Campus Life
The University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus offers students multiple dining opportunities, coffeshops around every corner, cultural events, loads of student activities, opportunities for worship and community service, a world-class research library, and a state-of-the-art recreational facility, to name just a few amenities and services essential to maintaining quality of academic life.
Student Activities | The Arts | Dining on Campus | Bookstores & Libraries
Student Government | Networking and Computing Resources | Diversity and Civility
Religion on the Quadrangles | University Community Service Center | Athletics
Student Activities
The Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities supports and advises more than 300 campus student organizations for graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to planning several annual events on campus, ORCSA provides opportunities throughout the year for students to experience the wealth of attractions that the city of Chicago has to offer. ORCSA also coordinates events and services specifically for graduate students in collaboration with the Graduate Council, which, along with the College Council, makes up the Assembly of Student Government.
The Arts
University of Chicago students are musicians, painters, sculptors, actors, dancers, filmmakers, and numerous opportunities for involvement abound. The University also hosts artists, writers, exhibitions, and performances year-round. Visit arts.uchicago.edu for more information.
Dining on Campus
Cafes are tucked inside many of the Quadrangles’ ivy-clad buildings. The Reynolds Club houses both the C-Shop (home to Einstein’s Bagels) and an eclectic food court. Classics Cafe is a warm, sunny spot to sip coffee on a cold morning, and the Divinity School Coffee Shop is touted as the place “Where God Drinks Coffee.” One of many student run cafes, Ex Libris, is conveniently located for a study break in the basement of Regenstein Library. Beyond the Quads, spots where one can find sandwiches, soup, coffee, and snacks are located in every professional school building. Food services at Bartlett Dining Commons as well as the many undergraduate dormitories, are accessible to all students, faculty, and staff. Visit Finding Nourishment for a listing of on-campus cafes and sources for “food on the fly.”
Bookstores & Libraries
University of Chicago students can never get enough of books. Campus is home to the world-class University of Chicago Library, which is composed of the Crerar, D’Angelo, Eckhart, Harper, Regenstein, and School of Social Service Administration libraries, plus the under-construction Mansueto Library. In addition to the University of Chicago Bookstore, run by Barnes & Noble, and Borders, Hyde Park boasts the largest concentration of independent bookstores in Chicago, including the Seminary Co-Op Bookstore, 57th Street Books, O’Gara & Wilson Ltd., and Powell’s Bookstores Chicago.
Student Government
Student Government represents the interests of the entire student body within the University community. Representatives from each school and division are appointed to Graduate Council through their respective student associations. For information on student associations within the schools and divisions, students should contact their dean of students or their departmental administrator. In addition to the positions on Graduate Council, graduate students may be elected to Student Government’s Executive Cabinet, which includes two liaisons to the Board of Trustees, one of which is a graduate student.
Student Government provides mechanisms for feedback on University services and works with the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students in the University to appoint student representatives to special committees. These committees advise University administrators, providing insightful analysis and pragmatic feedback about proposed policies or programs. Student Government disburses funds collected from the Student Activities Fee to support student run events and initiatives.
Networking and Computing Resources
Networking Services and Internet Technology keeps students connected, informed, and updated on all the latest technology necessary to communicate in an increasingly virtual world. NSIT’s Solution Center (often referred to as Campus Computer Stores) is right on campus, and offers educational discounts and lending opportunities.
Diversity and Civility
The University of Chicago is committed to diversity in all aspects of University life. The President and Provost have made statements affirming this commitment. And while the University seeks to create an inclusive community of civility, where all voices are heard, it also seeks to balance both academic freedom and the right of members of our community to participate fully in the life of the University.
Religion on the Quadrangles
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, which is the historic spiritual and ceremonial center of the University, offers a variety of religious, academic, and performing arts programming. The Interreligious Center serves as a daily meeting place for students of diverse religious backgrounds (Hindu and Muslim prayer rooms are located there, along with meditation space). Each Sunday, worship is drawn from the musical and liturgical riches of the Christian tradition. The Dean of the Chapel is a liaison to professional advisers and student organizations representing a range of faiths.
University Community Service Center
Active community involvement can contribute to a well-rounded academic and professional experience. The University Community Service Center. UCSC makes connections to people and projects in the University community, the Hyde Park neighborhood, and the city of Chicago through volunteer referrals, off-campus work-study jobs, and internships that enable students to both serve and learn.
Athletics
The University of Chicago’s athletics facilities--housed primarily in the Ratner Athletics Center and Crown Field House—include weight rooms; a fitness center with a variety of machines; squash, basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts; an Olympic-sized swimming pool; indoor and outdoor tracks; and a dance studio. Personal training is available. Spouses and domestic partners may purchase a facilities pass. In addition to intramural sports in individual or team events and more than forty sports clubs, varsity sports are available. The University is a member of the University Athletic Association (UAA), an NCAA Division III conference. For more information, visit the Athletics Department.
