Living at WashU
WashU’s first-year residential areas include 10 residential communities in a section of campus known as the South 40, located at the southwest end of the Danforth Campus.
As you become more familiar with your student’s residential community, you will find a dedicated group of people willing and able to help with their transition.
- Each residence hall has a residential community director (RCD) who is a full-time staff member that lives in residence and facilitates community engagement within the halls, assists in day-to-day operations, and manages the team of resident advisors (RAs).
- RAs are trained upper-division students who live in residence and serve as leaders and peer mentors.
- WashU faculty members also work closely with first-year student communities, providing significant faculty-student interaction outside the classroom.
- Each residential community also has its own dedicated custodial and maintenance personnel.
Transfer housing
Families of transfer students: please explore other options if your student is not living in Residential Life housing.
Dining on campus
All undergraduate students living in university housing or enrolled in 12 or more hours are required to have a meal plan. There is no meal plan waiver offered for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Our dining program operates on a points system with a declining balance as points are used. Meal points are allocated per semester and may be used at all Dining Services locations on the Danforth, North, and West Campuses, including Paws & Go and Millbrook Markets.
Effective budgeting is crucial for supporting students’ daily activities on campus, starting with the selection of a meal plan that suits their anticipated food purchases. As you and your student plan, consider their food preferences and ensure the chosen plan accommodates their needs across all residential and retail dining options. If your student needs time to assess their evolving needs, they can begin with a smaller plan and upgrade once they have settled into their routine.
Dining Services has experience meeting the nutritional needs of students observing a wide range of diets, including allergen-free, vegetarian, vegan, Halal and Kosher, among others.
Our team of registered dietitians is available to address nutrition questions and concerns in one-on-one consultations. Please email to schedule a consultation.