Residential Life Reporter |
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Hello, October! 🍂
Welcome back from Fall Break! We hope you had time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a break from the semester. As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, remember to check the weather and prepare for cooler days and evenings.
Midterms are here, and this is a great time to recognize all that you have accomplished so far. Continue to take things one day at a time, make time for yourself, and connect with your support systems when you need them. You are not alone, and campus resources are here to support you.
There is plenty to look forward to this month:
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On Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m. on Mudd Field, WashU will sign the Okanagan Charter, which encourages colleges and universities to embed health and well-being into all aspects of campus culture.
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Fright Night on Oct. 17. Join Campus Life and Congress of the South 40 for the annual trip to Fright Fest at Enchanted Parks!
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Leadership Week on Oct. 19-24. In collaboration with campus partners, the Bauer Leaders Academy is organizing Leadership Week, a celebration of leadership development at WashU.
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Parent & Family Weekend on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. We look forward to welcoming families and loved ones to campus and celebrating our community together.
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RA Applications Are Now Open
Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor? Applications are now open. This is a great opportunity to build community, grow as a leader, and make a difference in the residential experience of fellow students.
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break will be here before we know it. Be sure to begin making your plans and watch for additional information about break-related housing, dining, transportation, and other operations.
As we move through the semester, continue to take care of yourself, connect with your community, and make time to recharge. Here is to a fun, connected, and memorable October!
WashU Residential Life
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Make your mark and apply to be an resident advisor. Applications are open October 5 through November 6. Interested in learning more about the RA role? Come to an information session and speak with Residential Life staff.
Click here for more information →
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Plumbing Tips: Help Prevent Clogs and Damage |
Proper use of sinks, toilets, tubs, and garbage disposals helps prevent clogs, slow drainage, and costly damage. Please follow these guidelines:
Toilets
• Only flush toilet paper and bodily waste or fluids.
• Do not flush sanitary wipes, baby wipes, or so called flushable wipes.
• Do not flush feminine hygiene products, even if labeled as dissolvable.
• If your toilet becomes clogged, stop flushing it and report the issue.
• Do not attempt to fix plumbing problems with products or solutions other than a plunger.
Sinks and Drains
• Do not pour grease, oil, sand, dirt, rocks, or other materials down drains or toilets.
• Do not dispose of fish tank gravel in sinks, tubs, or toilets.
• Do not use bleach alone to eliminate odors from drains. If necessary, use mostly hot water with a small amount of bleach.
Garbage Disposals
• Always run water when using the garbage disposal.
• Do not place nonfood items in the disposal.
• Avoid putting large food items or large amounts of food into the disposal. Scrape plates into the trash before placing them in the sink.
Dishwashers
• Use dishwasher detergent. Do not use regular dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher.
Need Help?
If your sink, tub, or toilet becomes clogged and you cannot clear the issue with a plunger, please report the problem with a Maintenance Request.
Plumbing problems caused by misuse, neglect, or vandalism may result in a charge. Please dispose of trash and other waste in the appropriate waste containers. Drains and toilets are not designed for bulk waste disposal.
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Celebrate WashU adopting the Okanagan Charter and becoming a Health Promoting Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 12:30 p.m. on Mudd Field in tandem with Well-being Wednesday with interactive stations, wellness items for sale and food trucks.
The Okanagan Charter is an international framework for health-promoting colleges and universities that encourages higher education institutions to make health, well-being, equity and sustainability part of every aspect of campus life.
Learn more about the Well-being Collective →
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| Arts & Sciences Major-Minor Fair |
Still deciding on a major? Thinking about adding a major or minor? Looking for undergraduate research opportunities?
Join departments and programs from Arts & Sciences on Monday, October 12, for the Fall 2026 Major-Minor Fair.
Whether you’re undecided, considering a double major, or just exploring—stop by!
⏰: Monday, October 12, 3-4:30 p.m.
📍: WashU Athletic Complex
For more information →
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Submit your Gerry & Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award nominations open by October 30 |
The Gerry & Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award is an annual award recognizing those in the WashU community who exemplify a character of service and engagement with the St. Louis region. Students, faculty/staff, and any member of the WashU community, past or current, who resides in and serves the St. Louis community is eligible to receive the award.
