I just got admitted to Washington University in St. Louis (Woohoo!) and now I’m super curious about the dorm situation. Can anyone share their experiences living on campus at Wash U? What are the dorms like?
Congrats on your acceptance to Wash U!
As you prepare for your college experience, the living situation is indeed an important aspect to consider. At Washington University in St. Louis, first-year students live on what's known as the South 40, which includes residential colleges and dormitories such as Lee and Beaumont, Umrath and Danforth, and Eliot B and Hitzeman.
From what I've heard, many students considered the dorms there to be quite spacious and comfortable, and each residential college has a unique community and culture. The South 40 has numerous amenities and conveniences like the Bear's Den dining hall, a small convenience store, study lounges, and a fitness center, among others.Rooms typically come as doubles or singles in suite-style living, i.e., a common room with an attached bathroom. Most often, two doubles (4 students) will share one bathroom. The rooms come furnished and students are allowed to add refrigerators and microwaves to their rooms.
Something I have often heard appreciated about the dorms is the ample storage space. Things like under-the-bed storage and closets are features in many of the rooms. Also, the rooms' large windows let in lots of natural light which creates a bright and welcoming environment.
After the first year, lots of students move to apartment-style housing on the North Side or go off-campus. The Village is a popular option for upperclassmen, offering apartment-style living with a living room, kitchen, and individual rooms.
All in all, from what I've gathered, the consensus is that dorm life at WashU is generally quite good, with comfortable accommodations, a strong sense of community, and plenty of amenities. However, personal experiences can vary.It may also be useful to connect directly with current students or recent grads for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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