Graduate Commons Program 2025-2026

[GRAD] Grant Park Music Festival

FRI., JUN. 27, 2025

Experience a summer evening of powerful symphonic music in the heart of Chicago! Join International House for a night at the Grant Park Music Festival as world-renowned conductor Giancarlo Guerrero leads Shostakovich’s gripping Symphony No. 10, along with stirring works by Augusta Read Thomas and Wagner. Enjoy the music at the indoor Harris Theater, just steps from Millennium Park!

Poster advertising Adler Planetarium and Fireworks Event presenting images of instruments (trumpet, clarinet, music notes) and a photo of violinists performing, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Adler Planetarium and Fireworks

WED., JUN. 25, 2025

Join us for a night of wonder at the Adler Planetarium! Step into the stars with interactive exhibits and immersive sky shows that take you on a journey through the cosmos. After exploring the universe, relax and enjoy a stunning, panoramic view of the Navy Pier fireworks, from the planetarium.
Don’t miss this unique blend of science, skyline, and celebration!

Poster advertising Adler Planetarium and Fireworks Event presenting colorful illustrations of planets, comets, stars, rockets, and fireworks, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] A Taste of Chicago Summer Mixer

MON., JUN. 23, 2025

International House at the University of Chicago and International House at UC Berkeley welcome you to join us for a "Taste of Chicago" reception for Graduate Fellows, Interns, Alumni, and Friends. Sample foods from some of Chicago’s famous neighborhoods while enjoying time with old friends or meeting new ones.

Poster advertising Grad Summer Mixer Event presenting a graphic of group of people barbecuing, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Dragon Boat Race

SAT., JUN. 21, 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant cultural tradition with roots over 2,000 years old, celebrating unity, heritage, and community spirit. Join International House as we gather to experience the 2025 Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, featuring exciting boat races, cultural performances, and music along the scenic Chicago River.

Poster advertising Dragon Boat Race Event presenting a dragon boat with animated paddlers and a fierce dragon head, there are fireworks in the background, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Grad Summer Mixer

TUE., JUN. 17, 2025

Join us for our first Grad Summer Mixer! Unwind and bask in the gentle breeze in the I-House Courtyard, an idyllic respite for a light dinner, games, and good conversations. Whether this is your first summer in Chicago or your seventh, the I-House Grad Summer Mixer beckons to rekindle bonds with old friends and weave new tales of camaraderie.

Poster advertising Grad Summer Mixer Event presenting a graphic of group of people barbecuing, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Show Me Chicago: Pilsen

SUN., MAY 25, 2025

Ready to add some color to your weekend? Join us as we explore the vibrant streets of Pilsen, home to some of Chicago’s most iconic murals and the incredible National Museum of Mexican Art. We’ll meet in front of I-House, hop on public transit together, and spend the afternoon wandering through art-filled alleys, soaking up culture, and probably saying “wow” a lot. Bring your curiosity, comfy shoes, and camera roll space—you’re going to want pictures

The flyer uses a festive and culturally inspired Mexican visual motif to reflect the Pilsen neighborhood's heritage.

[GRAD] Disc Golf

FRI., MAY 23, 2025

Ever wanted to throw things in public and call it a sport? Now’s your chance. Join your fellow grad students for an afternoon of disc golf—where frisbees meet finesse (or at least enthusiasm). We’ll head out together from I-House at 2:00 PM and take on the course with absolutely no pressure, questionable aim, and maximum laughs. Highly recommended by previous attendees who laughed, launched, and only lost a few discs. Discs provided. Accuracy optional. Trash talk encouraged.

Poster advertising Disc Golf Event presenting a photo of UChicago students getting ready to throw the golf discs, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Bike Tour

SAT., MAY 18, 2025

Tired of staring at your screen? Hop on a bike and come explore Chicago with fellow grad students—no footnotes required. We’ll cruise through crisp spring air and charming neighborhoods like Humboldt Park and Ukrainian Village, all while pretending we’re in a coming-of-age indie film. Our route takes us along the scenic Lake Shore Trail, so expect good views, better vibes, and a few jokes from your ride buddies. Meet in front of I-House at 12:30 PM. Helmets encouraged. So is joy.

The flyer is clean, modern, and visually engaging with the following features: primarily warm orange tones for key text elements, contrasted against a clean white background for readability.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., MAY 10, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company!

The center of the flyer features a photo of a diverse group of people jogging outdoors on a trail, dressed in athletic clothing and surrounded by greenery.

[GRAD] Crafternoon

FRI., MAY 9, 2025

Join us for a cozy Crafternoon and try your hand at punch needling—a relaxing and surprisingly fun embroidery technique that’s perfect for unwinding. No experience needed; we’ll walk you through it as you create your own textured, colorful design. It’s a great chance to take a break, enjoy some light snacks, and spend time with fellow grad students in a creative, low-pressure space. All materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

A cozy and colorful flyer features artwork of a person happily punch needling a hoop with flowers, along with illustrations of embroidery thread and a needle at the top and sides.

[GRAD] International Game Night

MON., MAY 5, 2025

Ready for some friendly competition and global fun? Join us for International Game Night—an evening of board games, card games, and cultural favorites from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or just in it for the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Meet new friends, share your favorite games from home, or learn something new in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Snacks will be provided, and the good vibes are guaranteed!

A colorful, playful flyer for International Game Night. The background features a yellow grid pattern, with game-themed graphics such as playing cards, chess pieces, dice, game consoles, and retro game windows.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., APR. 26, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company!

