Hi students!

Welcome to the final summer Bear Bulletin for incoming transfer students at Washington University in St. Louis.

Read through this newsletter for important information you need to know regarding your transition to WashU. If you have any questions, feel free to email us!

-Student Transitions & Family Programs

What to Expect this Month

You will receive the following items in the mail from us this month*:

1) August Before You Arrive Checklist

• The August Before You Arrive Checklist contains action items that should be completed this month before you arrive to campus.

*Please note that we are only able to mail to U.S. addresses. If you have an international address, you can access all information digitally, as linked above.

August 2023 Checklist

Each month this summer, there will be important items you need to complete to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your first year. Review past months' checklists to make sure you have completed all items. Some items on the August checklist include:

• Sign up for a U-Pass, a free transit card for St. Louis public transportation. You will need a U-Pass to participate in a city excursion during Fall Welcome.
• Sign your waiver to participate in activities throughout Fall Welcome and the Transfer Experience.
• Pack for Move-In Day!

Transfer Course: Bearprints for Success

This one-credit, seven-week course is designed to help new students make a successful transition to WashU, both academically and personally. This course sets students on a path in which they will engage with academic readings, interactive activities, and empirically based strategies centered on the five core anchors of Student Affairs: Healthy Excellence; Leadership; Career Development; Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; and Student Engagement & Belonging. The course also introduces the students to key academic success and learning strategies resources and support staff that will optimize their experiences at the university.

Students interested in taking Bearprints for Success, L43 1100 16, should speak with their academic adviser when discussing their fall 2023 course schedule. Section 16 is specifically designed for transfer students.

Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome

You will participate in Fall Welcome upon arrival. This is a four-day orientation program hosted by Student Transitions & Family Programs.

During Fall Welcome, you will get to know campus, learn about the resources available to support you, explore St. Louis, socialize with other exchange students, and more! Events to look forward to include a bus tour of St. Louis, a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, a campus tour, and more! Be sure to sign your waiver to participate in the off-campus activities.

WashU Votes

435 U.S. House of Representative seats, 309 state executive offices, 34 U.S. Senate seats, and countless ballot initiatives, regional offices, and local offices are on the ballot for this year’s midterm elections. Have you made your plan to vote yet? Check your registration, research the issues, and get involved!

TimelyCare

You can't always predict when you will need medical or mental health care, so we encourage you to download the TimelyCare app before arriving to campus. Simply set up your account with your WashU email address and then enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have access to 24/7 on-demand mental health support (the TalkNow feature), medical and mental health appointments, health coaching, and much more.

Important Dates

Fall 2023 Dates

Transfer Student Move-In*: August 23

Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome: August 23-26

First Day of Class: August 28

Labor Day (no classes): September 4

Fall Break (no classes): October 7-10

Thanksgiving Break (no classes): November 22-26

Last Day of Classes: December 8

Reading Week and Exams: December 11-20

*Fall varsity athletes have different arrival dates. Please check with your head coach for more information.