GSA, SHW & ISSAC Brings Seasonal Cheer with Annual Holiday Hangout

As the academic year reaches its halfway point and winter settles across campus, the Graduate Students Association (GSA), together with ISSAC and the Student Wellness Centre, warmly invites all students to our annual Holiday Hangout. This cherished gathering brings fun, games, good food, and a comforting sense of community to graduate students spending the winter break here in Saskatoon. Every year, students from all programs look forward to two cozy days filled with conversation, connection, and shared experiences.

Graduate school can feel especially quiet and isolated as one semester ends and another begins. Many students stay in the city while services slow down and peers travel home, leaving long stretches that can feel lonely. The Holiday Hangout was created to ease that feeling, transforming a campus space into a relaxed, welcoming place where students can drop by anytime throughout the day.

This year’s Hangout includes all the features students know and love. You’re encouraged to come and go as you like during open hours. Free seasonal meals will be available, and a variety of gentle, low-pressure activities to ensure everyone unwind at their own pace. Board and card games, crafts, puzzles, face painting, video games, and plenty of cozy seating options offer something for everyone, whether you want to socialize or simply enjoy a peaceful moment. Families are welcome too, ensuring graduate students with children feel supported and included.

The strength of the event comes from the collaboration behind it. The Holiday Hangout is jointly organized by the Graduate Students Association,  Student Health and Wellbeing and the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). Together, we will work to ensure the gathering is inclusive, supportive, and accessible. Our shared commitment helps create an environment where students feel cared for and connected during a time that can otherwise feel isolated.

Beyond the activities and meals, the Hangout offers a rare chance for meaningful connection. Students often meet peers from programs they might never encounter in their daily academic routines. Conversations develop naturally, helping create a sense of community that carries into the new year. International students, in particular, have found the event valuable, as it provides companionship and understanding during a season when being far from home can feel especially challenging.

Organizers note that the simplicity of the event is intentional. There is no formal program, no scheduled speeches, and no expectations placed on attendees. The doors remain open, the atmosphere stays relaxed, and students are free to enjoy the space in whatever way they feels most comfortable. These subtle touches have made the Holiday Hangout a highlight of the winter season for many returning participants.

As the GSA, Student Health and Wellbeing, and ISSAC look ahead to the new year, our commitment to creating supportive, community-focused programs remains as strong as ever. The Holiday Hangout continues to be one of our most meaningful traditions, a gentle reminder that even in the busiest moments of graduate life, connection, warmth, and kindness matter.

To help us prepare food and comfortable seating for everyone, we kindly ask you RSVP. Your confirmation ensures we can plan accurately and create the best experience for all who attend.