Alright, let's talk about dorms at Washington University in St. Louis, or WashU as you'll soon be calling it. If you're headed to this top-tier school, you're in for a treat when it comes to housing. Honestly, WashU is known for having some of the best dorms in the country, and for good reason. Forget those horror stories of tiny, cinderblock rooms with questionable plumbing. At WashU, you're more likely to find Tempur-pedic mattresses & modern amenities.
But "best" is subjective, right? What works for a social butterfly who loves being in the center of it all might not be the right fit for someone who needs a quiet space to recharge. So, let's break down the different options, the pros & cons, & what you can realistically expect from your new home away from home.
The South 40: The Heart of Underclassman Life
First things first, you've got to understand the South 40. This is where all first-year students & most sophomores live, & it's more like a small town than a traditional college campus. It's a massive residential area at the southwest end of the Danforth Campus with its own dining halls, a fitness center, a convenience store, a mailroom, & even a student-run gift shop. The South 40 is buzzing with energy, & it's designed to help you build a strong sense of community from day one. There are always events happening, from outdoor music festivals to trips into St. Louis, all organized by the Congress of the South 40 (CS40).
Now, within the South 40, there are two main types of dorms: modern & traditional.
Modern Dorms: Suite Life & Convenience
The modern dorms are what you probably picture when you think of "nice college housing." They're typically arranged in suites, with two double rooms connected by a private bathroom. Some even have single & triple room options. These buildings all have elevators, which is a HUGE plus on move-in day.
So, which are the best of the best when it comes to modern dorms? Here's the rundown:
- Umrath House & South 40 House (SoFoHo): These two are consistently ranked at the top, & for good reason. They are clean, modern, & conveniently located. Umrath is even connected to the fitness center, so you can roll out of bed & go for a workout without ever stepping outside – a major perk during those cold St. Louis winters. SoFoHo is also praised for its upscale feel & prime location.
- Lien & Gregg: These are another two popular choices, mainly because they are the closest to the main academic campus. If you're the type to wake up ten minutes before class, this is a major advantage. Gregg is particularly popular with sophomores, with its four-person single suites & weekly bathroom cleaning service.
- Koenig & Liggett: These are considered top-tier dorms on the South 40. They are conveniently located near campus, the Wallace Garage, & the Clocktower. They are also connected, making the building feel huge, & they have a ton of laundry machines & a great basement with a game room.
- Park & Mudd: These dorms have a reputation for being some of the more fun & social options on the South 40, with some of the biggest common rooms. The rooms themselves are also on the larger side. The downside? They're a bit of a hike from the main campus, & it's uphill.
- Danforth, Wheeler, & Shepley: These dorms are known for having some of the nicer study rooms on the South 40, & they feel very clean & modern. Danforth has a massive laundry room, which is a definite plus. The main drawback is their location in what students call the "Swamp," which is the furthest from the main campus.
- Eliot A & B: These are smaller dorms, which means less competition for laundry machines & a more relaxed vibe. The downside is that they don't have their own printers, so you'll have to pop over to Bear's Den or Koenig/Liggett to print your papers.
Now, don't let the word "traditional" scare you. At WashU, traditional doesn't mean run-down. These dorms have single, double, & triple room options with communal bathrooms on each floor. Some are even set up in a suite style with a shared living area. The biggest thing to know is that these buildings don't have elevators, so be prepared for some stairs.
Here's a look at some of the traditional dorm options:
- Lee & Beaumont: These are two of the most dated dorms on campus, with communal bathrooms & smaller rooms. However, some students appreciate the sense of community that comes with sharing a floor with so many people.
- Dauten, Rutledge, & Shanedling: These dorms are set up as four to six-person suites with balconies & nice common rooms. Dauten is home to a large basement kitchen that's a popular spot for students from all over the South 40 to cook their own meals.
The Village: A Step Towards Independence
Once you're an upperclassman (or a particularly savvy sophomore), you have the option of living in the Village. This area is primarily for juniors & some sophomores, & it offers a more independent living experience. The dorms in the Village are more like apartments, with many featuring kitchenettes. It's also conveniently located near the athletic center & has its own dining hall & even an outdoor pool.
The Village is generally quieter than the South 40, with fewer of the large-scale underclassmen events. It's a great option if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere & a bit more space.
- Village East (VEast): This is one of the newer buildings in the Village, & it's more like an apartment building than a traditional dorm. It even has double beds, bathtubs, & dishwashers in the suites.
- Lopata House: This dorm is close to the metro stop & frat row, & it has a large common space for events. However, there are no common rooms or kitchens within the suites themselves.
- Millbrook: These apartments have full kitchens, which is a big draw for students who want to cook for themselves. Some even have balconies.
Off-Campus & The Lofts: The Ultimate Freedom
For juniors & seniors who are ready to spread their wings, there are plenty of off-campus housing options, including apartments in the nearby Delmar Loop. The Lofts, located right on Delmar, offer a vibrant nightlife at your doorstep, but they come with a higher price tag.
If you're considering moving off-campus, you'll have to think about things like parking. It can be a real hassle in a busy area like the Delmar Loop. That's where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects people who have extra driveway or garage space with drivers who need a place to park. It's a pretty cool way to find a convenient & affordable parking spot near your apartment, so you don't have to spend your precious study time circling the block looking for a space.
What's Included & What's the Cost?
No matter which dorm you choose, all rooms at WashU come with the essentials: an extra-long twin bed, a desk, a chair, a dresser, & a closet or wardrobe. All utilities, including electricity, gas, water, heating, A/C, & wireless internet, are included in your room fees. Laundry is also free, which is a HUGE bonus.
As for the cost, it varies depending on the type of room you have. For the 2025-2026 academic year, you can expect to pay a semesterly room rate. You'll also be required to have a meal plan, which also has a range of costs.
The Social Scene: What to Really Expect
So, what's the social life really like at WashU? The consensus seems to be that it's what you make of it. It's not a huge party school in the traditional sense, & the Greek life isn't as prominent as it is at some other universities. Students at WashU are academically focused, & you'll find that a lot of your time is spent studying.
That being said, there are definitely opportunities to have fun. The social scene for underclassmen is largely centered around the dorms on the South 40. Upperclassmen tend to have parties in their off-campus apartments or go to bars & clubs. There are also a ton of student clubs & organizations, & getting involved in those is a great way to meet people & build a social circle.
So, What's the "Best" Dorm?
Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm at WashU. It really comes down to your personal preferences.
- If you want to be in the heart of the action with all the modern amenities, aim for a modern dorm on the South 40 like Umrath, SoFoHo, Koenig, or Liggett.
- If you're looking for a more social & lively atmosphere, check out Park or Mudd.
- If you value a quiet study environment, a smaller dorm like Eliot A or B might be a good fit.
- If you want a more independent living experience, The Village is the place to be.
No matter where you end up, you're pretty much guaranteed to have a comfortable & well-maintained living space. WashU's reputation for great dorms is well-deserved.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think.
