Hi students!

Welcome to the fifth 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

If you have a U.S. address, you will receive the following items in the mail from us in August. If you live outside the U.S., you can review the information online.

1) August Before You Arrive Checklist

• The August Before You Arrive Checklist contains action items that should be completed this month.

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 the waiver to participate in activities throughout Bear Beginnings and the Transfer Experience.

The following items must be completed before Move-In Day, or you will not be able to access your residence hall:

• Apply for a WashU Student ID by July 31.
• Submit your immunization record and health history form by August 1.

Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome

You will participate in Fall Welcome upon arrival. This is a 4-day orientation program hosted by Student Transitions & Family Programs. You can view the draft schedule here.

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!

If you would like to participate in the off-campus excursions during Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Welcome and/or the academic year, please sign the Transfer Student Waiver before arriving to campus for Move-In Day.

Health Insurance Requirement

All full-time, degree-seeking students at WashU are required to have health insurance, and your student will be automatically enrolled in the university’s health insurance plan. This coverage has an annual premium charge that will be applied to your account. The fully funded health plan runs from August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024.

If you wish to opt out of this insurance, there is a waiver process that must be completed by September 5, 2023. 

In order to waive out of the student health insurance plan, current insurance coverage must meet the university’s specific criteria. You can complete the health insurance waiver through WebSTAC.

Contact Habif Health and Wellness Center with questions about health insurance.

Disability Resources

Disability Resources (DR) is WashU’s designated office responsible for determining and coordinating accommodations necessary for the equitable inclusion of disabled students. DR’s goal is to enable students to accomplish their educational goals, as well as ensure an equal opportunity to derive all the benefits of campus life.

Students with disabilities who may require academic, programmatic, or housing accommodations are encouraged to engage with Disability Resources. Because accommodations are not applied retroactively, Disability Resources recommends initiating requests prior to, or at the beginning of, the academic term to avoid delays in accessing accommodations once classes begin. 

Contact Disability Resources for more information.

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.