We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Bear Day! 

Plan your visit

Parking & transportation

Driving to campus

If you are driving to campus, you will be parking on the roof (2nd level) of the Shepley Drive Garage located at 6615 Shepley Drive. This garage can only be accessed from Big Bend Blvd and eastbound Shepley Drive. Once you have parked on the roof level, you will utilize the staircase at the east end of the roof to descend to the street level and then travel along the McLeod Walkway to your destination at the Danforth University Center. For more information, visit parking.washu.edu/parking/visitor.

Shepley Parking Map

Arriving by rideshare

Due to limited parking on campus, we encourage you to use a ride-share if possible. Please use Danforth University Center, 6475 Forsyth Ave. St. Louis, MO 63105 as the drop-off location.

You will check-in at Tisch Commons, Danforth University Center (DUC) once you have arrived.

What to pack

Bear Day is a fun, informative, and casual program. Remember to check the weather and dress accordingly. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring campus!

Tentative student schedule

*Times and events are subject to change.

Morning activities:

TimeActivityDescription
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.Check-inVisitors check in and receive Bear Day information. A light breakfast will be available before the day’s activities.
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.WelcomeVisitors receive an official welcome to campus.
10:00 – 11:45 a.m.Learn about Your DivisionLearn more about your first-year experience in your academic division.
11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Lunch & Student Groups FairEnjoy lunch in the Bear’s Den & Risa Commons. While at lunch, check out the Student Groups Fair in Risa Commons!

Note: Lunch time is chosen on registration. 

Choose your own adventure afternoon activities:

Visitors can pick and choose which activities they would like to attend.

TimeActivityDescription
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.		“Ask a Student” PanelCurrent students share their experiences and answer your questions. 
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.Student Financial Services SessionLearn more about financial aid and next steps.
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.Self-Guided Tour of the South 40Enjoy a self-guided tour of where you’ll eat, sleep, and play as a first-year student. Includes residential halls.
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.Bear BreakroomRelax with current students while making bracelets and keychains as well as get a special treat! 
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.Forest Park ExperienceEnjoy a trolley tour of Forest Park with a Missouri historian.

Note: First trolley will depart campus at 12:00 p.m. and the last trolley will return at 4:00 p.m. If you have luggage on campus, it must be picked up by 4:15 p.m. *No trolley tour available on Saturday. 
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.		Campus TourExplore campus on a tour guided by a current student. Note, this tour will not include the South 40 residential halls. 
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.McKelvey School of EngineeringEnjoy a tour of the McKelvey School of Engineering spaces. Tours will run every 20 minutes.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Danforth Campus BookstoreVisit the campus store.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Bear NecessitiesVisit the not-for-profit gift bookstore operated by the Women’s Society. All proceeds fund the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship Endowment.
2:00 – 4:30 p.m.Student Financial Services Walk-In HoursStop by the Student Financial Services office to ask questions and submit your enrollment deposit.

Tentative parent schedule

*Times and events are subject to change.

Morning activities:

TimeActivityDescription
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.Check-inVisitors check in and receive Bear Day information. A light breakfast will be available before the day’s activities.
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.WelcomeVisitors receive an official welcome to campus.
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.Learn about Your DivisionLearn more about your student’s first-year experience in their academic division.
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.Student Affairs PanelParents learn about the integral roles the Division of Student Affairs has in providing student support.
11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.LunchEnjoy lunch in the Bear’s Den & Risa Commons

Note: Lunch time is chosen on registration. 

Choose your own adventure afternoon activities:

Families can pick and choose which activities they would like to attend.

TimeActivityDescription
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.		“Ask a Parent” PanelParents of current students share their experiences and answer your questions. 
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.Student Financial Services SessionLearn more about financial aid and next steps.
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.Self-Guided Tour of the South 40Enjoy a self-guided tour of where you’ll eat, sleep, and play as a first-year student. Includes residential halls.
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.Bear BreakroomRelax with current students while making bracelets and keychains as well as get a special treat! 
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.Forest Park ExperienceEnjoy a trolley tour of Forest Park with a Missouri historian.

Note: First trolley will depart campus at 12:00 p.m. and the last trolley will return at 4:00 p.m. If you have luggage on campus, it must be picked up by 4:15 p.m. *No trolley tour available on Saturday. 
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.		Campus TourExplore campus on a tour guided by a current student. Note, this tour will not include the South 40 residential halls. 
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.McKelvey School of EngineeringEnjoy a tour of the McKelvey School of Engineering spaces. Tours will run every 20 minutes.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Danforth Campus BookstoreVisit the campus store.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Bear NecessitiesVisit the not-for-profit gift bookstore operated by the Women’s Society. All proceeds fund the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship Endowment.
2:00 – 4:30 p.m.Student Financial Services Walk-In HoursStop by the Student Financial Services office to ask questions and submit your enrollment deposit.