While acclimating to the geography of Wash. U., freshmen should know that there is more to each building than bricks, windows, and—in the case of Elliot Hall—a more modern approach of concrete. Here are the less obvious places within those buildings that will help us adapt to our home for the next four years.

Though Washington University in St. Louis dropped one step in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities rankings, Chancellor Mark Wrighton remains confident in the University’s quality of education and community. Before the new report was released, Wash.U. was ranked 12th, but in the newest report, it was moved to 13th.

The class of 2014 boasts the largest freshman class to date as more students chose to accept their offer of admission to Washington University than ever before. “Our freshman admission target was for a class of around 1500.” Julie Shimabukuro, director of admissions, said. However, this year the number of new freshmen entering the gates of Wash. U.

The new Bear’s Den eatery is finally open and offers a wide range of food, from Mongolian cuisine to Indian street food that everyone in the campus can enjoy. Students have flowed into campus since Aug. 15. And the well-lit cafeteria in South 40 House provides them with a diverse palate of food.

Students may now have a place to enjoy late night programming and deep fried food on campus. This summer, Student Union proposed adding a bar and grill in the basement of Umrath Hall, where Subway used to reside. “Students approached us last year about getting a bar on campus,” Student Union President Morgan DeBaun said.