Graduate Programs Admitted Students

Monday, August 24. You can view the 2026-27 academic calendar here.

Orientation begins August 10 and spans two weeks. This mandatory orientation introduces you to faculty, facilities, campus resources, and your cohort. Students will receive a detailed schedule in July via email.

Graduate Art Programs (MFA-VA, MFA-IVC, MDes): Students admitted to the MFA-VA, MFA-IVC and MDes programs can expect to receive advising and course planning information from their program coordinator, Becky Flores, in May. This communication will guide you through selecting courses and preparing for registration.

Graduate Architecture Programs (MArch, MLA, MUD, Dual Degrees): Students admitted to the MArch, MLA, MUD, Dual Degrees, MSAS, and MSAAD programs can expect to finalize their class registration during orientation. However, some required courses may be pre-enrolled before July to ensure placement and streamline the registration process. You will receive additional guidance from programs manager, Ellen Bailey, ahead of these steps.

Graduate schedules vary by program and will include significant independent work time outside of structured class hours. Your program will provide a sample schedule and expectations during orientation.

To prepare for the two-week orientation starting August 10, most students move to St. Louis in late July or early August.

WashU offers robust resources to assist with navigating local housing and transportation options:

Apartment referral service: Support for renters seeking local options. Learn more.

• Quadrangle Housing: University owned off campus housing near Danforth Campus.

• Parallel Properties: Affiliated property management with diverse St. Louis listings.

• Off-Campus apartments for rent near Danforth Campus.

Other options — Market-wide apartment and home listings:

• Zillow.com

• Apartments.com

We recommend using WashU Roommate Finders:

• RoomSurf

• WashU Off-Campus Roommates

Parking and transportation at WashU include multiple options:

• Parking permits allow access to campus garages such as East End Garage (near Weil Hall) and the DUC Garage. Options include daily use permits, evening permits, and ParkSmart permits for West Campus. Learn more.

• Metro UPass (free for all fulltime students): Provides unlimited access to MetroBus, MetroLink light rail, Call-A-Ride, and Madison County Transit. Learn more.

• WashU also operates a free shuttle network connecting neighborhoods and campuses. See transit and shuttle details. Learn more.

• Smart Commute and TripShot tools support route planning and sustainable transport options.

We welcome visitors Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Schedule a visit or request information by contacting samfoxgradadmissions@wustl.edu.

Studio access varies by program, but most graduate students receive assigned studio spaces before the start of classes and may access them during extended hours. Exact access information will be provided during orientation.

WashU offers comprehensive health and wellness support for all graduate and professional students. The WashU Student Health Center provides care to all students enrolled on the Danforth Campus. Their services include:

• Habif Medical Services

• Psychiatry Services

• Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

• WashU Health Promotion Services

Information about graduate student insurance coverage, required immunizations, wellness programming, doctor visits, immunization policies, and the insurance waiver process is available on here.

Sam Fox School students have access to a variety of resources within the school and the university. We encourage you to visit Inside Sam Fox, a hub of resources, forms, and policies for current students, faculty, and staff.

Sam Fox School Resources: https://insidesamfox.wustl.edu/students/resources/

University resources:

• Center for Career Engagement

• Center for Diversity and Inclusion

• Disability Resources

• The Graduate Center

• Gephardt Institute for Civic Community Engagement

• Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center

• Student groups

• WashU Libraries

• The Writing Center & Speaking Studio

Student employment at WashU is part-time and paid hourly. Positions are limited and not guaranteed. Graduate students typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, depending on the position and their program’s workload expectations.

Job opportunities within the Sam Fox School include:

• Lab monitors

• Library support

• Kemper Art Museum docents and gallery assistants

• Assistants in instruction

• Research assistants

Job opportunities throughout WashU include:

• Student Involvement and Leadership

• Residential Life

• Center for Diversity and Inclusion

• Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

After accepting your offer and submitting required documentation, international students will receive guidance from the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) regarding the issuance of your Form I 20 or DS 2019, SEVIS procedures, and next steps for the visa interview.

Yes. OISS offers advising on immigration, travel, employment, cultural adjustment, and campus resources. They also provide international student orientation and ongoing workshops throughout the academic year. Housing resources for international students are included here: OISS Housing Options