Highly ranked Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. The Danforth Campus is the heart of Wash U, home to just over 7,500 undergraduates, and the majority of academic buildings and student centers. The Loop, bordering campus to the North is the historic district of St. Louis vibrant with restaurants, boutiques and retro buildings such as a bowling alley and a 1920's movie theater. Nearby Forest Park offers students biking and hiking trails, golf, tennis and the St. Louis Art Museum.
Visitor Information: Tour WashU - check in at the Millstone Lounge 1st Floor, Danforth University Center.
Transportation: The nearest airport to Wash U is the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Southwest Airlines flies into the East Terminal, and all other carriers fly into the Main Terminal. For information regarding shuttles, taxis, driving directions, and the metrolink from the airport click here. The Metro-accessible St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center in downtown St. Louis is home to the Amtrak and Greyhound stations. Megabus service to Kansas City, Chicago, and other Midwest destinations is available from Union Station, which is also Metro-accessible.
Stay: The Knight Center, located on the beautiful campus of Washington U, is the most convenient hotel option. Both the Chase Park Plaza, a historic hotel adjacent to Forest Park, and the Ritz Carlton are just a short 10-minute drive from the school. Looking for something fun? Check in to the quirky, boutique Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar Loop District. Splurge on a room at The Four Seasons, located in the downtown entertainment district, approximately 15 minutes by car, with beautiful views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. Other options, all within 15-20 minutes of campus include the Hampton Inn and Suites Clayton, Homewood Suites by Hilton St.Louis Galleria and the Sheraton Clayton.
Coffee: Kaldi’s Coffee and Kayak’s are popular student hangouts, both located close to campus, with a branch of Kaldi’s located on campus at the Farrell Learning Center. Other spots on-campus students frequent are Einstein Bros. Bagels, located in Simon Hall and Starbucks in Bauer Hall. Compliment your coffee with a homemade yeast doughnut at Vincent Van Doughnut where the Lemon Lavender or the Chocolate Chip Cookie are bestsellers. Go early (they open at 6 am weekdays, 7 on the weekends) as they sell out quickly.
Breakfast: Both in Clayton, Companion and Half and Half are popular spots for a morning meal. If you have more time it’s worth a short drive to fuel up at two favorite St. Louis breakfast spots: the Mud House, a coffee bar and restaurant offering ingredients from local purveyors or the Kingside Diner, serving breakfast all day. One student always takes her visiting parents to Gamlin Whiskey House for Saturday or Sunday brunch stating "this is one of St. Louis underrated brunch spots with incredible food."
Lunch: One student suggests: "If I were on a tour I would eat on campus. I think it gives any prospective student an appreciation for how great the food at Wash U is! The main food courts on campus are Bear's Den (on the South 40), the Danforth University Center (referred to as the "DUC," on the main campus), and The Village, which is near the fraternity houses.”If you want to venture off campus head to Fitz’s in the Loop (a ten minute walk) for chili, sandwiches, and salads. Nationally recognized, Pappy’s Smokehouse sets the standard in St. Louis for its Memphis style BBQ, the line can reach around the block, but it’s well worth the wait. Year old Salt & Smoke is giving Pappy’s some competition, a Texas-style barbecue joint where brisket and bourbon are keeping the crowds happy.
Dinner
Casual: One student insisted pizza fans must try St. Louis style pizza while in town: "the signature super thin cracker crust converted me--I used to think NY had the best pizza before I came to school here--Imo’s serves up an excellent classic pie." Pastaria is a modern tratttoria and a WashU favorite from award winning chef Gerard Craft. Don't miss a chance to try his homemade pastas or wood fired pizzas with inventive twists. Sip some house made sangria while nibbling on delicious tapas at BARcelona. Serving modern Japanese, Drunken Fish is considered one of St. Louis’ best sushi spots. Build your own burger at Sub Zero Vodka Bar, the cocktail list is one of the most extensive in town. Planters House in Lafayette Square is a good place to unwind, showcasing two bars in a stunning space with a nice menu to go along with your drinks.
A Step Up: French-inspired Brasserie is another hit from chef Gerard Craft, named Best Chef in the Midwest at the James Beard Awards in 2015. Seating may be limited, but the flavors are not at eclectic hot-spot Taste. They don’t take reservations so you might have to wait and enjoy their killer cocktails. In the Central West End, Scape is a hip stop for innovative American fare. The St. Louis restaurant scene has been buzzing: some of the best food can be found at Libertine, Niche, Farmhaus, and the beloved Sidney Street Cafe.
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Late Night Snack and Sweets: Follow the students to Mission Taco in the Loop, open late till 1 am. Another favorite student late-night haunt is Peacock Diner, open 24 hours. Head to Piccione Pastry for delicious Italian pastries; order a cannoli with different filling options such as pistachio or chocolate chip. Selling custard for over 80 years Ted Drewes is a national institution, located on historic Route 66. Hometown native, Danny Meyer credits this popular spot as his inspiration for Shake Shack's custard concretes. One student raves about Johns Donut--"absolutely a must if you're a donut fan!"
Local Attractions: Baseball fans should check ahead to see if the Cardinals are in town--how fun to catch a game at Busch Stadium! All ages are welcome to tour the original Budweiser factory, which includes a stop at the famous Clydesdale Stables. Stroll the beautiful grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden or go for a walk in Forest Park, home to the zoo and The St. Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum. A symbol of the city, book a timed visit at the Gateway Arch for stellar views from the top of America’s tallest man-made monument.
Tour Wash U
— QUOTES FROM CAMPUS —
“Wash U hits the perfect balance between large/small school, campus/city, and academic/fun. The student body is diverse and welcoming, the campus is beautiful, and the food is incredible.”
“Take advantage of all the research opportunities available to you! Wash U offers tons of academic flexibility—you can chart your own course of study.”
“I love the campus feel of Wash U, and having the benefits of St. Louis just a short drive away!”
“WashU is a work hard play hard environment. Students are very passionate about everything they do and definitely live up to Midwest hospitality by being open to collaboration in class and meeting new people.”
“Wash U is big enough that I’m always meeting new people, yet small enough that I feel at home!”
WASH U FAST FACTS
Established
1853
Mascot
Bear
School Colors
Green & Red
Acceptance Rate
16.2%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
No
Early Action/Decision
Early Decision
SAT - AVG
1520
ACT - AVG
33
Type
Private
Size
Medium - 7,000 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
Campus Box 1089, One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
(p) (314) 935-6000
(f) (314) 935-4290
admissions@wustl.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division III
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Sam Fox
John H. Biggs
William H. Webster
SHOP
WASH U
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