Campus Life
Cocurricular Life
- What cocurricular activities are available?
There are more than three hundred student organizations, which support the performing arts; community service; academic competitions; political activity; ethnic, religious, and cultural groups; journalism and creative writing; and sports and social clubs on campus. At the final event of Orientation, the Student Activities and Resources Fair, these organizations advertise their programs and recruit new members.
The Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities (ORCSA) works with student organizations to encourage cocurricular student involvement on campus and to create a comfortable atmosphere in the Reynolds Club, Ida Noyes Hall, Bartlett Hall, and Mandel Hall for students who are looking to take a break or hold an event. To this end, ORCSA provides resources, support, guidance, and assistance to support the efforts and activities of individual students, their 300+ student-run organizations, and the entire campus community.
- How can students get involved in intercollegiate athletics? How can students get involved in club and intramural sports?
Chicago students participate heavily in sports and fitness activities. More than 450 College students play on the 19 varsity teams, and the vast majority of students participate in the University’s extensive intramural and sport clubs program. The Gerald Ratner Athletics Center offers state-of-the-art fitness, recreational, and athletic facilities, while the historic Henry Crown Field House provides the perfect complement with an indoor running track, basketball/volleyball courts, a martial arts room, weight room, and squash/handball/racquetball courts. Outdoor athletic and recreational facilities are available on campus at newly renovated (synthetic turf, lights, and resurfaced track) Amos Alonzo Stagg Field and the on the Midway. For more information, please visit the Physical Education & Athletics website.
- Are there opportunities for students to get involved in theater productions on campus?
Hundreds of students perform or assist in staging, music, dance, and other theatrical productions. University Theater produces approximately thirty-five plays each year. Other venues showcase vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and performance artists.
- Are there opportunities for students to be involved with community service?
Community service, a healthy counterbalance to the inwardness of much academic work, attracts many Chicago students. Students feel useful, make practical contributions to communities beyond our campus, and learn to be responsible citizens. The University Community Service Center links interested students to an extensive list of volunteer opportunities.
- Does the University of Chicago have a campus minister or any religious groups for students?
Campus ministries, embracing a range of faiths, offer faith exploration, fellowship and service, and personal counseling with campus ministers. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel holds ecumenical services, sponsors interfaith programs, and is the site of the University’s new Interreligious Center. Places of worship in the neighborhood also welcome students.
