Events
Open House
Saturday, August 29, 3 - 5 pm
Come explore Pres House, your home away from home! Play some games, make some art for your new dorm room or apartment, and connect with new and returning students. Drop in any time! Everyone who attends will be entered into a giveaway for a $50 Visa gift card.
Cookie Break
Monday, August 31, 2 - 4 pm
Come take a break from getting ready for classes and enjoy a free Insomnia Cookie on us! After you get your cookie, everyone is invited to stick around to play games, craft, and make new friends. Plus, you’ll also be entered into a giveaway for a $50 Visa gift card!
Candid Kitchen ~ Open House
Tuesday, September 1, 4 - 6 pm
Drop by any time 4-6 pm! Free snacks, a live demo, and a hands-on look at the kitchen where you can learn, cook, and eat with students all year.
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
Morning Muffins on the Mall
Wednesday, September 2, 9 am
Happy First Day! Free fresh muffins and coffee on Library Mall; available until we run out!
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
Movie Night: The Prince of Egypt
Thursday, September 3, 7 - 9 pm
Free popcorn and snacks, + games and a casual hangout after the movie. Come relax, enjoy a good movie, and make some new friends!
Every Thursday at 7 pm, we’re hanging out at Pres House: playing games, watching movies, studying, and more. If you’re looking for somewhere to find yourself among friends, join us for a Community Night!
Grad Student Trivia Night
Friday, September 4, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Come alone or with a group of (up to) four fellow grad students. We’ll make sure you have a chance to meet some new people, flex your trivia muscles, and win some cash! The winning team earns $25 Visa gift cards for each team member, and there are additional prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.
All-Campus Trivia Night
Monday, September 7, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Come alone or with a group of (up to) four people. We’ll make sure you have a chance to meet some new people, flex your trivia muscles, and win some cash! The winning team earns $25 Visa gift cards for each team member, and there are additional prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.
Good News Giveaway
Thursday, September 10, 12 - 4 pm
You deserve something good, no strings attached. We’re giving away a couple hundred donuts outside of Pres House. Once we run out of donuts, we’ll be giving away Rice Krispies. Come enjoy a delicious treat between classes—and stick around to hang out if you have time!
Farmer's Market Picnic
Saturday, September 12, 11 am - 2 pm
Meet us on the Pres House patio for a Farmer’s Market picnic! The Dane County Farmer’s Market is the largest producers-only farmers market in the country, and it happens less than a mile from campus on Capitol Square. We’ll walk up State St. together, explore the vendors, then find some space to enjoy an outdoor potluck picnic. Candid will provide a few items for everyone to share; you’re welcome to bring or purchase something to share, but that’s not required. This is a great way to explore one of Madison’s most iconic community events while also making some new friends!
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
Mario Kart Tournament + Board Game Night
Thursday, September 10, 7 - 9 pm
Mario Kart on Switch? Unlimited snacks and drinks?! Board games, puzzles, and crafts between rounds?! PRIZES for the winners?!?! This Community Night is going to be epic, and we want you to be there! Come on your own or bring a friend.
Every Thursday at 7 pm, we’re hanging out at Pres House: playing games, watching movies, studying, and more. If you’re looking for somewhere to find yourself among friends, join us for a Community Night!
Micro Mindfulness Workshop
Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 pm
A workshop and conversation on easy-to-use mindfulness tools you can fit into your everyday life that take less than five minutes. Free dinner included!!!
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
Movie Night: Hidden Figures
Thursday, September 17, 7 - 9 pm
Free popcorn and snacks, + games and a casual hangout after the movie. Come relax, enjoy a good movie, and make some new friends!
Every Thursday at 7 pm, we’re hanging out at Pres House: playing games, watching movies, studying, and more. If you’re looking for somewhere to find yourself among friends, join us for a Community Night!
Karaoke Night
Thursday, September 24, 7 - 9 pm
Come sing your heart out! Board games, puzzles, and other activities for those who don’t want to sing. And, as always, plenty of snacks.
Every Thursday at 7 pm, we’re hanging out at Pres House: playing games, watching movies, studying, and more. If you’re looking for somewhere to find yourself among friends, join us for a Community Night!
Let's Talk About It: Palestine & Christian Zionism
Sunday, September 27, 4:30 pm
During this special Sunday worship service, we’re hosting a moderated Q&A with Yasmina Haddad. Yasmina is a PhD student at UW-Madison and member of the Steering Committee for the Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Join us for a conversation about:
- what Christian Zionism is,
- how it’s connected to the genocide in Gaza,
- how Presbyterians have advocated for justice in Palestine, and
- what it means to resist Christian Zionism as a student at UW-Madison.
