Building your community as a graduate student is about intentionally reaching out and forming meaningful connections that help you feel supported and grounded. By engaging with peers, faculty, and campus groups—and showing up to events or mentoring opportunities—you can create a network that enriches both your academic experience and personal well-being. Over time, these relationships become a key part of your success, making graduate school feel less isolating and more collaborative.
Find Your Community
Programs that can help you build relationships, connect with peers, and feel a sense of belonging in graduate school.
GradLife Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
The Graduate College’s signature peer mentoring program pairs students in an interdisciplinary mentoring match focused on navigating the complexities of graduate student life, accessing essential resources, and uncovering the "hidden curriculum" of graduate school. As a P2P mentor or mentee, you will engage in meaningful interactions that foster personal and academic growth, with access to training, resources, and social events.
Connecting Communities
Explore this series of events designed to help graduate students connect with communities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared experiences at the University of Iowa. We host various Connecting Communities events throughout the year including, the Fall Welcome Back Social, Spring Social, and Friday Night Vibes for Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week
Get Involved on Campus
Explore organizations, events, and leadership opportunities that connect you to campus life and enhance your experience.
ENGAGE Iowa
Explore the University of Iowa's ENGAGE platform to find student organizations, events, and opportunities specifically tailored to graduate students, helping you connect with peers and enhance your campus experience.
Campus Tour
If you are considering graduate school, and want to learn about Iowa resources, access to support, community building, or decision-making, join grad ambassadors for a guided tour of campus.
Student Government
Graduate Student Senate (GSS) is comprised of graduate students, for graduate students. Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG) is the student government for all graduate and professional students.
Hear from your fellow Hawkeyes
"Serving as a peer mentor has made me more intentional and empathetic in all of my mentoring relationships. It has helped me better understand the importance of active listening, meeting people where they are, and tailoring guidance to individual needs."
"I’ve really enjoyed this program and feel like I’ve learned a lot about the job application process for professors. Getting to attend (my mentor's) dissertation defense and meet up with him for coffee has been a joy. I hope we stay in touch past this program.”
Join the Conversation
Opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, share ideas, and build community through meaningful discussions.
Scholars' Table
Engage with fellow graduate students and a visiting faculty guest in meaningful discussions over a shared meal that fosters intellectual connections and building supportive academic communities at Iowa.
Virtual Conversation Series
Coming soon: Upcoming events and speakers for the 2026-27 academic year.
The Virtual Conversation Series is a digital platform for graduate students to engage in discussions on graduate school, connect with alumni, and explore topics such as mentoring network building and community engagement through research.
Support Your Well-Being
Discover resources and programs to support your well-being, build resilience, and help your navigate the challenges of graduate school.
University Counseling Services
UCS offers free, confidential mental health services to students, including individual therapy, relationship therapy, support groups.
Health and Safety
Student Health delivers quality healthcare to enhance success and learning for all UI students.
Sports and Recreation
UI Recreational Services provides a variety of recreational experiences that encourage active lifestyles.