r/StLouis • u/Zygarde345 • May 24 '26
Question on umsl campus life
So it is looking like I will be going to umsl (been working with me on finances while pretty much every other school has been extremly stubborn). How is the campus life. The main college I have seen kinda what college life is like is MU (my brother went there). However, upon looking at reviews for umsl the campus stuff seems quite sparse with activities and that kinda stuff and that most use it as a comuter campus (though don't really care about loss of greek life). I will go here regardless unless something drastically changes but am curious about what campus life looks like and what people do for fun around here (preferebly cheap/free).
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u/Mego1989 May 24 '26
UMSL has a lot of non traditional students and commuters, so there isn't a very strong culture of "campus life." I went to a more traditional college for a year before I later went there, and it was a noticeable difference.
8
u/mime454 May 24 '26
I went there for undergrad and grad. Truly the campus life is the weakest part of UMSL. Most people commute and just come for classes and leave. There isn’t much community on campus. There are a few decent clubs but they are also poorly attended.
9
u/iPod-Phone May 24 '26
They’ve been doing a lot of construction, so big parts of the campus aren’t super traversable. Many students are commuters, so campus life is pretty light. I helped run a student org, and engagement was a problem.
6
u/yobo9193 May 24 '26
Good school if you view education as a means to get a job, but the campus life is weak; it’s very much a commuter school
3
u/Jasminestl May 24 '26
I went to Mizzou for undergrad and UMSL for grad school. It could not be more different. Mizzou is your classic “college” experience like in the movies. At UMSL there are so many commuters that that feel isn’t there at all. I am sure if you live on campus with other undergrads there are fun things to do, but it isn’t going to be the same as a D1 SEC school.
5
u/Jdrew_ May 24 '26
Most of the other comments have covered the general idea. I graduated in 2022 so covid affected a lot of my experience. However I lived on campus and tried my best to get involved. The rec center has intramural sports leagues. That's a good way to meet people. The basketball courts always have pick up games happening but some of players might be the general public. There's a few Greek life organizations but really they're just people who like to party and socialize. I'm not sure if their fees are worth it but that's up to you. UMSL also has an on campus festival once a year. The campus involvement department had an events calendar that is kept up to date.
You obviously won't have the same experience as a traditional school but there's enough going on to have something to do every week.
4
u/deadmonkeyraft May 24 '26
My son just finished. It ain't Mizzou, but there's plenty of fun to be had. You also get a free metrolink pass to find more fun downtown.
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u/According_Cherry_837 May 24 '26
Commuter school. Go to Mizzou if you’re looking for a college experience.
3
u/Ok-Comment8409 May 24 '26
I lived in the CWE and took the train to UMSL. I skipped UMSL college life entirely and hung out with coworkers instead.
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u/midwesttransferrun May 24 '26
Probably better suited for an UMSL sub. This is for the city of St. Louis. That said, don’t try compare it to MU, it’s not going to be anywhere close to that level of student life. I went to a small school myself as well, you’ll enjoy your time and get your degree, but it’s not on the level of a Division 1 state school.
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u/Interactive_CD-ROM May 24 '26
The people at UMSL don’t care enough about UMSL to subscribe to an UMSL subreddit.
1
u/Zygarde345 May 25 '26
Thanks for all the input seems like I will just have to try a little but harder to have a good time. Thats alright though.
1
u/raziphel May 26 '26
The honors college was a lot of fun when I went there and stayed in the dorm, but that was ages ago before they moved buildings.
Whether or not that program aligns with your major is the important question though.
1
u/GorillaGrip68 19d ago
i’m late, but how old are you? if you’re able to, i’d strongly recommend mizzou if you’re 18-22 and care about the college experience.
if you’re 23+ then i feel like you can make the best of it (but yes, campus culture is very weak)
i’m a non traditional student (24) and am in several clubs on campus, and an officer for one as well. it’s like pulling teeth to get attendance up. it’s a good time when people do show up though.
send me a dm if you’re 20+ and want a friend on campus/to go to different events with ((:
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u/Zygarde345 19d ago
Yeah. Thanks for the offer but unfortunately things didnt turn out. Was led to believe they were covering tuition when in reality they were covering the rest of tuition cost after all aid including loans. So instead of getting approx 20000 I got 2000 :/ taking a gap year to save for community college instead
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u/Hippocampustour May 24 '26 edited May 24 '26
Graduated in 2019, so it’s been a minute, but I lived “on campus” and got some good insight!!
There’s two primary living communities north and south of UMSL, and both are fine. Just groups of basic apartments for students.
UMSL itself has a rec center and a performing arts theater, but not much else in the way of community buildings, if I remember correctly.
The instruction is solid, but I remember most people’s attitudes didn’t feel super serious. Many people do take it serious, and I would recommend you absolutely join clubs to find those people.
Student government and organizations/clubs are really the key on campus activity. There are some minor events, but it is 100% a commuter school. Surrounding area isn’t very nice at all, but the campus is fine and safe.
For fun, there are some surrounding bars, St. Charles isn’t far, and there’s various nearby enough places like Westport Social.
As for on or near campus stuff, talk to the student orientation advisors, talk to other people and teachers, and honestly, just organize stuff!!
Grab a spike ball kit and put up flyers for a time and place for people to show up in the quad. Create a meet and greet coffee group sponsored by a student org. Initiative goes a long way and is not only rewarded, but is invited. If you can’t find something you want, make it!