Hi Class of 2026,


We hope you are doing well and finding success in the next round of midterms. Thanksgiving Break is coming up soon!


If you have any questions, feel free to email or message us through Instagram.


- Student Transitions & Family Programs

Sophomore Experience

Important Dates/Deadlines

Fall 2023


  • November 17: Last day to change grade option to Credit from Pass/Fail
  • November 22 - 26: Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
  • December 8: Last day of classes
  • December 11 - 13 : Reading period
  • December 14 - 20 : Final exams

To-Do Items & Reminders

Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break Housing

For information regarding Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break Housing, be on the lookout next week for the ResLife Reporter! As a reminder, you will have to register for Thanksgiving and/or Winter Break Housing if you intend on staying on campus. There is no additional charge for housing over Thanksgiving Break or Winter Break.


Ice Skating and Hot Chocolate Bar: December 2, 2023

Enjoy the winter season at WashU with Ice Skating and a Hot Chocolate Bar. On December 2, join your 2SAs, sophomores, transfer, and exchange students for some free hot chocolate at Lopata Great Hall, starting at 3:00 PM. During this time, 2SAs will be distributing tickets for the ice-skating trip to follow from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Forest Park. 2SAs will be leaving at 4:30 PM from the Lopata House Great Hall to walk to the Metro. Sign up here!

Department Debrief: The Learning Center

Looking for help to finish your semester strong? For course-specific support, the Learning Center’s Drop-in Academic Mentors and Residential Peer Mentors (RPMs) are here to help with Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and other foundational courses! Check out our mentoring sessions calendar for more details. 


Additionally, our Peer Coaches are available to work with you to improve your study and test-taking strategies, time management, and other critical academic skills! Visit The Learning Center's website to sign up for a one-on-one meeting with a Peer Coach.


Whether you're looking for help preparing for your next midterm or coming up with an action plan for finals, the Learning Center is here to help!

What's Happening on Campus

Thanksgiving Break Dining Hours

Dining hours will be altered during Thanksgiving Break. Check out the Dining Services website for the most up-to-date information.


Cabaret: November 3 & 4 at 7:30 PM and November 5 at 2:00 PM

The Performing Arts Department will be hosting the musical Cabaret. Tickets are free to all WashU students with valid WashU ID. To reserve your ticket, please visit the Washington University Box Office or call 314-935-6543. You can also claim a free ticket the night of at the box office window.


2SA Hours

Do you know about 2SA Hours? 2SA Hours offer you the opportunity to unwind, get advice from a 2SA, connect with other sophomore students, or just enjoy a snack and make a little craft! These 2SA Hour events are coming up in November:


  • November 1st from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: DUC Fun Room
  • Stop by for a Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart Tournament. You will also receive a 2SA Hour Laptop Sticker and Nothing Bundt Cakes in celebration of National Cake Day! Come hang out!
  • November 15th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: DUC Fun Room
  • Spend some time with friends and your 2SAs tie-dyeing WashU merch and making gingerbread houses. Get creative with your designs and show off your swag after!


2SA Tea

Get to know your 2SAs better! Are you looking for sophomore year-specific advice? Do you want to talk through a social or academic dilemma? Are you looking to connect with an upperclassman who has been through it? 2SA Tea is a program by which you can book 2SAs for a half-hour talk and enjoy a beverage or snack on behalf of the Student Transitions and Family Programs office. Our 2SAs would love to connect with you, so book a time today!

Health Happenings

Vaccines

If you haven't received your flu and/or COVID vaccines, book an individual appointment at Habif Health and Wellness Center via the student portal.


Health Promotion

Stay up-to-date with well-being news and information on campus by following Habif Health and Wellness Center on Instagram. Followers will be eligible to receive the 3rd annual Health Promotion and Wellness Basket, which will be announced on November 16.

Rapid Access Zoom Counseling Appointments

The Center for Counseling & Psychological Services offers counseling appointments through Zoom. You may schedule both return and new appointments with a counselor beginning 16 hours prior to the time you would like to be seen.


Returning and new clients will see only one option to schedule a counseling appointment on the student portal. You will then select “Rapid Access Counseling Zoom Appointment.” If the first choice is not available, try for another day/time. We anticipate that a great majority of requests will be able to be filled. The $20 charge for missed appointments will remain in effect.


You may select any available therapist for the appointment. Depending on appointment volume, we cannot guarantee that the specific provider selected will always be available. However, the time and date of the appointment will not be changed. If you currently meet with a Center for Counseling & Psychological Services therapist, please speak with your therapist about any further questions.


If you have trouble with scheduling, are experiencing an emergency, or have questions, as always please call 314-935-6695 for assistance. We will be glad to assist you.

Breathing Breaks

Taking just a few minutes to focus on your breath can do wonders for your anxiety. Inhale deeply through your nose, feel the gentle expansion of your chest, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing all that tension.


Why do breathing breaks? They're like mini vacations for your mind! When you give yourself permission to pause and breathe, you create space for calm thoughts and release the grip of anxiety. It's your time to

recharge and regain control. So, here's your reminder: throughout your

day, sneak in those precious breathing breaks. Whether you're at your

desk, waiting in line, or taking a moment before bed, remember that

you deserve these moments of peace. Visit the Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) website to register and learn more.

CPR and Basic Life Support Training

Interested in learning more about CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS)? The WashU Emergency Support Team is hosting American Heart Association BLS/CPR classes to teach how to identify life-threatening emergencies. The focus of the course provides education on how to perform CPR for adults, infants, and children, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner. As undergraduate students, you will be able to receive a subsidized class at no cost. Learn more and sign up for communication.

Research & Finals Support from the Libraries

WashU Libraries are here for you!

  • Our subject librarians can help you identify topics and resources for research papers and projects.
  • From November 27 through December 19, Olin Library will offer extended hours, closing at 2:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM on Fridays & Saturdays.
  • Olin Library is just one of seven libraries on the Danforth Campus. The Law Library will be limited to law students during reading week and finals, but students are welcome to try one of the other five locations if Olin is crowded.
  • The Libraries offers 24/7 chat help. Please reach out at any time!  

What to Do in the Lou

Explore St. Louis and build your itinerary!



Neighborhood Spotlight: The Hill

Founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s, The Hill is a unique St. Louis neighborhood with a rich history – plus, a wide selection of delicious food. Fill up on toasted ravioli, hot salami sandwiches, bruschetta, gelato and more at one of the many authentic Italian restaurants located in the neighborhood. Make sure to also stop by the Missouri Baking Company to try their famous chocolate drops and other baked goods.


Then, shop for unique goods and gifts at the small business shops operated by locals and artists and even play a game of bocce at Milo's Bocce Garden.


Local Events:

The St. Lou Revue: November 3 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, November 4 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and November at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Circus Flora is hosting a delightful 75-minute performance where your student can dive into the best of circus, dance, and variety acts featuring talented artists from St. Louis and beyond. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at their box office.


Finding Flow Art Exhibit: Throughout November from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Green Door Art Gallery is showcasing a curated collection that features exquisite acrylic paintings, mixed media masterpieces and intricate silver and stone jewelry. The 36 resident artists will also be exhibiting and selling artwork including fused glass, mosaics, watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, collage, mixed media, wood, pottery, textile art, jewelry and more.


Ameren's Thanks-for-Giving Parade: November 23 at 9:00 AM

Celebrating its 39th year, the 2023 Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade will feature festive parade units, including musical floats and displays, dance groups, drumlines and marching bands from the St. Louis region. As always, Santa Claus will also attend the festivities to wish everyone a happy holiday season.

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