After being at WashU for more than a minute, you will definitely hear someone talking about the ever-present St. Louis summer. This summer, aptly named the STL summer, is divisive amongst WashU students. People love it, people hate it, but, as people who spent a summer in St. Louis, we will die on the hill that the St. Louis summer is not as bad as some make it out to be.

Though they may spend the vast majority of their time tucked away in studio, art school kids sure know how to throw a party. Every year in April, Art Prom hits the Wash. U. scene as a fantastic “last hurrah” before the finals hibernation period.

When it’s time to crack down on work, you can hit up a familiar study spot like Olin Library, where you’re guaranteed to find hundreds of other suffering students. Or, you can opt for a quieter, lesser-known location: the DUC Formal Lounge.

There are certain things that we’re deprived of in college—babies, home-cooked meals, a normal sleep and laundry schedule—and puppies definitely fall into this category. That’s why Chi Omega’s Rent-A-Pet is genius.

There’s no question about it—The Linus Foundation is really good at two things: planning parties and giving money to children’s charities.

Choosing this year’s best female athlete was tough, especially with all of Wash. U.’s All-American volleyball players and last season’s national championship basketball team. But with her consistent statistical NCAA dominance, volleyball superstar Marilee Fisher gets our nod.

We couldn’t ignore Michael Burnstein’s staggering accomplishments during his career at Wash. U. In just two years, since his transfer here in 2009, Burnstein has established himself—not only as one of the best male runners in University history, but also as one of the best runners in the nation.

Earlier this fall, the Bears football team was 2-2 after defeating two weak teams and suffering two ugly losses. On Oct. 9, opponent Wabash College, No. 19 in Division III, was riding a four-game winning streak. Statistically, the Bears were heavy underdogs.