A bedroom in a shared apartment or house near campus usually runs $700-$1,100/month per person. Older University City buildings and shared houses land at the lower end, while newer complexes near the Loop and units in Clayton run higher. Budget another $40-$100/month for utilities, depending on summer air conditioning.

Yes. WashU requires all first-year undergraduates to live on campus, and most students stay in the South 40 residential communities for their first two years. The off-campus search usually starts in sophomore or junior year.

University City just north of campus is the most popular, packed with student apartments and houses. Skinker DeBaliviere near Forest Park is quieter, the Delmar Loop blocks are the liveliest, and the Central West End and Clayton draw students who want a more upscale, urban setting.

Not necessarily. The MetroLink light rail stops on campus and the area around University City is walkable and bikeable, plus WashU runs shuttles. That said, some students keep a car to reach the wider metro area, and parking off campus is generally easier than at coastal schools.

Start in the winter and early spring for an August move-in. The best University City houses and units near the Loop go by February or March, and spring break is a popular time to tour and put down deposits. Wait until summer and the prime walk-to-campus spots are usually gone.

Most student leases run a full twelve months, usually starting August 1 to match the fall semester. You'll typically pay through the summer, so plan to be in town or line up a sublet. Always confirm the start date before signing.

The blocks closest to campus in University City and Skinker DeBaliviere are residential and well-traveled. St. Louis is a big city, so it's smart to walk a prospective block at night, check lighting, and use WashU's shuttles and escort service after dark.

It varies. Some newer complexes bundle a few utilities, but older University City buildings usually bill them separately, often $40-$100/month per person, and St. Louis summers make air conditioning a real expense. Ask what's covered and whether the unit has central air or window units.

Yes. Since most leases run twelve months and many students leave for the summer, subletting is common. You can pass your unit along or pick up a short-term spot for research or an internship. Put the arrangement in writing and clear it with the landlord first.

WILD, short for Walk In Lay Down, is the student-run outdoor concert held each spring and fall on campus, a tradition since the 1970s. It's one of the biggest events of the year, so living within easy reach of campus makes those weekends a lot simpler.