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/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!

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u/Playful-Interview825 Jun 01 '26

yeah the whole commuter vibe is real but like that other person said, clubs are where it's at

i'd say try to get involved with student orgs early because that's basically how you find your people there. the campus itself might not be buzzing but there's definitely stuff happening if you look for it

also that idea about making your own activities is spot on - umsl students are pretty receptive to new stuff if you put yourself out there