The center of the flyer features a photo of a diverse group of people jogging outdoors on a trail, dressed in athletic clothing and surrounded by greenery.

GRADUCon International 2025

FRI., APR. 4, 2025

THU., APR. 10, 2025

International graduate students and postdocs are invited to GRADUCon International, a virtual career conference designed to help international graduate students and postdocs reflect upon and navigate their professional options. The event features panel discussions with UChicago alumni who have overcome limited immigration options and built careers in Asia, Europe, and the United States. The 2025 GRADUCon panel offerings are Careers in Europe, The US Job Search (Humanities and Social Sciences), The US Job Search (STEM), and Careers in Asia.

The poster promotes GRADUCon International, a virtual career conference for international graduate students and postdocs at the University of Chicago. The schedule includes sessions on careers in Europe, U.S. jobs searches (Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM), and careers in Asia.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., MAR. 29, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company! After our run, we’ll go to Medici for a well-deserved brunch.

Poster advertising Run 'N' Brunch Event event, inviting participants to start their spring weekends with a tradition combining running and brunch.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., MAR. 8, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company! After our run, we’ll go to Medici for a well-deserved brunch.

Poster advertising Run 'N' Brunch Event presenting photos of UChicago students from previous editions of this event, detailed description of the event and registration link

[GRAD] Latin Dancing

THU., MAR. 6, 2025

Join I-House's long-standing Show Me Chicago series as we dance the night away at LOFT. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms with a free bachata class at 9:00 PM.

Poster advertising I-House goes Latin Dancing Event presenting an image of a dancing couple in the background, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., MAR. 1, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company! After our run, we’ll return to I-House for a well-deserved brunch.

Poster advertising Run 'N' Brunch Event presenting photos of UChicago students from previous editions of this event, detailed description of the event and registration QR code.

[GRAD] Run ‘n’ Brunch

SAT., FEB. 22, 2025

No matter your running experience, join us for a friendly run and be part of the I-House tradition of Saturday morning runs. Let's start the weekend strong, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with great company!

Poster advertising Run 'N' Brunch Event presenting photos of UChicago students from previous editions of this event, detailed description of the event and registration QR code.

[GRAD] Carnaval

WED., FEB. 19, 2025

We warmly invite you to join the Carnaval celebration and experience the joy of music, dance, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment. Delight in a vibrant festival filled with colorful decorations, uplifting rhythms, and cherished traditions that bring communities together in celebration.

Poster advertising Carnaval Event presenting carnival decorations like festive masks, parrot, flamingo, and maracas detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Lunar New Year Parade

SUN., FEB. 9, 2025

Join us to welcome the Year of the Snake, 4723! Whether you're deeply familiar with cultural celebrations or eager for a new experience, this event offers an afternoon rich with vibrant traditions and a strong sense of community.

Poster advertising Englewood Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade Event presenting an intricate design of a snake on the right side, with floral and geometric patterns, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Ice Skating

FRI., FEB. 7, 2025

Join us for a fun ice skating event! Whether you're an experienced skater or a first-timer, it's the perfect way to enjoy the season and make some great memories.

Poster advertising Ice-skating on The Midway Event presenting a playful illustrations of a couple ice-skating, dressed in winter attire, with flowing scarves, Valentine's Day themed colors and decorations, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] International Game Night

MON., FEB. 3, 2025

Join us at International Game Night, a vibrant gathering perfect for breaking up the winter chill! Open to both avid gamers and novices, this event offers a fantastic way to engage with diverse cultures through the universal language of games. Explore an array of board and card games from across the globe, meet new friends, and enjoy a night of fun and laughter. Don’t miss out on making some wonderful memories!

Poster advertising International Game Night Event presenting playful illustrations of game elements, such as a yellow knight chess piece, playing cards, colorful tokens, and a spinning wheel, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Ice Skating

TUE., JAN. 28, 2025

Join us to kick off the Winter Quarter with a fun ice skating event! Whether you're an experienced skater or a first-timer, it's the perfect way to enjoy the season and make some great memories.

Poster advertising Ice-skating on The Midway Event presenting a colorful depiction of people skating on an ice rink with trees, benches, and birds, detailed description of the event and registration link.

[GRAD] Ice Skating

THU., JAN. 23, 2025

Join us to kick off the Winter Quarter with a fun ice skating event! Whether you're an experienced skater or a first-timer, it's the perfect way to enjoy the season and make some great memories.

Poster advertising Ice-skating on The Midway Event presenting a colorful depiction of people skating on an ice rink with trees, benches, and birds, detailed description of the event and registration link.

Welcome Back Winter Grad Mixer

WED., JAN. 08, 2025

Celebrate the start of a new quarter with fellow graduate students, reconnect with friends, and forge new connections across schools and disciplines. Enjoy refreshments, light snacks, and an evening of mingling, laughter, and winter cheer as we kick off the year together!

event poster for winter graduate student mixer happening on January 8

[GRAD] Winter Flower Show

SAT., DEC. 21, 2024

Join us for the Winter Flower Show “Snowflakes” on Saturday at the Garfield Park Conservatory, a must-see Chicago spot!

event poster for Winter Flower Show trip on December 21

[GRAD] Christkindlmarket Trip

FRI., DEC. 20, 2024

Come experience the magic of Chicago's Christkindlmarket, where sparkling lights, festive music, unique holiday gifts, and delicious winter treats await. Join us for a cozy, unforgettable time at this beloved holiday tradition!

Event poster for trip to Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago on December 20

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The University of Chicago
International House
1414 East 59th Street

Chicago, Illinois 60637-2997
773.753.2274

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