TGS Hangouts: The Graduate School - Northwestern University

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.

Midday Tuneup Massage Sessions

Wednesday, March 18 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM in the Trienens Conference Room in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center on the Chicago campus

TGS students and postdocs were invited to relax and recharge with an eight-minute chair massage from licensed NU Recreation massage therapists. This midday wellness break offered snacks and TGS swag!

students doing a craft activity in a group smiling and looking at the projector screen

Cardz For Kidz Service Project

Evanston: Monday, January 26 from 1:00–4:00 PM in TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Road)
Chicago: Wednesday, January 28 from 1:00–4:00 PM in The Graduate School Conference Room at Abbott Hall (710 N. Lake Shore Drive, 3rd Floor, Room 332)

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.

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!

View our 2025 La Cocinita Food Truck event photos

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!

students smiling at the camera holding drinks in their hands

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).