Student Life

Student life at A&S Pre-College is designed to spark connection, curiosity, and growth. From residence and dining halls to academic workshops and social activities, learning happens everywhere—in and beyond the classroom.

From the moment you arrive on the WashU Danforth campus, you’ll step into a vibrant and supportive community built for exploration—academic, personal, and social. As an A&S Pre-College student, you won’t just attend class. You’ll live the life of a college student, surrounded by peers who are just as curious, motivated, and open to new experiences as you are.

This is your chance to stretch beyond middle or high school, meet people from around the world, and discover what life is really like at one of the nation's top universities.

Find Your People, Share Your Story

At A&S Pre-College, building community is part of the experience. Whether you’re meeting new friends in the dining hall, chatting between classes, or joining evening activities, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with others and be yourself.

Sample activities:
Icebreakers
Weekly group meeting
Board game night
Karaoke
Ice cream social
Open mic night
Trivia

Skill-Building Workshops & Academic Support

A&S Pre-College is a place to grow academically and personally. Our workshops and open support hours help you prepare for college-level expectations while building confidence in your skills.

Sample offerings:
Notetaking & Essay Writing Workshops
College Coffee Chats
Financial Aid 101 Seminar
Study Help Sessions
Admissions Info Sessions
Ask WashU Panel Discussions

Unwind, Express, Recharge

College readiness includes self-care. That’s why we make space for creativity, mindfulness, and fun throughout the week. Whether you want to paint, craft, or just pause, there’s a place for you to breathe, reflect, and express yourself.

Sample activities:
Paint Nights
Crochet Workshops
Bracelet Making
Mindfulness Space
Yoga and Pilates
Visits from Brookie and Bear, Campus Comfort Dogs
Recharge Sundays

Beyond the Classroom, Beyond Campus

Learning continues outside the classroom, and our campus experiences and outings help you make the most of your time at WashU and in St. Louis. Whether it’s your first time here or you already call this city home, you’ll experience something new.

Sample experiences & outings:
Kemper Art Museum
Special Collections
Union Station: Aquarium + Ferris Wheel
St. Louis Zoo
Missouri History Museum
City Foundry

Support Every Step of the Way

You’ll never have to navigate this experience alone. Our staff, faculty, and mentors are here to support you—whether you need help finding your class, advice on time management, or just someone to talk to.

Our goal is to give you a glimpse of what’s ahead—college academics, college friends, and college confidence.

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Your Home on Campus

Our residential A&S Pre-College students live in modern, air-conditioned residence halls on the South 40. You’ll share your space with other students enrolled in our pre-college programs. Program Assistants, current WashU students, live in the halls with you and help make the transition to college-style living feel easy and fun.

What to expect:
• University housing
• On-call supervisor and PAs
• Secure access and supervision
• Laundry, Wi-Fi, and community lounges
• Curfews and check-ins designed to keep you safe while fostering independence

Learn more about residential life