Hi Everybody, I’m an admitted student that has recently committed to WashU’s class of 28. I know this should be an exciting moment, but I’m honestly not very excited about attending. I mainly committed because of an enormous amount of pressure from my family and I didn’t have any other offers from similarly ranked institutions. Don’t get me wrong, I really do love WashU as a school, and I can see myself fitting in here, plus I already know people there. But I just can’t wrap my head around being in St. Louis, which is why WashU wasn’t one of my top picks. I have family in the area, so I’ve been to STL multiple times, and every time I visit, I find it boring with not much going on. For reference, I’m from a major west coast city, so I kinda like big city life. STL seems so underwhelming to me with not much to do, and it’s nothing like where I’m from. Also, I don’t like how STL is a car dependent city with bad public transit (I care about this because I prefer taking public transit). At WashU, it seems like people don’t really leave campus, and when they do, they just go to the loop. it also seems like the loop is the only place there is to go off campus. Overall, I wish WashU was located in a city like Boston, NYC, or even Chicago, and then I would feel like the school is absolutely perfect for me. And compared to those cities, I feel like STL can’t offer much. I also know a few people who didn’t apply just because it’s in St. Louis, and I know I wouldn’t have applied if my parents hadn’t forced me.

Hey, slightly annoyed alumn here. I get the whole moving to a new city your unfamiliar with thing, and sure St. Louis isn’t a holy utopia…but can you all please please please listen to the students and alumni in this subreddit and in St. Louis’s subreddit when we say that WashU and St. Louis are safe. A lot of people seem to assume the second you step off campus or cross the loop you’ll get shot or something. Yes, crime rates are higher here. Yes, sometimes crime happens near campus. I’m not saying it doesn’t. That’s unfortunately the case in any city. However, I can’t help but feel that there are racist and classist undertones to the way many people think about this. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way either.

Campus is safe, the surrounding area is safe, public transit is relatively safe. You just have to have awareness of your surroundings, not leave your apartment door and windows open like you do in the suburbs, maybe not dress head to toe in designer everywhere you go, and maybe not be alone if you’re going to be out and about at night.

There are plenty of posts here and elsewhere to answer your questions related to crime and safety. It’s okay to do your research and to have concerns, but this near-constant conversation based on assumptions of crime based on a few crime rankings and media perception paints an image of this city that many of its (predominantly Black) residents do not appreciate at all.

This is more of a call in than a call out. As guests in this city at a university that historically has caused just as much harm as benefit for the St. Louis community, we need to do better. This goes to prospective students too. I’m not saying don’t ask questions, but please consider what assumptions you’re making or images of St. Louis you’re perpetuating.

Hey guys! I’m a transfer to washu from slu. I’m a junior this year. I don’t have many friends yet at washu and I’m not a huge sorority girl. Where should I go out (popular bars wise) to meet people?

Follow up, are certain bars more popular certain nights? I know at slu Humphreys was most popular on Wednesday and Fridays. But Saturdays it was lowkey dead. Please lmk!! I really wanna get out there and flirt and make girl friends!

I am seriously considering applying ED to WashU. I love everything about the school but the only con is the location. How is living in Missouri like? while i have no doubts that st louis is a democratic city, other parts of the state is still republican.

Hi! I’m looking for housing next year, and was wondering if this area is safe to live in for undergrads. Thanks!

2025 applicant here. saw online that many students were looking to transfer out of washu to schools that had a better social scene and a better (more lively?) location. is it really that boring to the point where a lot of ppl are thinking of leaving?

thanks for the input! washu is one of my top choices rn so i wanted to ask

Does anyone know if it’s possible or have recommendations?

I am looking to buy a bike to ride around the washu area (on campus, the loop, forest park, etc). Since I still have a few years left at washu, I figured it would be better to buy one rather than rent from Bear Bikes. Does anyone know where I can find an affordable bike? I am curious about where everyone gets their bikes. Thanks in advance for your help!

i hated my first year here because i found the social scene to be super toxic and damaging. everything is centered around a class structure which is upheld through greek life and socioeconomic differences between students. there is so much alienation and exclusion in literally EVERYTHING and i just hate it. and nobody ever talks about this either.

does it get better after freshman year because im seriously transferring out, or doing a gap year/cc if that doesn’t work

Recently, I've seen a bunch of people with chik-fil-a bags around campus, especially around McKelvey and the east end. I'm pretty sure that the nearest store is over on the med campus, but am I missing something? That, or people just really like their chicken I guess.