Submit a nomination for the award by Oct. 30 →
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Get moving this semester with the Rec |
There's no better time to get involved at WashU Recreation! Whether you're looking to stay active or try something new, there's something for everyone. Explore the many programs and opportunities available throughout the semester. Visit the WashU Recreation website to learn more and find the perfect way to get involved this fall.
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There's still time to register for Career Exploration at WashU | Career Exploration at WashU: Understand Yourself & Envision Possibilities
(GENST 2421: 1.0 unit, 7-weeks, pass/no pass)
Wednesdays, 3-4:50 p.m., October 7-November 18, 2026
This class is about understanding your interests, values, and strengths as they relate to your course of study, college experiences and career.
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Leadership Week is an annual celebration at WashU designed to showcase and develop leadership across campus. Through workshops, experiential activities, and community-building events, students, staff and faculty explore, practice and celebrate leadership in all its forms.
See the full schedule of events for Leadership Week →
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| October is LGBTQIA+ History Month |
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| RA Application opens on Handshake
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| October 7, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Hang out with WashU Comfort Dogs Bear and Brookie, grab lunch from the food truck, pick up a fresh veggie box, and learn about other ways to prioritize wellness.
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| October 14, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Hang out with WashU Comfort Dogs Bear and Brookie, grab lunch from the food truck, pick up a fresh veggie box, and learn about other ways to prioritize wellness.
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| October 17, 2026, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Enchanted Parks
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Join Campus Life and Congress of the South 40 for the annual trip to Fright Fest at Enchanted Parks! Attendees will receive transportation to and from the event, a ticket for entry, and a mega meal deal (entree, drink, and snack).
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Leadership Week is an annual celebration at WashU designed to showcase and develop leadership across campus. Through workshops, experiential activities, and community-building events, students, staff and faculty explore, practice and celebrate leadership in all its forms.
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| October 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Hang out with WashU Comfort Dogs Bear and Brookie, grab lunch from the food truck, pick up a fresh veggie box, and learn about other ways to prioritize wellness.
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| October 28, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Hang out with WashU Comfort Dogs Bear and Brookie, grab lunch from the food truck, pick up a fresh veggie box, and learn about other ways to prioritize wellness.
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Parent & Family Weekend is WashU’s annual celebration that welcomes families and supporters to campus for a weekend of signature events, student showcases, traditions and opportunities to experience campus life alongside their students.
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| October 30, 2026 4-5:30 p.m. | North side of the DUC
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Show off your creativity in the Student Success Halloween Costume Contest, where individuals and teams can compete for prizes, bragging rights and the title of best-dressed on campus.
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| October 30, 2026, 4-7 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Hosted by Vice Chancellor Dr. G, Dr. G’s Haunted Fun House offers a festive way for students, families and employees to come together and enjoy some Halloween-themed fun.
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| This week is dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments, experiences and impact of our first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni.
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Nov. 1: Thanksgiving Break Housing Registration Opens on Housing Portal
Nov. 25-29: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
Dec. 7: Last day of classes
Dec. 8-16: Reading period and final exams
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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.
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If you find yourself locked out of your room, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Visit 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. Lockouts do come with a $10 charge.
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Always include your Mail Stop Code when shipping items to campus.
Mail Stop Codes (MSC) help your packages get to the right location. They represent the location of your department, office, or residence hall based on a system within Mail & Receiving Services. When you include the correct MSC, it helps our staff sort and deliver your items more efficiently and accurately.
Watch the Tutorial: Find Your Mailing Address →
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| Residential Life provides printers and copiers in several of our communities. For more information click on the link below.
Residential Printing →
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| 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 →.
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At University Services, we are committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. As a customer-focused organization, we provide seamless solutions that enhance campus life. From the services we oversee to the partnerships we foster, our mission is to deliver proactive, high-quality experiences that connect you to the vibrant WashU community.
University Services →
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Residential Life Office Locations |
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The Residential Life Center in
Zetcher House
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Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. to midnight
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Sat - Sun: 1:30 p.m. to midnight
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The Residential Life Office in
Village House
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Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Follow us on Instagram
Follow WashU ResLife on Instagram for more information
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Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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