Graduate Student Life

Graduate Student Life

Personal and Professional Development Opportunities for the Graduate Community
Graduate Student Life
Graduate Student Center
Events Calendar
Knight Research Scholars Program
Logo for The Office of Graduate Student Life

The Office of Graduate Student Life is your gateway to build an extraordinary graduate experience at UCF. Whether you’re diving deep into groundbreaking research experiences, charting your path through career exploration, or finding your people through community activities we’re here to fuel every step of your journey. Explore what’s waiting for you below and discover how far your graduate experience can take you.

Professor teaching in front of screen in the Graduate Student Center
Professional Development

Graduate focused opportunities to strengthen your skills for grad school and beyond.

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Graduate Student Center with people on computers and phones
Graduate Student Center

The center is your home on campus. There’s space to study or simply hang out with other graduate students.

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Doctoral Student Presenting
Research and Scholarship

Opportunities to present your research and scholarship, earn scholarships, and develop competencies to excel.

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three people reviewing pages in a book
Career Exploration

Partnerships across the university to prepare graduate students for life after graduation.

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Wellness and Engagement
Wellness and Engagement

Find opportunities to enrich your time at UCF and find balance.

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Student Scholar Symposium
Student Scholar Symposium

An opportunity for students to present their research and creative scholarship in a poster format to the UCF community during Student Research Week.

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3MT
3MT

UCF Doctoral and Master's students communicate their research in just three short minutes and with only one PowerPoint slide to non-expert judges while competing to win prizes.

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two students in classroom setting interacting
Thesis and Dissertation

An opportunity for UCF students to receive support for all things thesis and dissertation.

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Students walking near the fountain.
Community and Campus Life

Access resources and services to help you succeed as a UCF graduate student, from IDs and fellowships to health care and campus life.

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Kelsey Robinson and Viviana Rivera presenting at Student Research Week
Knight Research Scholars Program (KRSP)

KRSP connects UCF students with research opportunities across disciplines. Undergraduates join active projects, while graduate students and postdocs lead teams, gaining mentorship experience and building a collaborative research community.

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Program Highlight: Knight Research Scholars Program
build your research capacity and leadership skills

Dates and Activities

Nov 13
2:30 PM
Knights in Focus Workshop on November 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help you prepare a strong submission for the Knights in Focus video competition. We will share tips for developing your message, improving delivery, and creating high-quality videos.
@ Graduate Student Center Presentation Room: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 208
Nov 16
3:00 PM
College of Graduate Studies Town Hall on November 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Join College of Graduate Studies leadership for an open conversation. Ask questions, share your thoughts, or discuss anything on your mind. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard! To attend, please register at the link below and you...
@ Virtual
Nov 17
1:00 PM
GSL Lunch and Learn: Career Services on November 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Join the Office of Graduate Student Life for a quick lunch break to learn about career resources with a professional from UCF Career Services. Food provided to the first 30 graduate students, come by TCH 208 starting at 1 PM!
@ Graduate Student Center Presentation Room: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 208
Nov 17
2:30 PM
New Frontiers in Graduate Careers: CV/Resume Review on November 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Applying for jobs soon? Bring your resume and cover letter to the Graduate Student Center (TCH 213) on November 17 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Professionals from UCF Career Services and the College of Graduate Studies will be on...
@ Graduate Student Center Presentation Room: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 208
Dec 02
11:00 AM
First Wednesday Cafe on December 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Join us on the First Wednesday of the month for free bagels and coffee, provided by the Office of Graduate Student Life.  This monthly event is a great way to meet new friends and old colleagues! Food provided by the...
@ Graduate Student Center: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 213
Dec 03
4:00 PM
Grad Gathering: Float into Finals on December 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Float your way into finals with a sweet treat in TCH 213! Join us at 4 PM on December 3, 2026 for well-deserved ice cream floats and good vibes with fellow graduate students!
@ Graduate Student Center: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 213
Jan 11
9:00 AM
Spring Takeoff: Grad Dash: Campus Scavenger Hunt on January 11, 2027 at 9:00 AM
Throughout Grad Takeoff, swing by the Graduate Student Center (TCH 213) for your campus scavenger hunt instructions. Take a selfie at each spot on the flyer, then return to the GSC and show the front desk staff your pictures to...
@ Graduate Student Center: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 213
Jan 12
11:00 AM
Spring Takeoff: Welcome Brunch and Vision Boards on January 12, 2027 at 11:00 AM
Welcome back, Graduate Knights! Kick off the Spring 2027 semester with a Welcome Brunch and Vision Boards session in TCH 213. Join us at 11 AM to enjoy brunch while you map out your goals for the new year on...
@ Graduate Student Center: Trevor Colbourn Hall: 213
Jan 12
3:00 PM
Spring Takeoff: CV/Resume Tips on January 12, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Want to stand out in the job market? Join us virtually for a coffee break and career advice at 3 PM on January 12th. A Career Services representative will share expert tips on strengthening your CV or résumé for a...
@ Virtual
Jan 13
12:00 PM
Spring Takeoff: GSL & CAPS Workshop: Boundaries & Burnout on January 13, 2027 at 12:00 PM
This workshop, hosted virtually in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services, will address the reality that graduate students often balance roles outside of academics that can lead to feeling burnout. Tools for boundary setting to create a work-life balance, managing...
@ Virtual
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Latest News

Eric Thompson ’19, a history alum pursuing a doctorate in texts and technology, enjoys bringing history to life beyond the classroom, in places like museums, parks monuments and the UCF Libraries’ Immersion Studio. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)
Around Campus Professional Development Student Life Student Spotlight

Space History Meets the Future in Interactive UCF Exhibit

The John C. Hitt Library is likely the only place where you can find odes to Citronaut, space mice, sports, and human spaceflight together in one room. A new, interactive...
Knightro poses at UCF Grad Fair with his arms outstretched. Around him are tables with advertisements for graduate programs and people talking.
Around Campus Events and Announcements Prospective Students Student Life

UCF Grad Fair Offers a Look at Where Graduate Education Can Take You

For those thinking about what comes next, graduate school can be an opportunity to turn an interest into expertise, build new skills, or shift gears in their careers.  UCF’s annual...
Yu Shan Huang Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching
Around Campus Awards and Recognition Professional Development Prospective Students Student Life Student Spotlight

Celebrating Excellence in Research, Teaching and Service

Last week, the University of Central Florida recognized graduate faculty and students for excellence in research, teaching, leadership, and service. These awardees are some of UCF’s top scholars and educators....
More news here
Student speaks on stage at Fall Research Symposium 2025 in the Morgridge International Reading Center

UCF Student Researchers Take the Stage at Fall Research Symposium

Graduate and undergraduate researchers from across the university will share their scholarship and compete for top honors on Nov. 19 during the UCF Fall Research Symposium at the Morgridge International...

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