I'm interested in Washington University in St. Louis, but I want to know more about the campus vibe. Is it more academic-focused or is there a strong social scene? What kind of activities and clubs do they offer?
Washington University in St. Louis (also known as WashU), boasts a vibrant campus life, balanced between a strong academic culture and a full array of social activities.
Academically, students are known for being intelligent and driven, but there's a spirit of collaboration rather than competitiveness among students, which is quite nice. Additionally, there's a major emphasis on research, even for undergraduates, so if that's something you're interested in pursuing, you'll have many opportunities here.
When it comes to the social scene, WashU might surprise you. It's not necessarily a party school, but there's an active social life and many events going on. There are traditional activities like homecoming, and WashU also hosts popular events like the ThurtenE carnival, which is one of the largest and oldest student-run carnivals in the nation.
The university offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, so you will likely find an organization that caters to your interests, whether that's politics, service, arts, culture, sports, academic honor societies, or something else. For instance, there's the StudLife (student-run newspaper), Mock Trial teams, and cultural groups like the Association of Black Students and Pride Alliance.
The campus is home to a vast athletics community, both competitive and intramural. a vibrant Greek life that encompasses around a third of the student body. If Greek Life isn't your thing, don't worry — it's only one part of the social scene and not a dominant one.
Beyond the campus bounds, the city of St. Louis also supplies plenty of activities. Check out the Delmar Loop, an entertainment district that's a popular off-campus hangout for dining and shopping. Additionally, various free museums and the stunning Forest Park give you ample opportunities for exploration.
All these qualities make the campus life at Washington University very dynamic and well-rounded. Remember, every individual's experience is different, so consider visiting the campus to see if it feels like the right fit for you!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.