WashU's Danforth Campus centers on the Collegiate Gothic Brookings Hall, once the administrative center of the 1904 World's Fair, with nearly all first-year students living together in the ten residential communities of "South 40," including Danforth, Umrath, and Rutledge Houses.
Enrollment
17,000
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 14 - August 15, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
12%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Submit your preferred move-in date and timeslot through the Housing Application, which opens April 1 in the WashU Housing Portal. Arrive at the Danforth University Center (6475 Forsyth Blvd) to check in and receive your parking placard before proceeding to your unloading zone - please don't arrive ahead of your scheduled time. Orientation begins on Move-In Day itself and continues until classes start.
August 14 - August 15, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Danforth House
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Umrath House
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Rutledge House
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Washington University in St. Louis's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
First-Year Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 14 - August 16, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$22,417
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Washington University in St. Louis.
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