Welcome to Your Adventure in Saint Louis!
In this post, we will share information about the city, the campus, and more.
Ideally, you’ll want to live near the campus, preferably not farther than the Central West End (CWE) area. This area is easily accessible by bus or bike. Some buildings have specific move-in and move-out periods, as they are mostly student housing. My recommendations are:
- Coronado Place and Towers: Single rooms ($1000, excluding amenities) / Double rooms ($800, excluding amenities). Roommates are assigned for double rooms.
- The Icon: Single rooms ($1000, including amenities) / Double rooms ($750, including amenities). Roommates are assigned for double rooms.
- 3949 Apartments: Single rooms ($1300, including amenities) / Double rooms ($850, excluding amenities). Roommates are assigned for double rooms.
- Airbnb: You might find good deals on shared apartments.
In the U.S., many people use Uber, which is affordable, especially when you split the fare with friends. For daily commutes to school, Saint Louis offers the MetroLink train line and a bus line. Tickets cost $2.50 for the train and $1 for the bus, available through the Transit app.
If you enjoy biking, I recommend getting a bike, as it makes it much easier to move around at your convenience.
Like any city, Saint Louis has its pros and cons when it comes to safety. Overall, it is safe if you're aware of your surroundings and know which neighborhoods to explore. It's important to familiarize yourself with the areas that are considered safe, especially if you're new to the city. Central West End, Clayton, and the Delmar Loop are generally safe and popular places to visit. As with any urban area, it's a good idea to avoid certain parts of the city at night and stay informed about your surroundings.
In the U.S., mobile plan prices can be quite high, so it's important to find a carrier that offers good value for your needs. One of the best options for affordable mobile plans is Mint Mobile. They offer some of the most budget-friendly plans while still providing reliable service.
With Mint Mobile, you can choose prepaid plans for 3, 6, or 12 months at a time, which helps keep costs down. Their plans typically include unlimited talk and text, and various data options ranging from 5GB to unlimited, depending on what you need. The longer you commit (e.g., a 12-month plan), the cheaper your monthly rate becomes. Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network, so you'll have solid nationwide coverage. Plus, they often have promotions for new users, making it a great choice for anyone looking to save money while still getting decent service.
Here’s a list of places in Saint Louis where you can hang out and enjoy the city:
- Forest Park – One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., great for picnics, biking, and outdoor activities. It also hosts the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center.
- Central West End (CWE) – A vibrant neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Perfect for socializing and exploring the area.
- The Delmar Loop – Known for its lively atmosphere, this area has unique shops, live music venues, restaurants, and the famous Blueberry Hill.
- The Gateway Arch and Riverfront – An iconic landmark where you can enjoy riverboat cruises, visit the museum, and take in scenic views of the city.
- Soulard – Famous for its historic architecture, Soulard is known for its music scene, especially jazz and blues clubs, and the lively Soulard Farmers Market.
- Cherokee Street – A cultural hotspot with art galleries, vintage shops, and diverse dining options, known for its artsy vibe and local charm.
- The Grove – A trendy district with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, offering a fun nightlife experience.
- City Museum – A quirky, one-of-a-kind museum that's part playground, part art installation, and perfect for an unconventional day out.
- Saint Louis Botanical Garden – A peaceful place to enjoy nature, with beautiful gardens, seasonal events, and concerts.
- Ballpark Village – Located near Busch Stadium, this entertainment district is a great spot for sports fans, featuring restaurants, bars, and live events.
- The Thaxton Speakeasy (Downtown) – A stylish, Prohibition-era speakeasy with craft cocktails and a cozy, vintage vibe.
- Just John (The Grove) – A lively LGBTQ+ bar with an outdoor patio, regular events, and a fun dance floor.
- HandleBar (The Grove) – A trendy bar offering a mix of bike culture, dance parties, and eclectic music, popular for late-night fun.
- Atomic Cowboy Pavilion & The Bootleg (The Grove) – A combination of a bar, live music venue, and outdoor space, offering concerts, drinks, and a great atmosphere.
- Up-Down STL (Central West End) – A unique bar featuring vintage arcade games, pinball machines, and a rooftop patio with great views.
- Rosie’s Place (Soulard) – A laid-back dive bar known for its affordable drinks and welcoming vibe.
- Venice Bar (Soulard) – Live music, affordable drinks, and a welcoming vibe.
- Molly's (Soulard) – A popular spot, especially on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 PM to 1:30 AM.
- Narwhal’s Crafted (Midtown) – A creative frozen cocktail bar offering a wide range of craft cocktails, ideal for a chill night out.
- Tin Roof (Downtown) – A lively bar with live music, great food, and an energetic crowd, perfect for dancing and socializing.
- Wheelhouse Downtown (Downtown) – A sports bar by day that transforms into a club at night with DJs, dancing, and a high-energy atmosphere.
- Ballpark Village (Downtown) – This entertainment complex near Busch Stadium offers several bars, including Budweiser Brew House and Fox Sports Midwest Live!, perfect for a night out with drinks and live events.
- John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub (Soulard) – A famous Irish pub with a large outdoor patio, live Irish music, and great food, perfect for a lively night with friends.
- Start Bar (Downtown) – A retro arcade bar with classic video games, great cocktails, and a casual atmosphere for a nostalgic night out.