Make sure to show up hungry; every worship service at Pres House ends with a free meal!
Drag Bingo
Thursday, October 1, 6 - 8 pm
- Doors open at 5:30 pm. Bingo starts at 6 pm.
- Free! Pizza provided. Bring your Wisc ID to enter.
- Bring $1 bills to tip the drag queen
- Co-hosted by UW’s Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
Fall Retreat
October 16 - 18
Retreats with Pres House are a great way to take a break from your normal routine and enjoy some time away from campus with friends! We eat, play, and make memories together while holding space for spiritual reflection and conversation. Whether you are brand new to Pres House or have been a part of the community for years, going on a Pres House retreat is one of the best ways to build relationships at Pres House.
The registration fee for all Pres House retreats is $70. However, if you are a first-time retreat attendee, you will automatically receive a $10 discount. Scholarships are available if you cannot pay the full registration fee; contact Pastor Nii Addo before registering to request a scholarship.
Event details coming soon!
PHamily Dinner
Wednesday, January 28, 6:00-7:30 pm
PHamily Dinner is a monthly community meal at Pres House designed to help students build healthy relationships across differences. Each evening includes:
- A tasty home-made meal thoughtfully prepared by our chef (dietary restrictions are accommodated)
- A deck of prompts to spark meaningful conversation
- A brief shared clean-up as a practice of community care
There is no agenda beyond sharing food, connection, and conversation. RSVP by 3 pm on Monday, January 26.
Game Night
Friday, January 30, 6-8 pm
Tons of games, free pizza, and prizes. Escape the cold and dreary weather with us at Pres House! All are welcome, so please bring a friend or two.
BWAP Stories
Sunday, February 1, 4:30 pm
Join us for worship and hear stories from students who participated in this year’s Break With a Purpose trip!
Candid Workshop: "Winning Between Our Ears"
Tuesday, February 3, 5:00-6:30 pm
Our mind can be our harshest critic or our superpower. Learn some mental and mindset shifts that can make all the difference between spiraling down or rising up!
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
Trans-figuration Sunday
Sunday, February 15, 4:30 pm
Traditionally celebrated on the Sunday before Lent begins, Transfiguration Sunday commemorates Jesus’ mountaintop transfiguration. On this day at Pres House, we also celebrate the lives and witness of LGBTQ+ students — and particularly transgender students — who may likewise experience a “transfiguration.” Students in the Pres House community who have already changed, or wish to change, their given name can participate in a re-naming ritual on Trans-figuration Sunday; please reach out to a pastor if you are interested.
Ash Wednesday Service & Dinner
Wednesday, February 18, 6 pm
Begin your Lenten journey at Pres House with an evening Ash Wednesday service and dinner, with prayers and reflections offered by Pres House students.
What's Next? A Group for Graduating Students
Thursday, February 19, 5:30-6:30 pm
What’s Next? is a space for graduating students to talk about the challenges and possibilities of the major life transition that is graduation! We cover topics like money, relationships, career, and values.
Winter Retreat: "Hell, No!" Embracing God's Universal Love
February 20-22 ~ Lake Waubesa
Retreats with Pres House are a great way to take a break from your normal routine and enjoy some time away from campus with friends! We eat, play, and make memories together while holding space for spiritual reflection and conversation. Whether you are brand new to Pres House or have been a part of the community for years, going on a Pres House retreat is one of the best ways to build relationships at Pres House.
Theme: “Hell, No! Embracing God’s Universal Love”
Do you have to believe in Hell to be a Christian? Brian Recker, our Winter Retreat speaker this year, says no — Hell isn’t a real place, and God’s universal love is radically inclusive, in this life and the next.
Join us as we trace the roots of our ideas about Hell (and Heaven), examine the impacts of Hell and fear-based spirituality on our lives, and explore together how we can embrace a spirituality of love.
The registration fee for all Pres House retreats is $70. However, if you are a first-time retreat attendee, you will automatically receive a $10 discount. Scholarships are available if you cannot pay the full registration fee; contact Pastor Nii Addo before registering to request a scholarship.
PHamily Dinner
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00-7:30 pm
PHamily Dinner is a monthly community meal at Pres House designed to help students build healthy relationships across differences. Each evening includes:
- A tasty home-made meal thoughtfully prepared by our chef (dietary restrictions are accommodated)
- A deck of prompts to spark meaningful conversation
- A brief shared clean-up as a practice of community care
There is no agenda beyond sharing food, connection, and conversation. RSVP by 3 pm on Monday, February 23.
