Residential Life Reporter |
|
|
As the semester comes to a close, we want to take a moment to congratulate you on making it to the end of the term. This semester required focus, persistence, and resilience—and you should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. We wish you the very best as you wrap up final exams, projects, and papers.
As you prepare for Winter Break, please remember to complete the Winter Break Checklist if you are leaving campus and planning to return in January. Taking a few minutes to prepare your space helps ensure a smooth break and an easy return.
If you will be staying on campus over Winter Break, please review the Winter Break housing information and be mindful of reduced services, adjusted desk hours, and building access during this period. Our team remains available to support you, and we appreciate your attention to these guidelines to help ensure a safe and comfortable break.
If you are graduating or departing the university, please be sure to carefully follow all move-out instructions to avoid any issues and ensure your departure goes smoothly.
For those returning next semester, we can’t wait to welcome you back in January and begin the new term together.
Until then, travel safely, take time to rest and recharge, and enjoy your Winter Break.
Warm regards,
Residential Life
|
As temperatures drop below freezing, we ask that you help us protect our buildings, your belongings, and help maintain a safe living environment. Please make sure your windows remain closed during cold weather. Open windows, even slightly, can lead to frozen pipes, water damage, and other costly facilities issues. Additionally, any time you leave your room--even for a short period--please ensure your window is fully closed and locked.
Taking this small step goes a long way in preventing building damage and helps keep your space warm and comfortable throughout the winter season. If you are experiencing issues with the temperature in your room, please submit a Maintenance Request.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our community safe.
|
|
|
Winter Break Preparations
|
Winter Break is Thursday, December 18 to Thursday, January 9. Students wishing to remain in their rooms over Winter Break will need to notify Residential Life of their intent via the WashU Housing Portal. Reminder: Winter Break Housing is for current students who will be returning to Residential Life in the spring semester.
Please note that building access will be shut off for all students except those who have registered for Winter Break Housing on the WashU Housing Portal.
If you will not be remaining in your room during Winter Break, please make sure that you follow the steps on the Winter Break Checklist below before departing.
If you will not be returning to the university in January, then you will need to complete the checklist found on the Move-Out Instructions webpage.
Move-Out Instructions →
|
Information about dining hours and available services over break periods is available on the Dining Services website.
|
- Keep heat on (65 degrees or low) but not off
- Close and latch/lock all windows & balcony doors (if applicable)
- Unplug everything (defrost refrigerator then leave unplugged)
- Fish tanks may remain plugged in
-
Unplug alarm clock
- Move furniture away from heater or vents
- Close the blinds
- Turn off lights
- Lock your door(s).
- Remove bikes from room. If you need a bike lock, please visit WashU Police in Lien House
- Take valuables with you.
- Take out the trash and recycling
- Complete Express Check-out on the WashU Housing Portal only after you have left for the semester. Submitting the Express Check-out will turn off your building access.
|
Leaving the university at the end of fall semester?
|
Students who will not be returning to Residential Life in January must be moved out by 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 at noon. Please click on the link below for more information on preparing your room if you are leaving the university at the end of the semester.
Move-Out Instructions →
|
|
|
|
Sophomore Housing Renewal
|
The Housing Application for Rising Sophomores opened on Monday, December 1, 2026. Grouping closes on Sunday, February 8 on the Housing Portal.
Sophomore Housing Renewal →
|
| |
| Junior & Senior Housing Renewal
|
|
|
|
Information about dining hours and available services over break periods is available can be found below
Dining Services website →
|
|
|
| MAIL AND RECEIVING SERVICES
|
University Services Mail Update |
USPS is making route adjustments across St. Louis through early 2026. During this transition, some mail may arrive a day later than usual. These changes are part of a nationwide effort to improve long-term delivery consistency. If you’re expecting important mail, plan ahead and allow extra time.
|
|
|
Upcoming events and programs
|
|
|
Civic Fellows Program
First-year and sophomore students can apply starting Dec. 17 until Feb. 1 for the Civic Fellows Program (formerly Civic Scholars), a rigorous academic program that includes three semesters of coursework (eight academic credits), leadership training, mentorship, experiential learning, overnight immersion trips in DC and Missouri, and a funded Civic Summer project. The Civic Fellows Program goes beyond the classroom, developing a tight-knit cohort of future civic leaders learning about civic engagement strategies, policy and government, civic dialogues, and how to contribute as a citizen of democracy. Civic Fellows also receive an academic summer award of $7,500 or more to support a substantial civic project or internship during the summer between the first and second years in the program. Learn more and apply by Feb. 1.
