TGS Hangouts are a chance to gather through fun events and shared experiences. Spanning a variety of social opportunities, TGS Hangouts seek to foster connection and well-being.
Hosted regularly throughout the academic year, TGS Hangouts ensure there is always something on the calendar to help build community, relax, and enjoy your time at Northwestern.
Below is an upcoming TGS Hangout, as well as some of our past programming. Please email tgs-events@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Upcoming Programming
Details forthcoming.Past Programming
Click the tabs below to view past TGS Hangouts.
Free Food Truck
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 1:00–3:00 PM at Parking Lot 130 at 2016 Sheridan Road (on the corner of Sheridan Road and Library Place near the English Language Programs House) on the Evanston campus.
Students were able to enjoy free empanadas and flan from La Cocinita!
HallowEVE Happy Hour
Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6:30–8:30 PM at Five & Dime Bar and Grill in Evanston.Open to all TGS students and an additional guest of your choice, this 21+ event was hosted by The Graduate School (TGS), in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association (GSA), and the Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA). Attendees who arrived in costume won fun prizes!
Spring Happy Hour
Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:30–7:30 PM at Timothy O'Toole's Pub (622 N. Fairbanks Court) in Chicago
The TGS Spring Happy Hour at Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago was an opportunity for all TGS students and an additional guest of their choice to enjoy a fun-filled evening of drinks, laughter, and good vibes as part of our TGS Hangouts event series. This event was 21+ and each attendee received 1 free drink ticket and free food.
This event was co-hosted by The Graduate School (TGS), Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA), Alliance for Chicago Minority Students (ACMS), and Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA).
Mindfulness Moment
Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3:30–4:30 PM in Simpson Querrey Conference Room 2-200 (303 E. Superior Street) on the Chicago campus
TGS invited Associate Director of Spiritual Wellness & Contemplative Practice Eric Budzynski to lead this special February TGS Hangout.
Eric jointly serves Northwestern's Religious & Spiritual Life (RSL) and the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness (CSAW). He is also a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher (MBSR). Eric led a presentation on the importance of mindfulness, offering practical techniques to help you cultivate a mindfulness practice in your daily life. This event was an opportunity to connect, reflect, and prioritize your well-being.
The first 25 people to arrive received a heart-shaped stress ball, and all attendees were entered into a raffle for some wellness-themed prizes. Refreshments were provided.
Cardz 4 Kidz Service Project
- Evanston: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 4:00–6:00 PM in The Graduate School Conference Room at Rebecca Crown Center (633 Clark Street, North Tower, 1st Floor)
- Chicago: Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 3:00–5:00 PM in The Graduate School Conference Room at Abbott Hall (710 N. Lake Shore Drive, 3rd Floor)
We got to spread some joy by making handmade cards at our January TGS Hangout! Students joined us in creating colorful, heartfelt messages for Cardz For Kidz, a non-profit bringing smiles to hospitalized and traumatized children worldwide. Let’s craft together and make a difference, one card at a time! Refreshments were provided.
Suggest a TGS Hangout!
Let us know what types of gatherings you would be most interested in by filling out the one-question suggestion form below:
TGS HANGOUTS SUGGESTION FORM