Residential Life Reporter |
|
|
Dear Residents,
As you plan for the end of the term, please begin preparing for Winter Break. Start organizing your belongings now and take home anything you won’t need during the break. Residential Halls and Communities, this includes chapter houses, and on- and off-campus apartments will close on Thursday, December 18 at 12 p.m. Please ensure you’re ready to depart on time. If you are not returning to WashU in the spring, you must be fully moved out by this deadline. Taking these steps early will help your break start smoothly and allow you to focus on finals.
As we wrap up the fall semester, the Office of Residential Life congratulates you on everything you’ve accomplished these past few months. You’ve balanced classes, community, involvement, and life beyond campus, and that is something to be proud of! As you shift into studying for finals, take time to review what you need, rest when you can, and use the campus resources available to you. Finals can feel demanding, but remember: you’ve already built a strong foundation this semester.
Our entire team is cheering you on. We wish you clarity, confidence, and steady focus in the days ahead. Can't wait to see you at Moonlight Breakfast on Wednesday, December 10!
Good luck, you’ve got this!
Warmly,
William Andrews
Executive Director for 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 checklist below before departing.
|
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 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.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
| 24 hour quiet hours begin |
24 Hour Quiet Hours begin 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 |
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
