University Center | University of Montana

Discover what makes student life at the University of Montana vibrant, fun and inclusive. The University Center at UM offers a variety of spaces, programs and resources that are focused on students and grounded in learning, leadership diversity and fun.

Your home away from home: The University Center at UM

Welcome to the University Center at UM. A place to study, to get together with friends, to call home. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or where you are in your education: We are here to support you on your college journey, help you discover your passion and potential and define your own learning experience.

The UC is a place where you can get involved — through student government, student groups, volunteer and service projects and much more. You’ll find opportunities to build leadership and professional skills that will be invaluable to you when you graduate. The UC is also a bustling student activities center, featuring everything from a gaming den to gardens, from the bookstore to the hair salon. Learn more about the University Center at UM.

Diversity is a core value

College life is enriched by new perspectives. That’s why one of our core values at the University Center is diversity. It’s important to remember that diversity is both a process and an outcome — and that civil dialogue about our differences (and similarities) leads to greater understanding and helps us to forge a personal commitment to equality and social justice. Learn more about diversity at the University of Montana.

The UC is home to the Branch Center, a space dedicated to promoting respectful and collaborative dialogue, programming and resources. Salena Beaumont Hill, UM’s director of inclusive excellence, keeps her office in the Branch Center. Hill says that her job can mean a lot of different things to many people. But to her, the job funnels down to something she says is at the heart of her passion: supporting students. In particular, students who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of color, or BIPOC, and LGBTQ+. Read more about Salena’s work.

Explore the University Center

If you're on-campus for a tour, be sure to swing by the UC and check out the student life opportunities and resources the University Center at UM offers. When you're on campus regularly, you'll find yourself in the UC at all different times of day. Whether it's your first stop for a hot cup of coffee before your first class or you're attending an evening lecture in the ballroom, the UC is always welcoming. If you can’t come here to experience it yourself in person, the next best thing is our virtual tour of the UC, which allows you to explore and learn about this special space. Explore UM's virtual stop of the University Center.

University Center services and events

The UC is more than a college union and student activities center — it’s a community space where students of all backgrounds and interests come to learn, engage and enjoy time together. And there’s never a dull moment. The UC features an art gallery, the Gaming Den, the UM Food Pantry, a hair salon, ice rink and fire pits, the Bookstore, and the UM Food Court and the UC Market, just to name a few. It’s also your go-to place for campus groups and events, and you can help to create and make your own.

Griz Hub Events Calendar and Student Organization Finder

College life at UM is all about community, and the Griz Hub events calendar and student organization finder is a great way to stay connected. You can use Griz Hub to learn about UM student organizations, find events at the UC and all across campus, and connect with other students who share your interests. Learn more about Griz Hub.

UM’s Student Life Activities

Find events planned by students, for students. UM Student Life Activities offers the most diverse selection of student activities on campus — from guest lectures and workshops to trivia nights and eSports tournaments. Learn more about the UM Student Life Activities and view upcoming events.

UM Food Pantry

The UM Food Pantry first opened in 2019 in response to findings from a student-led Committee on Basic Needs Insecurity. It provides free food and personal care products to UM students and community members in need. Located on the first floor, the UM Food Pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pantry also offers assistance with SNAP applications and volunteer opportunities. For more information email umpantry@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-5125.

The Gaming Den

The Gaming Den is located on the second floor of the UC and serves as game central at the University of Montana! The den provides a comfortable area for students to relax between classes. With ample seating, TVs, video gaming station, table tennis, billiards, ice skate rentals and more, the Gaming Den is always buzzing with activity.

The Gaming Den is also a proud partner with the Griz eSports team, providing space to for 300+ team members to practice, compete and hang out. The eSports team competes in four different NACE tournaments: Overwatch, League of Legends, Fortnite, and Rocket League. The den also hosts an eSports class.

And the Gaming Den offers more than just indoor activities! Looking for seasonal rentals such as ice skates, fire pits or lawn games? Pop into the den and get ready to have some fun.

Dining Options in the UC

If you find yourself in need of snack or even full meal, you can’t go wrong by heading to the University Center. Find a variety of fast-casual and grab-and-go options at the UC Food Court on the second floor. On the first floor, swing by The Market for gourmet coffee, teas and cold beverages, as well as snacks and baked goods that will fuel your day. Need a sugar fix? Stop by Pearl Boba Tea on the first floor and quench your thirst with the Taiwanese treat that is taking America by storm.

UC Gardens

The University Center is home a massive indoor garden of tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate plants that spans all three floors of the building. The center piece of the UC Gardens is the three-story-tall Fiddle-leaf fig tree, which stood just 8 feet tall when it was donated to UM by the University of Texas in 1972.

Walking into the transports you to a tropical garden of warmth – especially on a cold winter day. A babbling fountain on the first floor provides a sense of serenity and a home to UM’s own koi fish.

During outdoor growing season, vibrant gardens surround the perimeter of the building. The outdoor gardens contain perennials, vegetables, herbs, and plants that attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Student Government and Clubs

Student involvement is another core value at UM, and whether you’re interested in serving on student government or joining a club to grow your social network, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at UM.

Our student government is known as the Associated Student of the University of Montana, or ASUM. Students hold annual elections to select members of the ASUM Senate. Those voted into office work to enhance the student experience through providing services, advocating for the rights of all UM students and modeling trust and transparency among students, faculty and staff.

ASUM-recognized student groups represent a wide variety of topics and interests ranging from academic and pre-professional to spiritual and political and more. Currently, there are over 150 ASUM-recognized clubs and organizations.