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Welcome to Uncommon Hacks, the official hackathon of the University of Chicago! Spend 24 hours working on a project and meeting cool people in this one-of-a-kind experience! In our 2023 edition of Hacks, we're excited to bring you the biggest event since the pandemic, including the overnight component that makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

Although Hacks will have prizes, we place more emphasis on learning and collaboration than some kind of competitive aspect. So even if you've never coded before, please do sign up! A successful Hacks team needs people with different skill sets, and if you would like to learn how to code, we'll have workshops to help you do so.

FAQ

Schedule

    • 3/24 Friday Workshop night
    • 6:00-8:00 PM Game development with Python and Pyxel
    • 7:00-9:00 PM Web development with React and Typescript
    • 3/25 Day 1
    • 9:00 AM Doors open
    • 10:00 AM Opening ceremony
    • 10:30 AM Hacking begins
    • 12:00 PM Lunch
    • 1:00 PM Workshop: Vim: Ya Gotta Know it
    • 2:00 PM Activity: "The Caterpillar" (TypeRacer Showdown)
    • 4:00 PM Activity: "RRT" (Robot Rumble Tournament)
    • 6:00 PM Dinner
    • 8:00 PM Activity: "TTT" (Tank Trouble Tournament)
    • 10:30 PM PREMIER ACTIVITY: "Sydney in Wonderland: A Generative-AI Theater Challenge"
    • 11:59 PM Mad Hatter's Tea Party (Insomnia Cookies and Tea)/Play Performances
    • 3/26 Day 2
    • 8:00 AM Workshop: "I Give Myself Very Good Advice" (Meditation Primer)
    • 9:00 AM Breakfast
    • 10:00 AM Projects due, project fair
    • 11:00 AM Judge deliberation
    • 12:00 PM Awards, closing ceremony

Team

Meet the team behind Uncommon Hacks 2023 here!

Socials

What's a hackathon?

Hackathons are invention marathons where attendees collaborate on a project over the course of a weekend! Hackers will be in a fun, supportive environment with the necessary tools and mentorship provided to create weird, quirky, and amazing projects that creatively explore new ideas with code or solve unconventional problems. University and high school students from anywhere are welcome, even if you're not a computer science major or have never been to a hackathon before! We've written a guide for first-time hackers available here.

How do I apply?

Regular applications open on the week of Feb. 20 and will be due around two weeks later. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You can participate as long as you're a student enrolled in a high school or university, or you have graduated within the last 12 months. We aim to be beginner-friendly, so all are welcome! Check back on this website then, and follow our Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates!

When and where is Uncommon Hacks?

March 24th-26th 2023 @ the Polsky Exchange, 1452 E 53rd St., 2nd floor, Chicago, IL, 60615

What does the application process and timeline look like?

The process starts out with the hackathon application, which consists of basic demographic questions as well as a few ~mystery~ short answer ones. The Uncommon Hacks team will be reviewing the applications in waves, and you will be notified via email with the result of your application. If you've been accepted, you will have an RSVP link to complete as confirmation of your attendance. From there, you're all set - see you on our adventure!

Is Hacks only for undergraduate students?

No, high school or university students are welcome to come join us!

What can I make and who can I work with?

You are encouraged (but not required) to work in teams of up to five (5) people! Collaborating with hackers across different schools is especially welcome. We will offer plenty of opportunities for you to meet new people and make teams.

Our hackers created the most whimsical projects, from programatic contemporary art to a UChicago-themed battle royale. Check out our 2022 winning project gallery here

What if I'm new to coding?

We welcome everyone to apply, regardless of your background in tech! Even if you have limited coding or technical experience, we will have plenty of talks and workshops scheduled to introduce you to a plethora of different tools and technologies. We will also have mentors available throughout the weekend to help out if you ever get stuck or run out of ideas.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! Uncommon Hacks is free to attend. We will not offer travel reimbursement.

Did you say prizes?

Affirmative, we will be handing out various prizes to the top submissions.

What should I bring?

The basic thing is a laptop, and if you are planning on staying the night we recommend some additional items: a sleeping bag, change of clothes, and a toothbrush/toothpaste, but you don't have to stay the night although we may have limitations on when people can enter and exit the venue during the night.

What if I have other questions?

Email celery@uncommonhacks.com or shoot us a Facebook message.

How do I stay in touch with Uncommon Hacks?

Follow our Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates! To subscribe to our email list, fill out the form here.