Students walking by Ridgley Hall on WashU campus

Student Life

A pre-college experience built for curiosity, connection, and growth

Student life at Arts & Sciences 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.

When you arrive on the WashU Danforth campus, you step into a vibrant and supportive community built for exploration—academic, personal, and social. Here, you do more than attend class. You experience what college life is really like, surrounded by peers from across the country and around the world who are motivated to try new things.

Our programs are designed to help you build confidence, make meaningful connections, and develop the skills that support success in college and beyond. We understand that preparing for college can feel exciting, stressful, and overwhelming all at once, and we are committed to helping you move forward with confidence.

Students

Your Summer, Your Story

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Students

Building Tomorrow: Advice on How to Navigate Your Pre-College Journey

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Program Highlights

A first look, participant reflections, and continued mentorship—these highlights show how our programs support students from their first experience through lasting connection.

Future Scholars Academy: Skills for College Success

Through flexible, self-paced activities, you’ll build confidence, strengthen key academic skills, and get a first look at the kind of learning experience that prepares you for the transition to college.

Learn more

Voices of Inquiry & Reflection

Voices of Inquiry & Reflection is our online collection of student writing, showcasing the ideas, perspectives, and creativity that emerge throughout the program. Through reflection and expression, students have the opportunity to share their experiences, explore meaningful questions, and engage with one another’s work in a thoughtful way.

Learn more

Continued Mentorship Program

Stay connected with program staff and resources throughout the year through this flexible virtual program. Designed to support your academic and personal growth, it gives you the chance to keep learning, reflecting, and building community from wherever you are.

Learn more

Beyond the Classroom

Find Your People, Share Your Story

At our programs, 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 have plenty of opportunities to connect with others and be yourself. You can build friendships and make memories that last beyond the summer. Sample activities:

Weekly group meetings
Board game nights
Karaoke/Open Mic
Scavenger hunts
Ice cream social
Trivia

Skill-Building & Academic Support

WashU 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
Study help sessions
College admission 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:

Craft nights
Mindfulness activities
Guided journaling
Yoga and Pilates
Recharge Sundays

Explore, Experience, Discover

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
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 and faculty are here to support you—whether you need help finding your class, advice on time management, or just someone to talk to.

From your first day on campus, you’ll be welcomed into a community that wants to see you succeed. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to ask questions, make connections, and learn from people who are invested in your growth. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with new experiences, new insights, and a stronger sense of confidence and independence.

Our goal is to give you a glimpse of what’s ahead—college academics, college friends, and the skills to thrive in both.

Get to know our Team

Your Experience, Your Story

Every participant walks away with their own story to tell: the course that sparked a new interest, the conversations that led to lasting friendships, the unexpected moment when campus began to feel like home. Explore their stories, writing, and advice.

Inside Pre-College

stories, advice and program highlights

Voices of Inquiry & Reflection

A collection of pre-college research and reflective writing

search more resources

Your Home on Campus

Our residential participants live in modern, air-conditioned residence halls on the South 40. You’ll share your space with other participants 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
• 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