Books about Friendship and Social Connection
Make Connections
Campus & Chicago Community Groups & Orgs
- Organization of Black Students at the University of Chicago
- Resources & Chicago community groups for Transgender, Gender non-conforming, & Nonbinary students
- LGBTQIA+ Resources
- Brave Space Alliance, Black-led, Trans-led LGBQ+ Center on the south side of Chicago
- Join the Library's Diverse Books and Open Conversations reading group or connect with the Reg Reads Book Club!
- Attend a calming event through UChicago Spiritual Life, including meditation, yoga, and community circles.
- Join an RSO (Recognized Student Organization)
- Buddy up with a fellow graduate or professional student through the Better Together program.
- Love Fridge Chicago: Food security mutual aid with stocked fridges across the city.
Attend an Event
Join Others at Chicago's Arts & Cultural Organizations
- Students receive free and discounted tickets through ArtsPass.
- Many organizations have free museum days; see TimeOut's Free Museum Days Schedule (2024).
Play a Game with Friends
- Play board games at the Crerar Library's Weston Game Labs or check out video games to play with friends.
Stay Active
Participate in Kuvia! Learn more about Kuviasungnerk.
Attend a FitChicago class.
Attend a Virtual Dance Lab class, either live or recorded. Choose from hip hop, salsa, house and more dance styles, as well as yoga and pilates; classes are available for all levels--no experience required! Classes are free for the UChicago community; use discount code VDLUC at checkout.
Go ice skating! Chicago has many ice skating options--the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink and Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon are great choices.
Volunteer
Chicago Book Clubs & Literary Events
Most Chicago Public Library branches offer book clubs/discussions in addition to art, craft, and maker classes.
The CPL Blackstone Branch is located at 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Fun Fact: Blackstone, est. 1904, was the first branch of the Chicago Public Library!
The CPL Coleman Branch is located at 731 E. 63rd St.
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Book Club ChicagoAn aggregated list of book clubs offered across the city.
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Printers Row Lit FestThe Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, is a community-based celebration for book lovers.