A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide
Wednesdays during Lent, 12-1 pm
All UW-Madison students are invited to join us for this five-week Lenten series! Come engage in meaningful conversation about what it means to be a person of faith in a time of genocide and how we can use our power to respond with solidarity and compassion to the suffering of our Palestinian siblings.
Candid Workshop: "Letting Go of Perfect"
Tuesday, March 3, 5:00-6:30 pm
A workshop on why (and how) embracing progress and growth will produce better (and happier) results!
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
What's Next? A Group for Graduating Students
Thursday, March 19, 5:30-6:30 pm
What’s Next? is a space for graduating students to talk about the challenges and possibilities of the major life transition that is graduation! We cover topics like money, relationships, career, and values.
The Official Lock-Out
Friday, March 20, 5:30-9:00 pm
Often times we like to “lock-out” in attempts to skirt the work that must be done. But what if we planned it? Welcome to Pres House’s 1st Official Lock-Out!
The Official Lock-Out will be dedicated to friendship and fun! Games and connection … what more could you ask for? Oh, of course: FREE FOOD! Please RSVP and share any dietary restrictions so you can eat yummy food too.
PHamily Dinner
Wednesday, March 25, 6:00-7:30 pm
PHamily Dinner is a monthly community meal at Pres House designed to help students build healthy relationships across differences. Each evening includes:
- A tasty home-made meal thoughtfully prepared by our chef (dietary restrictions are accommodated)
- A deck of prompts to spark meaningful conversation
- A brief shared clean-up as a practice of community care
There is no agenda beyond sharing food, connection, and conversation. RSVP by 3 pm on Monday, March 23.
Candid Workshop: "Where's the Joy?"
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00-7:30 pm
Sometimes when we are stressed or life is hard we need a reminder that joy is available to us.
Candid brings students together on a wellness journey that fosters connections and encourages relevant, relatable, and real conversations. You set the goals — Candid connects you to community and support.
The Nexus Point: Embodied Flourishing for BIPOC Students
Saturday, April 11, 9 am - 5 pm
Thanks to the generosity of Pres House donors, we are offering this workshop to all BIPOC students at UW-Madison, free of charge!
Embodiment is not only what we feel, perceive, and understand. It’s also what we do — an evolving set of skills and abilities that we cultivate through learning and practice. As with any other skill, how do we get better? We practice.
Through movement, meditation, and conversation, we will:
- explore patterns of oppression (including racism) and the ways our bodies respond to stress
- learn and practice strategies to disrupt patterns of oppression & create meaningful change for ourselves and our communities
- build relationships and solidarity with other BIPOC students at UW-Madison
Bagels, pastries, coffee, & tea will be available in the morning, and lunch will be provided. Wear clothes you feel comfortable moving around in (e.g. sitting, standing, stretching, etc.).
What's Next? A Group for Graduating Students
Thursday, April 16, 5:30-6:30 pm
What’s Next? is a space for graduating students to talk about the challenges and possibilities of the major life transition that is graduation! We cover topics like money, relationships, career, and values.
PHamily Dinner
Wednesday, April 29, 6:00-7:30 pm
PHamily Dinner is a monthly community meal at Pres House designed to help students build healthy relationships across differences. Each evening includes:
- A tasty home-made meal thoughtfully prepared by our chef (dietary restrictions are accommodated)
- A deck of prompts to spark meaningful conversation
- A brief shared clean-up as a practice of community care
There is no agenda beyond sharing food, connection, and conversation. RSVP by 3 pm on Monday, April 27.
Finals Lounge
April 30 - May 7
Extended hours (10 am – 10 pm), extra snacks, surprise treat drops, and a Party Lamp to celebrate all your finals week wins. Come make our home your home during finals!
Bike & Brunch
Friday, May 8, 9 am
Join us for our annual year-end celebratory bike ride! We leave from Pres House and ride through the Arboretum to Finca Coffee, where we’ll eat brunch together. Then we ride back to campus, park our bikes, and jump in Lake Mendota together!
- This is a “no-drop” ride, which means no one is “too slow” to ride with the group.
- Helmets are required to ride.
- Bringing supplies to repair flat tires and other minor mechanical issues is highly recommended. There will be someone on the ride who can assist with mechanical issues, but you are responsible for your own bike.
- You are welcome to ride a BCycle (there is a station at our brunch location to park while we eat). However, if your BCycle loses power or breaks down, you will need to contact BCycle for assistance.