Campus & Community Life

ISSS offers different programs, cultural events, workshops, and leadership opportunities to integrate international students into the Penn community. Discover what ISSS has to offer!

VPUL enhances the ability of Penn students and other community participants to reach their fullest potential through diverse academic, personal, and professional development experiences. VPUL is home to numerous other resources and centers, from academic and career support to campus activities, health and wellness programs to community engagement.

The Office of Student Affairs has responsibility for student activities and governance, University Life leadership programs, and campus-wide special events such as Family Weekend, Homecoming, Spring Fling, Hey Day and Ivy Day. Visit the OSA Calendar of Events.

The twelve College Houses bring academic life into the living spaces. They bring together undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff in a safe space where different paths converge into one. As a division of the Provost’s Office, the mission is to bring the academic life of the classroom into our living spaces.

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center is a home for sexual and gender minorities and their allies at Penn. Not only does The LGBT Center offer peer mentorships, tons of space to study and socialize, and a calendar full of events, they are also a social and political hub for the queer community on campus, hosting over 25 undergraduate and graduate student groups. Check out iQueer, a special section of the LGBT Center Website for LGBT students with international backgrounds.

More than 450 student-run clubs and organizations support the varied intellectual, artistic, cultural, social, and recreational pursuits of the Penn community. Find a group you are passionate about or create your own group!

The Assembly of International Students is a student group at the University of Pennsylvania that is run and represented by students of global backgrounds, whether international or not. AIS organizes activities including International Student Orientation, mentorship programs, social events, conferences and alumni networking events, and the Student Ambassador Program.

The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) is the official student government body for graduate and professional students at Penn, representing over 10,000 students across twelve graduate schools.

The Undergraduate Assembly is the elected, representative organization of undergraduates at Penn, charged with improving life for all students through funding, services, and advocacy.

The Graduate Student Center at Penn empowers graduate and professional students to create and participate in a graduate community at Penn by providing programs and activities, resources and services, and a home base where students can congregate.

The Family Resource Center at Penn is a home for students and post-docs with children where you can find information, resources, activities and advocacy.

ISPP is a community for the spouses and partners of Penn international students and scholars. Connect with others through the Facebook group and enhance your Penn experience with numerous resources.