What's campus life like at Saint Louis University?

I'm considering applying to Saint Louis University, but I really want to get a sense of what life on campus is like there. For current students or anyone who has visited, what are some highlights or drawbacks of the student life? How is the community, and are there plenty of extracurriculars and events? Also, how is the balance between academics and social life? I'm trying to get a full picture to see if it’s a place where I’d thrive.

Saint Louis University (SLU) is located in the midtown neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Being in the heart of a city, SLU students have access to all the amenities and opportunities that St. Louis offers. This means there are plenty of off-campus activities such as exploring the various cafes, going to the museums, enjoying St. Louis's thriving music scene, or visiting the famous Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo.

On campus, the student life at SLU is quite lively and diverse. There are more than 200 student organizations that cater to every interest imaginable, so it's quite easy to get involved in extracurriculars. These range from academic clubs, service organizations, Greek life, and arts groups to multicultural clubs, and sports teams. Additionally, the university often hosts events like guest speaker series, concerts, and various cultural and community events, ensuring there's pretty much always something to do.

Academics at SLU are rigorous but there seems to be an overall sense of balance between work and play. The faculty are generally understanding and supportive, and many students appreciate the smaller class sizes that allow for more personalized attention. The student body itself is generally described as friendly and community-oriented, and there's a strong sense of cooperation rather than competition.

SLU also places a strong emphasis on service, and you'll find numerous volunteer opportunities through the school's Campus Ministry and Center for Service and Community Engagement. Many students say this element of social responsibility enhances the sense of community, and helps create a well-rounded college experience.

In terms of drawbacks, like any urban university, certain safety concerns can come up, and it's important for students to be aware of their surroundings, especially if they're out and about in the city. The university, however, has safety measures and services in place such as campus emergency phones and a campus shuttle service.

Lastly, the weather in St. Louis is typical of the Midwest: it can be a bit unpredictable, with hot and humid summers, and cold, potentially snowy, winters. If you're coming from a region with a milder climate, this could be something to consider.

Overall, the combination of urban and campus life, a multitude of extracurricular opportunities, a solid academic curriculum, and a strong community make SLU an engaging and dynamic environment for college-life. However, as with any college, it would be valuable to visit the campus or connect with current students or alumni to get a feel for whether this environment suits you personally.