This month’s newsletter is packed with important updates and opportunities for all undergraduate students. Inside, you’ll find:

🍂 Fall Break – key dates and reminders

🏠 Sophomore Housing – application details and upcoming timeline

🙋 RA Selection – how to apply and make an impact on campus

🔥 Fire Safety – tips and resources to keep our community safe

🎤 CS40 Events– don’t miss this exciting upcoming events from CS40

Be sure to check out each section for full details and next steps.

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Fall Break is Saturday October, 4 through Tuesday, October 7

Students are permitted to remain in their rooms throughout Fall Break. We do require to let us know that you're still here. If you will be here for Fall Break, please complete the form below.

Are you staying on campus during fall break? Do you enjoy trying new things? Is fall your favorite season? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may really enjoy visiting Eckert’s Farm to walk around, pick apples, or enjoy a quick get away to take fall pics!

Residential Life will be taking a group to Eckert's Family Country Farm in Belleville, IL during Fall Break for Apple Picking on October 6th at 11am! Res Life will pay for entry into the field and provide transportation. Students will need to cover the cost of any items purchased themselves.

Fill out this form by October 2nd, 2025 to sign up. You will more information via email once your spot is confirmed. There is limited space for students to attend, so sign up quickly! There will be a waitlist if needed. Questions or no longer able to attend? Please reach out to Assistant Director, Katie Coats at coatsk@wustl.edu.

Show off your creativity and style! Residential Life is hosting a Room Decorating Contest, and we want to see how you’ve made your space feel like home. Submit photos of your decorated room for a chance to win prizes and be featured in our newsletter and on social media. More details, including how to enter and the deadline for submissions, will be shared soon—so start getting your rooms picture-ready!

TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS EVERY TIME THE FIRE ALARM ACTIVATES:

Upon activation of the building fire alarm, all building occupants should take the following actions:

Evacuate the building using the stairs, not elevators.

Stabilize lab procedures and turn off gas valves, if applicable.

Close office and lab doors while evacuating.

Assist those with limited mobility to the nearest area of refuge.

Ensure evacuation routes are clear from obstruction.

Proceed to the designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP).

Check-in with your designated authority figure. This could be a Residential Life staff member

Only re-enter the building once the “all clear” is given by emergency personnel.

YOUR SAFETY DEPENDS ON SOUND JUDGMENT AND DECISIVE ACTION:

When you hear a fire alarm, take immediate action. Never assume it’s a drill or a false alarm.

If you become trapped in a room, close the doors and windows and place a wet towel or
cloth under the door, and call WashU Police at 314-935-5555 to report your location.

Keep all evacuation routes and emergency exits clear at all times.

Most fires start in the kitchen. Never leave the cooking area unattended and turn off all equipment when not in use.

STUDENT FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES

Your first priority in any emergency is immediate life safety. Never fight a fire if it means putting yourself in any undue risk.

IF A FIRE OCCURS IN YOUR ROOM:
Alert friends & neighbors that there is a fire.

Activate the building fire alarm.

Retrieve the nearest fire extinguisher.

Remember P.A.S.S.
PULL the pin
AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire
SQUEEZE the handle
SWEEP from side to side

Evacuate the building immediately if:
You cannot extinguish a fire quickly, or the fire continues to spread

WHILE COOKING:
• Never use water to put out a grease fire.
• Use a lid or baking soda to smother a grease fire.
• If you must use an extinguisher on a grease fire, stand back to keep the flames from spreading.

Join CS40 and Campus Life on Oct. 25 for a trip to Fright Fest at Six Flags! Sign up fast as spots are limited beginning on Oct. 1. All students who receive a ticket will also receive passes for a free drink, meal, and snack! Transportation will be provided.

Printing locations within Residential Life buildings have been condensed to a smaller number of central sites. These locations were selected based on printer usage and student demand, ensuring that printing resources are placed where they are used most often. Students can continue to send documents from their devices and pick them up at any of these designated residential printer stations, providing reliable and convenient access close to where you live.

More information on Residential Printing locations including how to submit issues involving printers can be found by clicking the button below.

As you settle into the semester, we encourage all residents to take a few minutes to review our Residential Life policies. These guidelines are designed to support a safe, respectful, and inclusive living environment for everyone. From guest expectations to community standards, knowing the policies helps you make informed decisions and contribute to the well-being of your residential community. You can find the full set of policies on the Residential Life website.

https://reslife.washu.edu/policies-procedures/

Please 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.

The Residential Life Center in Zetcher House

The Residential Life Office in Village House

If you find yourself locked out of your room, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. During business hours (8:30am to 5:00pm, 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.

Kiosks are located in the following locations:

The Residential Life Center in Zetcher House

The Residential Life Office in Village House

If you have an issue where you have your room key, but your lock does not work properly, please submit a Maintenance Request.

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.