University College | Arts & Sciences

Just a short ride from the world-famous Gateway Arch is a great University where you can have a unique summer experience.

The most visible symbol of St. Louis is its noted Gateway Arch.  Designed by the late architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965, the Arch symbolizes St. Louis’ role as Gateway to the West. But St. Louis’ location near the center of the country could just as well make it the Gateway to the East, North, or South. Washington University has been an integral part of the St. Louis community since its founding in 1853. The Hilltop Campus, surrounded by suburbs and facing Forest Park, is seven miles west of the Mississippi riverfront and the Arch. In between, at the eastern end of the park, are the University’s School of Medicine and the affiliated hospitals and clinics of the Washington University Medical Center. Our students and faculty take advantage of the metropolitan area in many ways—from recreation and cultural offerings and fine dining to internships and clinical experiences to volunteering their time to a variety of worthy causes. We invite you to visit Washington University so you can catch the spirit of St. Louis.

Three distinct neighborhoods surround our suburban Hilltop Campus.  You’ll be drawn to explore University City on the north, Clayton on the west and south, and Forest Park on the east.  University City’s tree-lined residential streets are home to many professors and students.  Its eclectic shopping district, the Loop, is a frequent gathering place for students. Clayton, which has lovely residential sections, is the financial and business district for St. Louis County. 

Between the University’s Hilltop and Medical campuses lies Forest Park.  Its 1,300 acres contain the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, The Muny, and many other free attractions. Students use the park year-round to bike, golf, in-line skate, play tennis, or pursue other activities.

The Central West End comprises large, turn of the century homes, apartments, art galleries, music clubs, unusual shops, and ethnic restaurants.

Within 1 mile of the Hilltop Campus, you'll find:

• 11 movie screens (with more a short shuttle ride away)
• numerous retail stores
• 18 restaurants
• 10 cafés and delicatessens
• 2 bookstores
• 3 music shops
• a world-class Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, Science Center, and The Muny, St. Louis' premiere outdoor theatre that features broadway musicals throughout the summer (all with free admission!)
• numerous art galleries

St. Louis’ many distinct neighborhoods mirror the city’s cosmopolitan diversity.  Food, music, and all the attributes of a culture are intact in the city’s tightly knit communities. Jazz and blues—the city’s musical roots—can be heard every night in the Soulard neighborhood.  Wonderful Asian restaurants, historic Tower Grove Park, and the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden give a special flavor to the South Grand neighborhood. Some of the finest Italian restaurants in the nation are tucked in a neighborhood called “The Hill.”  In midtown, the Grand Arts Center and Entertainment District is home to the Symphony, the palatial Fox Theatre, Dance St. Louis, the Black Repertory Company, and many others.