If you’re looking for a new area to explore, want an alternative to the Loop, or feel like breaking out of the “WashU bubble,” the Central West End could be your best next stop. The district boasts a variety of dining options, landmarks, research opportunities, and housing — even if you’re already familiar with the area, there might be something new to see.

When my friends Talia Zakalik, Sophia Bukowski, and Izzy Borah were trying to save a squirrel from a pipe, they found a student ID in the bush. Labeled from 1996, it read “Aman Boyd”, and besides some scratches and dirt stains, it was relatively unharmed. I thought this would be a really cool interview for my Creative Nonfiction class, where we had to interview someone, and asked to meet up with him.

A little behind on campus news? Like, 130 years behind? Olin Library just digitized StudLife’s entire archive between 1878 and 2001, so it should be plenty easy to catch up to speed.

Pizza is the great equalizer of foods. Which of Dominoes, Papa John’s or Pizza Hut strike your fancy?

You know when you’re like, “Where do I want to get pizza?” and then you need to figure out where to get pizza based on what you’re feeling? I can help you with that! Here’s a guide to getting pizza depending on your mood:

Since its grand opening last month, Doughocracy brings the power of pizza choice to St. Louis. Don’t get me wrong: Pizza has always been welcome in the fast-food realm. But now, it doesn’t have to be of questionable quality—in fact, fast-food pizza can actually be good.

[rating stars=4.5] Students with dietary restrictions will be glad to know that Pi Pizza offers a variety of options that are as delicious as they are safe and healthy. The restaurant, whose closest location is at 6144 Delmar Boulevard, has four locations in the St. Louis area. However, its multiple locations don’t deprive it of its independent and local feeling.

Some culinary marriages were never meant to be. Imagine a pizza crust with a heavy layer of Pad Thai rather than tomato sauce and topped off with a layer of greasy mozzarella cheese. If this sounds appealing, your dreams may have come true; otherwise, you’re likely disgusted.

Pi’s biggest claim to fame is also what tends to draw new customers—its pizza is President Obama’s favorite. In fact, he paid to have the restaurant’s chefs flown to D.C. in order to cook their cheesy deep-dish delicacies for a White House dinner.

Check out some of these well-known St. Louis venues where you can easily have fun in groups and get to know fellow students without any awkward silences or forced conversations.