Moving to St. Louis for school?

Question

Wash U in STL is ranked #1 in social work and am planning to apply there for social work. I've lived in NYC all my life and while i love it here, i could use a change of pace. What is the school like? I went to NYU so im sure its very different socially. also, what is St. Louis like? is it like a city (like Boston, Chicago, Philly, Charlotte-places ive visited recently) or suburban (i'd need to drive everywhere, everything closes early, lots of families and children)?

There are just as many great options for an MSW in NYC (Hunter, NYU, Fordham, Columbia) but id like a fresh start somewhere else and a more traditional college experience. I never thought Missouri would be it -what do you think? Im in my mid20s, black, and really just looking for a good time somewhere else.

Answer 1

GWB is a good social work school at Wash U but its very research oriented. St. Louis U's school of social work is more stresses more social justice. UMSL also has a social work school which tend to push more actual field work and administration. Wash U will be the most traditional experience of the three schools. It's campus is beautiful. There's lots to do in St. Louis but we are a lot ore laid back than NY. What you will love is that we have a ton of free or really inexpensive things to do here. There are a ton of great small restaurants (but they all close the kitchen about 11 PM) and some fun bars which stay open till 3 PM. I find most of the interesting places are in the city itself. Wash U is right by the Delmar Loop, the Central West End and Forest Park so its very convenient. The city has more professionals and couples and many of the families live in the suburbs since the city schools have lost their accreditation. I think our Metro system needs to improve and find that I'm lost unless I have a car. I enjoy living here and think you would find plenty to do in St. Louis for the two years that you're in grad school.

Answer 2

I would suggest that bring a car unless you plan on taking the Metro trains or buses everywhere. There is a station right near Wash U called University City-Big Bend. I know the trains run from across the river in Illinois all the way to Lambert Airport. I'm not sure about the buses. But, if you plan on going north or south, I would take a car. Go to www.metrostlouis.org for more info. Wash U is in the more suburban part of St. Louis so it might be a little tricky walking somewhere to eat, though there is a Domino's pizza near Wash U. For things to do, I suggets going up in the Gateway Arch on a clear day. If you like sports, you could see a Cardinals, Rams, or Blues game. You can also go to the zoo (entrance is free, parking isn't), the Muny, the Boathouse, or the Art Museum. All of these are in Forest Park. You won't get bored and you will meet great people in St. Louis.

Answer 3

You would enjoy the diversity of St. Louis. Wash U is a very good school, as is St. Louis University for social work studies.

There are many things to do, such as the Central West End which a lot of students go to since it is close to Wash U. Also U City Loop which has lots of restaurants and bars, etc.

Answer 4

Washington University is a great choice. Wonderful School. Great location. Next to the largest City Park in the country. Close to the fabulous Zoo (free entry). Golf course within walking distance, Tennis courts, biking trails, great Restaurants for the young. Reasonable prices compared to NYC.One of the greenest Cities in the country. Friendly People.Metro going more or less East and West. Nice Malls.

It would be a very positive experience for you.



There is a lot of tradition. W.U. is constantly expanding and it is a pleasure to see that all of the new buildings are to match more or less the original ones. Gorgeous as the famous Oxford and Cambridge Campuses. No fleeting building styles.



The City will welcome you warmly.

Answer 5

My son graduated from Wash U and it was a great experience. The Midwest schools have less pressure than the East coast schools. It is a wonderful school with a great reputation....well deserved. It is also a excellent campus in a excellent area. The students seem to be very laid back just as most of Midwestern people.

The city of St Louis is also very nice like most Midwestern cities...It is not a Chicago or New York Don't expect any major excitement but a city you will be proud of. As a parent I miss it.....

Answer 6

You would love STL ... Wash U - excellent and STL has over 30 some colleges and universities to compliment Wash U.

The city is diverse, clean and comfy.

There is a lot to do in STL and a lot is free or cheap.

The METRO system is a great way to get around. If you don't have, need, or get a car for school - the Metro has two subway stations at Wash U even on the Blue Line.

Good luck and come to STL!

Answer 7

St. Louis is a laid back city...more exciting than KC, not as exciting as NYC, and friendly overall.



Washing U is located on the edge of Forest Park which is home to the Zoo (free admission), Art Museum, History Museum, hiking/biking trails, softball fields, and a golf course. It is also on the edge of the area known as the Central West End, a very bustling eclectic, culturally diverse area known for it's outdoor cafes, world-renowned hospitals, and Metro Link stops.



The University City Loop (U-City Loop) is also very ethnically diverse in its restaurants and entertainment.

Answer 8

Kansas City

Answer 9

st.louis is pretty much awesome. Theyre are so many things to do, like someone listed above. Wash U is in a really nice part of st.louis not really in the " ghetto " part lol. its really really nice. Now stl isnt as crazy and populted as some other major cities, its more laid back. Now you can live near the school which is city, but its completly laid back, really easy traffic, its like a mix of city and subarb . Down town, which would be a little more like home, but i wouldnt recommand it. Theres old town which is like old french homes and cobble stone streets, its really really nice right of the missouri riverfront. Theres subs like 20 minutes away from st.louis, and you can also find the country really easily. Its all very blended. and the school is a really really good school.



Ps my uncle is the head soccer coach there.

Answer 10

st.louis is a good city becouse there aren't many factorys or population which means the air is very clean but nothing bad realy happens in missouri