen items. Students and staff can also donate to the store, arranging pick-up or bringing donations to the location.
The UofL Free Store originally launched in 2013 by the student organization ‘Group Recycling and Sustainable Solutions’ (GRASS), with the support of the UofL Sustainability Council and has steadily grown from its humble beginnings in Unitas Hall and its previous location in the Student Activities Center.
This initiative is part of UofL’s broader commitment to sustainability, evidenced by the university once again securing a place in the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges, with an impressive rating of 96/99.
Students can get involved in sustainability efforts on campus through:
- Fighting food insecurity and climate change by working with the Cardinal Cupboard
- Volunteering with the Community Composting Project
- Managing the UofL Campus Gardens; and
- Volunteering with the Free Store!
Learn more on the UofL Sustainability website and more on how to get involved on campus at the UofL Student Life website.
Audrie is a communications and marketing specialist in the Office of Communications & Marketing, where she highlights how UofL redefines student success. With a background in government communications, she brings a deep understanding of public service and the art of connecting with diverse audiences. Audrie holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Bellarmine University, with minors in history and political science.
