Programs and Support Graduate Life
The Graduate Student Center coordinates a variety of programs and events that promote a vibrant, engaged, and supportive graduate and professional student community at Penn. Graduate Life Programs foster a well-rounded graduate experience, including programs on maintaining a healthy school-life balance, personal development, social events, and building a sense of community.
We encourage you to get involved with the Penn and Philadelphia community and to contact us if you need guidance or support.
We host hundreds of events each year, including those highlighted below. Be sure to check out our events calendar to see upcoming Grad Center events!
Your Graduate Space on Campus
The Grad Center encourages students to take a break, hang out, and enjoy free coffee & tea in our Common Room. Learn more about our space and the resources and services we offer.Fourth Fridays @ Five!
You work hard all month. Take a break from your work to unwind at the Grad Center! Fourth Fridays at Five (FFF) are monthly themed social events with snacks and activities to encourage graduate and professional students to have fun and connect with people beyond their department and school. See upcoming events here.Language Chats
Weekly informal language chats let you practice and improve your language skills as you join other graduate students in conversation! Learn more or volunteer as a chat coordinator. .GradFest
GradFest is an annual, weeklong celebration of graduate and professional student life cosponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) and the Grad Center. It offers an opportunity to connect graduate and professional students throughout the University, while introducing our students to all the student organizations, resources, and opportunities available to them on campus and beyond. GradFest also serves as an unofficial Graduate Welcome Week for many graduate and professional students whose calendars do not align with the University's official academic calendar.Graduate Wellness Week
An annual series of daily events, resources, and activities to engage diverse aspects of graduate student wellness and to highlight resources to help graduate students thrive in graduate school and beyond. Typically held the first full week of December - be sure to check our events calendar and newsletter for information!
There are many ways to get involved on Penn's campus.
Student Governance
The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) serves as the official voice for the approximately 16,000+ graduate and professional students at Penn. GAPSA is also responsible for administering graduate student activity fees, providing resources for travel grants, research support, and other activities throughout the year. In addition to GAPSA, Graduate School Governments handle school-specific issues, activity funding, and serve as school representatives in GAPSA.
Student Communities and Groups
The individual students, faculty, professional staff, and administrators at Penn contribute to a diverse and rich community. Explore our lists of graduate student organizations and engagement opportunities to find out how you can participate in the broader Penn community.
University Life
The Vice Provost for University (VPUL) programs and resources are intended to stimulate shared interactions and connections among students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. See a list of Penn student activities and cultural centers that serve graduate students.
Campus Events
Penn is a large and decentralized University, so no one calendar is enough to capture everything that's going on. Check our events page for our upcoming events and for links to other calendars of interest to grad students!
Be sure to check out the Almanac's monthly "At Penn Calendar" for university-wide campus events! Many of these events are open to the general public as well as to members of the University, so you can bring your partner or friends - or meet new ones!
Programs for Students with Families
Penn's Family Resource Center provides information, programs, and resources for students and post-docs with children. The Family Center provides a space for student parents to connect and develop supportive networks, and offers a welcoming and family-friendly environment for Penn students, post-docs, caregivers, and children.
Explore Your Interests and Connect with Others
The Wellness and Engagement section of our Graduate Resource Guide is filled with resources and opportunities to help you explore your interests and become more engaged on campus and beyond. Be sure to check out our Living in Philadelphia page for our suggestions for things to do in Philadelphia.
Volunteer Opportunities
We work with partners on campus and beyond to highlight opportunities for graduate students to give back to the local Philadelphia community, Penn community, and the larger global community through service. Learn more about civic engagement and service at Penn or check out upcoming volunteer opportunities on our events around campus calendar.
Help and Support
Pursing a graduate or professional degree is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be challenging. We encourage students to seek resources and support. In addition to reaching out to those close to you, there are many individuals and offices at Penn that can provide information, resources, and support.
