Finding Community

A group of students in front of the Office of International students & Scholars

Yale students are active and engaged in hundreds of student groups and activities. There are many international or national organizations, as well as a multitude of organizations organized around a cause, an interest or a special interest. For a complete list of students organizations and student government for each school, visit the Yale Student Affairs website.


The Schwarzman Center

This newly opening (in fall 2021) center is a hub for student life and the arts that encourages social cohesion, creativity, and self-expression. There are many spaces for meeting, dining, and relaxing for for students, faculty, and alumni from all of Yale’s schools and colleges.


Chaplain's Office

The Chaplain's Office can help you locate a supportive faith community and provides services such as counseling, student program support, and pastoral care. The Office sponsors a wide variety of worship opportunities, including ecumenical worship at the University Church in Battell Chapel each Sunday, daily prayer for Muslims, weekly services in various Christian traditions, and special multi-faith services throughout the year. Their programs are open to everyone, even if you are not religious.


Cultural Centers

The Cultural Centers of Yale College provide many opportunities to attend a wide variety of events that reflect the cultural richness and diversity of the Yale campus. Contact the cultural centers directly for information about their organizations and events.


Intramural Sports

The Yale Intramural program provides an outlet for athletic competition for the Yale community. Undergraduate teams are organized through the residential colleges, allowing any student to play any one of the 30 sports. Graduate-Professional Intramurals are open to students, faculty and staff of the University.


Graduate & Professional Affiliate Program with the Residential Colleges

Every year, first year Graduate & Professional degree-seeking students are invited to apply to the Graduate Affiliate (GA) Program, which allows a select number of Yale G&P students to play an important role in the life of 12 undergraduate residential colleges. GAs mentor and provide programming with undergraduates, but do not live in the college.


Gryphon's Pub - G&P Student Center at Yale

A popular gathering spot for Yale's graduate and professional community and their guests, Gryphon's Pub is a full service nightclub and bar with a pool table and dance hall. Keep on the lookout for special events and happy hours. Membership required.


Office of LGBTQ Resources

Yale University is a welcoming community that holistically supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) people. The Office of LGBTQ Resources at Yale provides campus-wide support, and the OISS is available to provide guidance and answer questions on visas and other matters of concern. The university and the New Haven community have many active groups for the LGBTQ+ community, so make sure to find the space that's right for you.


The McDougal Graduate Center and Graduate Student Life

The McDougal Center welcomes graduate school students and their spouses and partners to join in and make use of its facilities and many of its programs. The McDougal Center is located at 135 Prospect Street, and is a great place to eat lunch with new friends, stop by for a coffee, or just pop-in to see what events might be taking place. GSAS students automatically receive the weekly McDougal Graduate Student Life newsletter, listing a variety of programs planned by the McDougal Grad Student Life Fellows. These programs include social, international, arts, sports, wellness, and family friendly events.


Undergraduate Organizations

Yale College has hundreds of student groups to choose from when you're thinking about getting involved: some serious, some sublime, and some just for fun. Check out all of the student groups on their website.


Graduate Organizations

As a graduate student at Yale, you have many opportunities to get involved in the community, make and build relationships, learn leadership and professional skills, serve others, and have fun.


Yale Postdoctoral Association (YPA)

The Yale Postdoctoral Association (YPA) is composed of postdocs from across disciplines. The goal of the YPA is to create a broad sense of community and engagement among postdocs at Yale, as well as to help postdocs have a happy and successful experience at Yale. The YPA organizes career, professional development, and social events for the postdoctoral community and beyond.

The YPA has also recently launched the Postdoc Buddy Program. This program matches incoming postdocs with their colleagues already working at Yale. Current postdocs offer social support by answering questions about Yale, New Haven, and postdoc life. To learn more and sign-up to be a buddy or a mentee, head to the YPA Buddy website.


Yale Women's Center

The Yale Women's Center is an inclusive space for the university's diverse women and provides resources, support and activities. The Center is staffed by volunteers and you can contact them for details about how to get involved.