The first-years have officially cemented themselves as WashU students. From a sweltering move-in weekend, Bear Beginning shenanigans, convocation celebrations, and first week of school feels, the first-years have a lot to say about the buzz across campus. 

First years started their WashU journey on the South 40, a place that became a hangout hub during bear beginnings with its energy-filled atmosphere. Some even forgot they were at WashU for school.

“WashU has felt like camp up until this point,” Ari Saffra said.

Others almost forgot that the main campus is where they will be spending much of their time during weekdays. Now, they are going to have to set their alarms a little earlier to make the trek. 

“The south 40 is way too far from any building on campus,” Eli Gaffin said. 

Food on the Danforth Campus has finally opened its doors, and first-years have plenty on their mind as they ease off of Bear’s Den (BD) cravings.  

“The half-and-half at BD isn’t even real food,” Mfwana Kidemu said. 

First years, interestingly enough, are also excited to explore the water fountains on the Danforth Campus, as those with an Owala struggle to fill it up in BD. 

“My water bottle doesn’t fit under the water dispenser in BD where the good ice is,” Rachel Goldstone said. 

If you ask any WashU student about their favorite place to eat on campus, you will receive a spectrum of answers. Although first-years haven’t yet been able to explore the wide range of options, they’ve gotten the chance to at least scope out a few places. 

“The DUC is way better than Bear’s Den,” Shimma Wexler said. 

Lunch wasn’t the only thing on the mind of WashU’s newest bears during the first week of school; arriving to class on time was also imperative. 

“Everyone at Washu comes to class 30 minutes early, and then there are no seats,” Izzy Linsky said. 

And finally, on every first-year’s mind as they first begin their journey: Are the barstool posts and Instagram reels deeming WashU a non-party-friendly place true? 

“People at other schools think that WashU doesn’t know how to have a good time, but I don’t know what they are talking about. We have a crazy good social scene,” Jacob Decker said. 

It is safe to say that the first-years are slowly becoming familiar with the ins and outs of campus. The WashU spirit is slowly brewing within them, and they have an exciting journey up ahead as they make their mark across campus and discover all their favorite WashU things.