on-campus activism may play a larger role for Wash. U. students than expected, and it is vital in its ability to enact changes at the University. The previous school year sparked campus-wide activism that cannot be ignored–or abandoned.

Freshman Kyle Puckett used each men’s basketball team’s distance from Chipotle to build a bracket that was briefly fourth in the world.

Seeing students gathered outside of a building during a fire alarm––some without coats, some without shoes, some half asleep––is a common sight on the South 40. Because of COVID-19 and online classes, students have spent more time in their rooms, increasing the likelihood that they may need to evacuate their building due to a fire alarm. Four freshmen share fire alarm stories from their time on the South 40.

No matter the policies, if students cannot take it upon themselves to be responsible, COVID-19 will continue to spread.

While the pandemic has brought unexpected changes to life at Washington University, students can find comfort in knowing that one tradition remains intact: Datamatch, the relatively new yet highly popular matchmaking survey, will be making its annual appearance at Wash. U. for the third year in a row.

Four freshmen, each with their own unique lock-out experience, share their stories from the fall 2020 semester.