Bringing SO to Recruitment/Interview Weekends

[bandinterwebs]

I'm about to begin the school visit and interview month and was planning to bring my significant other on these trips. My boyfriend is planning to move with me when I relocate for grad school, so I want him to get a feel for the cities and surroundings while I go through the formal interviews/professor meet-and-greets. We plan to cover his flight, separate lodging, and transportation on our own (we travel for work and have miles saved up for this purpose). I thought this must be a normal occurrence (bringing your SO along), but I can't seem to find much on The Google.

Assuming I would of course not bring him along to any formal gatherings/tours/interviews, and also assuming that we are a mature couple that wouldn't be weird or inappropriate in front of others:

1) Is it wildly inappropriate to bring him along to the city? 

2) If not, is it appropriate to ask the organizer about bringing him along to things like the sporting events (one visit includes a hockey game), etc.? What about casual drinks with other grad students and stuff like that? I don't want to step out of line or send the wrong message, but he is also part of this decision, so I would like to include him where possible.

I would've thought this was a more common scenario... 

 

[Biohazardia]

It seems the general consensus on this thread was that it's a good idea to ask the graduate department about it, and they will usually have a positive response.

 

[bandinterwebs]

Ah thanks for finding that!! Appreciate it!

 

Are there any thoughts on bringing SO's to social events?

Edited January 28, 2016 by bandinterwebs

[Eigen]

Depends on the social event. 

When I visited schools it was a solo recruitment event- not a group event. My wife came with me, and we went out for dinner together with faculty two of the nights. 

For group visits, I would say read into the event. If it's meant for you to network with faculty and/or students, might be better for them to find something else to do. 

If it's more pure social (i.e., we do post-dinner drinks for anyone interested as an optional affair) then I'd say go for it.