First-year students are invited to attend these events hosted by organizations affiliated with the Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life:

Friday, August 14, 2026

Jewish

  • WashU Hillel Shabbat Services, 5:15 p.m., and Shabbat Dinner, 6pm. Forsyth Blvd. Join us for your choice of services to usher in Shabbat at WashU! Celebrate your first college Shabbat with your family and meet new friends at a festive Hillel dinner! Hillel staff, student leaders and members of Washington University leadership will join us for this popular gathering.
  • Chabad at WashU Candlelighting & Davening at 6:00 pm, Shabbat Dinner at 7:00 pm at Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd (steps from the South 40). Parents and families: RSVP here for Shabbat dinner. New students should register through the Cha-bot by texting MOVEINSHABBAT to 314-886-6111. We expect hundreds of guests, and have invited Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and other university leaders to join us. It promises to be a meaningful way to open the year together.

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Jewish

  • Orientation Shabbos Morning Minyan and Lunch: Minyan 9:30 a.m., Lunch 12 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Shabbos day at WashU Hillel is a special time for students to come together for Davening, learning, and of course, food. First-year students and family are invited to get a taste of what has become the highlight of the week for our Shabbat observant students. Come for services or just kiddush and lunch. 
  • Shabbat Day at Chabad. Morning Services at 10:00 am. Shabbat Lunch at 12:30 pm. Open House & Shabbat Lounge 2:00–5:00 pm. Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Parents and families: RSVP here for Shabbat Lunch. No fee. Saturday lunch is more relaxed, an open-house-style meal with plenty of food and friendly faces. Chabad is open and welcoming to all, offering a warm, come-as-you-are experience of hospitality.
  • Afternoon Open House, 3-5 p.m, WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Take a break from move-in or stop by during your afternoon Shabbat walk to grab a cool treat and learn about Jewish life on campus. Meet other new students, families, and the Hillel staff, and see our beautiful Hillel home. Refreshments served. No reservations required.

Roman Catholic

  • Move-In Vigil Mass & Reception for New Students & Family, 4 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. Roman Catholic Mass for all new students and their families. Celebrate Vigil Mass at the CSC, the home away from home for students, and stick around for a short reception to meet the CSC staff and take a tour of our beautiful center.

Protestant Christian

  • Storyline College Open House and Welcome to Campus table. The Swamp, 11am.
  • Asian Christian Fellowship Student and Family Meet & Greet, DUC 234, 3-5. WashU’s Asian Christian Fellowship, an affiliate of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, welcomes students and their families to come meet current students and staff! Take a pause amidst move-in weekend to learn more about our community, get plugged into a spiritual home, and learn about what it’s like to be Christian or explore Christianity at WashU. Students and families of all religious and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to join!

    Sunday, August 16, 2026

    Protestant Christian

    • Join Grace UMC for back to school worship and blessing. Sunday, August 16, Grace UMC (Skinker & Waterman), 10:30am. Meet Pastor Tina, the affiliated campus pastor.  Meet other students from Wash U.
    • Worship at Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist, 10 a.m., 6221 Alexander Dr.
    • Worship at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 11 a.m., 500 Westminster Place.

    Roman Catholic

    • Sunday Mass, 11 a.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. Roman Catholic Mass. Hosted by the Catholic Student Center at WashU. Catholic Mass. Come celebrate Sunday Mass at the Catholic Student Center, meet the CSC staff and get a tour of our center afterwards. 

    Monday, August 17, 2026

    Jewish

    • Sweet Treat O’Clock: 1-4. Didn’t make it to Hillel over the weekend? No problem! Drop in anytime from 1-4pm to talk to staff and students about Jewish Life on Campus. Grab a sweet treat and make a mezuzah for your dorm room while you are here!, Cool off with free popsicles and meet new friends and familiar faces! Rain date TBD. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
    • Subs, Schmooze & Axe Throwing, 5-6:30, at Chabad House. Kick off the week with food, axe throwing, and 100+ future friends. Free dinner and giveaways included.

    Protestant Christian

    • 9-Square on the Swamp 5-8, The Swamp, by the volleyball courts. All levels of expertise welcome to join us for 9-Square! (Hint: Think 4-Square rules, but overhead) Hosted by Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director (acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com).

    Tuesday, August 18, 2026

    Jewish

    • Sweet Treat O’Clock: 1-4. Didn’t make it to Hillel over the weekend? No problem! Drop in anytime from 1-4pm to talk to staff and students about Jewish Life on Campus. Grab a sweet treat and make a mezuzah for your dorm room while you are here!, Cool off with free popsicles and meet new friends and familiar faces! Rain date TBD. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

    Protestant Christian

    • Frozen Custard from Ted Drewes with ACTS, 9-11 p.m., meet at the DUC South Entrance & rides will be provided to Ted Drewes (6726 Chippewa Street). Enjoy a small frozen custard ON US, from this local St. Louis gem that has been open for over 90 years. Rides will be provided. Hosted by the Association of Christian Truth-Seekers (ACTS). More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com.
    • Sundaes on the Swamp, 9-11 p.m., South 40 Swamp. Ice cream sundaes and yard games on the South 40 swamp. Hosted by Storyline Church (Southern Baptist). More info: maddie@thestorylinechurch.com.