|
Seeking proposals for Civic Action Week events
Mark your calendars for our third annual Civic Action Week, kicking off on Feb. 16, 2026! CAW is a weeklong initiative to highlight civic engagement opportunities throughout WashU. All week across campus, different student groups, faculty, and staff will host events and other opportunities to engage. Accepted proposals will be promoted by Gephardt and are eligible for grant funding of up to $500 from the institute. Submit your ideas for speakers, panels, service projects, collaborative art, and more by Friday, Jan. 16. Learn more and submit your proposal by Jan. 16! CAW
|
Gephardt – Principles & Priorities event
Join the Gephardt Institute for “Principles & Priorities: An Interactive Federal Budget Challenge,” on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. in DUC 276. Principles & Priorities is The Concord Coalition’s flagship interactive federal budget exercise that brings students, faculty, and staff directly into the driver’s seat of national fiscal policy. During this engaging, fast-paced workshop, attendees receive a menu of real policy options across major areas of the federal budget, including Social Security, Medicare, defense, domestic priorities, and revenues. Working together in small groups, they debate priorities, negotiate trade-offs, and ultimately design their own plan to stabilize the federal debt over the coming decades. This event is open to members of the WashU community, and is co-sponsored by the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy and the Department of Political Science.
|
Civic Action Lab
The Gephardt Institute, in partnership with WashU Arts & Sciences, has added two new courses to their Civic Action Lab catalog that integrate academic, civic, and experiential learning in Spring 2026. Students can register now for SOC 1250 Foundations of Civic Engagement and PolSci 3528 State and Local Government.
How can citizens take action to support the social and civic issues that they care about? In SOC 1250 Foundations of Civic Engagement, students will learn about the strategies people can use to change and improve their communities. From voting and public comment periods to actions that extend beyond government, like grassroots organizing, community service, philanthropy, civic dialogue, media campaigns and more, Foundations of Civic provides an introductory-level overview of the theory and practice of civic engagement in the context of U.S. democracy.
State and local government have unique policy domains, political processes, and effects on residents’ lives — and they are also more accessible to the public. In PolSci 3528 State and Local Government, students will learn about the levers of civic engagement, advocacy, and learning at the state and local levels; models of state and local policymaking and governance; and best practices for engaging government officials.
|
|
|
Student Health Center- Rx Safety Tips
|
Check out our top tips regarding prescription medication safety. Stay safe and good luck on finals!
|
|
|
|
24 hour quiet hours began |
24 Hour Quiet Hours began on Friday, December 5 at 11:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until residence halls and apartments close for the semester.
|
|
|
| Reading period and final exams
|
|
|
| Bear's Den & Village House Dining
|
Take a break from studying and join us for a wickedly good time at this fall’s Moonlight Breakfast on Wednesday, December 10, from 9–11 p.m. at Bear’s Den and The Village. Enjoy a late-night breakfast, great music, and good vibes before wrapping up the semester. Moonlight Breakfast is free for WashU undergraduate students with a meal plan — just bring your WashU ID!
|
|
|
|
Fall late stay request due |
The deadline for late stay requests is Sunday, December 14 at 11:59 p.m. If you submit a request after this date, it is not typically a request we will approve outside of emergency situations.
|
|
|
|
Residence halls & apartments close for winter |
Winter Break is Thursday, December 18 to Thursday, January 9. Students wishing to remain in their rooms over Winter Break will need to notify Residential Life of their intent via the WashU Housing Portal. Reminder: Winter Break Housing is for current students who will be returning to Residential Life in the spring semester.
|
|
|
| Failure to be checked out by 12:00 p.m. without an approved Late Stay Request will result in a in a $50 Improper Check-Out Fine in addition to the $60 per night Late Stay Fee.
Learn more about check-out →
|
|
|
|
Residence halls & apartments re-open for spring semester |
Student can begin returning to Residential Life housing at 9 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Housing application opens for rising juniors & seniors |
|
|
Residential Life provides printers and copiers in several of our communities. For more information click on the link below.
|
|
|
Explore our services aimed to create seamless experiences for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
|
|
|
|
Avoid using magnetic card holders, sleeves, or phone cases for your WashU ID and Room Key Cards. The magnetic material can damage the technology in your cards, causing them to stop working and potentially locking you out of your room. To keep your cards working properly, store them in a non-magnetic holder or wallet. In the event that your WashU ID stops working on any Residential Life facility, stop by the nearest Residential Life office for assistance.
|
|
|
| If you have any emergency maintenance need, please let your RA or RCD know. If you are unable to quickly find an RA or RCD, please call WashU Police at (314) 935-5555.
Emergencies include things like overflowing water, leaks, lack of heating/AC, no power, or clogged drains.
For all other maintenance issues, please submit a Maintenance Request →.
|
|
|
If you find yourself locked out of your room, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. During business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday), please use the kiosks at your nearest Residential Life office to request assistance. If it’s after hours or on weekends, contact the Residential Life staff on duty for support.
You can reach them via phone at (314) 935-5555.
Remember to always carry your WashU ID Card and Room Key to help avoid lockouts and ensure smooth access to your space.
|
|
|
Residential Life Office Locations |
|
|
The Residential Life Center in
Zetcher House
|
| The Residential Life Office in
Village House
|
|
|
Follow WashU ResLife on Instagram for more information
|
|
|
Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
|
Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
|
|
|
|