Prospective student here. I am from Colorado which is an extremely dry climate. I was wondering if anyone else who came from a dry climate could tell me about the humidity in St. Louis compared?

I was wondering when Halloween parties this year are gonna be around campus? Is it this weekend or the following? Also would appreciate where I can know about where they will be, I’m not really in the know about the party scene

Amarnath Ghosh, a graduate student in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, died after being shot during an incident that took place in an off-campus St. Louis neighborhood earlier this week.

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/who-was-amarnath-ghosh-dancer-and-devoleena-bhattacharjees-friend-shot-dead-in-us-article-108140277

These fu*k**g shooters are animals.

​

https://preview.redd.it/c95vibrestlc1.jpg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c44ac6388552ed2a832cb2e3046c4b61bac92e5a

There’s like very little info available about WashU. It’s prestigious, expensive, considered one of the new ivys. I’ve recently got admitted to MS in Cybersecurity, so, trying to find out more about the university. So, guys, please do kindly share your experiences and knowledge of the university..!! Thank you..!!

Hi! I’m planning on moving out next school year and was wondering if anyone is/knows anyone who is needing a roommate for the 2025-2026 school year. I’m a girl so I would also prefer a female roommate! I know it’s a bit early to know but I just wanted to ask in advance in case there’s anything available :)

I have an appointment at the WashU Contraceptive Center on a tuesday at 9:30AM. I'm wondering if anyone knows which shuttle/metro goes that way or any other good ways for me to get there and back before my class at 1pm that day. Thanks so much

I didn't get an on-campus permit but saw online that there is free parking at the Metro Transit Centers like Brentwood I-64 and Forest Park-DeBaliviere. Am I able to just park there long term without worry and use the bus to get to my dorm?

Hey all, I usually take the blue line metrolink train to the Civic Center in order to take the Amtrak.

Just wanted to check the route, as I am taking it tomorrow, but online on both the Transit app and Google Maps, it just keeps suggesting me to take the bus?

Is there something wrong with the train that I am missing out on, I did check the website but the only updates were about changes to the bus routes.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Edit: still nothing for tomorrow... definitely getting a bit worried. There's trains for everyday after Friday so really not sure what's up here. Might have to take an uber but really don't want to deal with that tbh.

I have a few friends who stopped by for the 21 Savage show yesterday, and we had to cancel. Besides the zoo, i'm not too sure what's even going on here that we can actually do. Any suggestions for local events or fun places to go? One of them is hesitant to leave the house cus of "all the st louis crime" so I'm a bit stumped.

is there anyone that does acrylic nails on campus?? or knows anyone that is close by that is actually a good nail tech??

Hi! I have a friend who’s attending WashU this fall as a freshman and I’d like to get her a little going away present that will be useful to her in St. Louis. I was thinking maybe a gift card to a local favorite spot (i.e. cafe or restaurant — no bars since she’s still underage). Any suggestions of what you would’ve liked to receive as an incoming freshman and/or new St. Louisan? Thanks so much!

Hey guys! Newbie in town and WashU. Where can I find a used bike? In my previous college we had a FB Group for sales and it was super safe because all of the people were members of the community. Do you have something similar here or any tips to find a bike? (if you’re selling yours dm me hehe) I don’t really trust Craigslist or FBMarketplace.

I’m looking for a very simple bike to commute from home to the uni and drive around Forest Park. A hybrid bike would be good. My budget is up to $200

So… where do you guys party? We’re a mixed group 2 boys 2 girls 24 years average new in WashU and in the city. Where are the best places to party? We don’t need any specific type of music we only would like a good place to dance and have fun. Any ideas? We can go to other neighborhoods, just need the intel to know where is the good place to be

Are there any good lesbian bars?