    Wednesday, August 19, 2026

    Jewish

    • Falafel Fest & Meet the Israel Fellow, 5:30–7 p.m., Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Come meet our new Israel Fellow and connect with students who share your love for the Holy Land. Israeli food, warm vibes, and great company. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
    • Sweet Treat O’Clock: 1-4. Didn’t make it to Hillel over the weekend? No problem! Drop in anytime from 1-4pm to talk to staff and students about Jewish Life on Campus. Grab a sweet treat and make a mezuzah for your dorm room while you are here!, Cool off with free popsicles and meet new friends and familiar faces! Rain date TBD. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

    Protestant Christian

    • Burgers n More! , 5-7 p.m., LuMin St. Louis Campus House, 7019 Forsyth (Big Bend & Forsyth). Join LuMin St. Louis for a free burger and more as we welcome all students to the Wash U and SLU neighborhoods.  There will be non beef and vegetarian options as well as gluten free bread.  Come for the food, stay for the community.

    Thursday, August 20, 2026

    Jewish

    • Challah Bake with Chabad at WashU, 5pm! Join @mushkafromchabad for a hands-on challah bake. Braid, top, and bake your own loaf to bring back to your dorm, and ask about “Friday Club” while you’re there.
    • Bear Mitzvah: a Mixer for WashJews, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Risa Commons (Zetcher House). Join new students to celebrate like it’s your B-Mitzvah! Enjoy dessert, music, and more…you won’t want to miss it! Hosted by WashU Hillel.
    • Sweet Treat O’Clock: 1-4. Didn’t make it to Hillel over the weekend? No problem! Drop in anytime from 1-4pm to talk to staff and students about Jewish Life on Campus. Grab a sweet treat and make a mezuzah for your dorm room while you are here!, Cool off with free popsicles and meet new friends and familiar faces! Rain date TBD. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.

    Protestant Christian

    • Welcome to RUF (Reformed University Fellowship)! DUC 248 at 6pm. Come eat and get to know our staff and students.
    • Board & Card Game Night with ACTS – 6:30-8:30 in DUC 234. All are welcome to join us for some board game & card game fun! Take a break from the heat and feel free to BYO Snack. More info: Katie Holloway, Campus Ministry Director acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com.

    Roman Catholic

    • Swamp Mass and Ice cream, 5:30pm, Swamp, South 40.  Join us for a student Mass on the South 40 on the Swamp and ice cream treats afterwards. Get a chance to meet upperclassmen involved with the CSC and CSC campus ministers and the chaplain, Fr. Brian! 

    Friday, August 21, 2026

    Jewish

    • Welcome Shabbat Dinner for GRAD Students with Chabad at WashU, 7pm, Chabad House. RSVP here.
    • The Pre-Classes Shabbat Dinner 6:00 p.m. Davening, 7 p.m. Dinner, Chabad House, 7018 Forsyth Blvd. Start the semester with a warm, home-cooked Shabbat and a full house of new and familiar faces. RSVP through the Cha-bot; spots fill quickly. Hosted by Chabad at WashU.
    • First Years Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m., WashU Hillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd. Take a break from the hustle of Orientation activities and enjoy a relaxing and delicious Shabbat dinner with new friends, returning student leaders, and the Hillel staff. Come as you are (casual attire welcome)! Walk over to Hillel directly or meet up at the South 40 Clocktower at 6:45pm to walk over for dinner.

    Protestant Christian

    • Picnic and Games with Storyline Southern Baptist, the Swamp, 5:30-6:30. Bring your dinner outside, hang with friends, and play yard games on the swamp

    Roman Catholic

    • Movie Night at the Catholic Student Center, 9 p.m., Catholic Student Center at WashU, 6352 Forsyth Blvd. First year students are invited to come to relax in the beautiful Catholic Student Center for an evening movie night (including snacks and movie popcorn) with our Catholic Student Union leaders. A 5-7 minute walk from the South 40 dorms. All students are welcome to attend. Hosted by the Catholic Student Center at WashU.

    Sunday, August 23, 2026

    Protestant Christian

    • Prayer Time Fellowship with ACTS, DUC 239 4-5:30. We would love for you to join us for a time of prayer: for YOU, for the coming school year, and for the world. If you can’t make it but have a prayer request, feel free to send it to us and we will pray for you. acts.stl.ministry@gmail.com.
    • Welcome Home Worship & Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Rockwell House, 7023 Forsyth Blvd. We will have a communion service in the Episcopal tradition, followed by dinner. All faith traditions welcome. We are an LGBTQ affirming community and we can’t wait to see you! Hosted by Rockwell House Episcopal Campus Ministry.
    • Sunday Night worship, 7:30 p.m. Join Pastor Tina, Pastor Scott and the Bethel community as we welcome a new school year together in worship and sacrament. LuMin Campus House, 7019 Forsyth Blvd. All students welcome to contemplative worship with communion in the upper room at the campus house. We’ll have fruit and dessert fellowship afterward. Hosted by LuMin St. Louis. 


    Monday, August 24, 2026

    Jewish

    • JewBQ Monday with Chabad and Hillel! 5:00 pm Lien-Gregg Porch (above the clocktower on the South 40). A first-day-of-classes tradition. Join Chabad and Hillel for food, great company, and a warm welcome to the school year.


    Saturday, August 29, 2026

    • STL Gateway Global Picnic in Laurel Park, St. Peters: welcoming international students Saturday with International Students Inc., from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.