Banks
The St. Louis Community Credit Union (SLCCU) is a local full-service banking institution with a primary mission of actively improving the prosperity of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area through economic empowerment. As a credit union, it is a not-for-profit entity, which is reflected through the better rates and lower fees it proffers to its members. In addition, the SLCCU maintains a business partner relationship with WUSM and BJC, meaning that high value checks from these organizations — stipends, tuition refunds, etc. — can be deposited without a hold period. Both deposits and withdrawals can be made from an ATM conveniently located on the second floor of the Wohl Hospital Building, which is accessible from WUSM via the overhead bridges (less than a five-minute walk from the carrels). Members also have access to all COOP network ATMs located across the U.S. and Canada. Finally, it is one of the few banks with a branch located within walking distance from the MetroLink (SLCCU Wellston – MET Centre Branch; MetroLink Red Line: Wellston MetroLink Station). Among others, there is a branch located on Forest Park Avenue.
Other banks:
Bank of America: 4625 Lindell Blvd. 314-284-0525
Commerce Bank: 4019 Chouteau Ave. 314-726-2255
Fifth Third Bank: 1 N. Euclid Ave. 314-454-0617
Pulaski Bank: 10 Maryland Plaza 314-367-8333
PNC Bank: 230 N. Euclid Ave. 314-361-8672
U.S. Banks: 216 S. Kingshighway Blvd. 314-361-3580; 4301 Lindell Blvd. 314-531-4495
— Umber D., M1
Beauty Salons and Barber Shops
Gentlemen, go to Cutters & Co. (actual customer, not a paid spokesman). Their service is great and every haircut comes with a beer, a massage, and a $5 student discount. If you find a local barbershop that’s giving away two beers with every trim, then go there and then volunteer to write this section of the Dis-O Guide next year. Barring that, I see no reason to get my haircut anywhere else. Just remember to call ahead and let Kenny Loggins know you’re coming, because you are about to enter the danger zone. Ladies, good luck.
Cutters & Co.: 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
— Nate C., M1
Computers
Here at Wash U, you can bring and use the device that works best for you and you don’t have to be tied down by the requirement to buy a specific model of laptop or pay hidden iPad fees built into your tuition. When you look around the first-year auditorium, you’ll see MacBooks, Windows devices, an array of tablets, a couple of Linux laptops, and even a Chromebook or two. You simply need to have a reliable machine that can view PDF/PPT lecture slides, play back mp4 lecture videos, check email, and take notes. For the average student, you’ll spend most of your time importing lecture slides into One- Note/Growly Notes and inking or typing notes in the margins. Using a tablet with keyboard dock also works for many as their primary note-taking device. You don’t really need a printer as they are available (black and white) in the library and the carrels. Get a membership at the public library down the street to print 200 free pages/month.
One note of caution: our secure, HIPAA-compliant student email works well with laptops, iOS, and Galaxy/Nexus devices, but it does not play nicely with some Windows Phones and some Android devices. If in doubt, consult with our helpful IT to set up your smartphone.
Electronics and computer stores:
Apple Store: 2401 Saint Louis Galleria
Best Buy: 8300 Eager Road
Circuit City: 1585 S. Brentwood Blvd.
Radio Shack: 4135 Lindell Blvd.
— Steven E., M1
Pets
I brought my pooch to school and it was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made! Having a dog at home is such a comfort, especially when classes become stressful. St. Louis is a very dog-friendly city and a lot of people here own dogs. I always run into other owners who are also on a stroll with their dogs when I take mine for a walk in the morning. That being said, there are plenty of pet shops, groomers, and animal hospitals scattered around the city. You won’t have a problem finding a vet in the neighborhood where you decide to live. Having a dog makes my schedule more limited since I can’t always stay at school studying as late as I want to, and it is a pain to walk her when it’s cold outside, but the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives. Plus, it really isn’t that much work. My dog kept me emotionally sane during difficult times. I love her very much, and I highly recommend getting a pet!
— Karen S., M1
Student Health Services
Chances are that as a medical student you are going to get the sniffles a time or two. Inevitably, every medical student will see their role change from doctor-in- training to patient. When this happens, the Student Health Services clinic (wusmhealth.wustl.edu) is there for you. Boasting a short wait time and an on-site pharmacy, the clinic is one of the most convenient options for routine doctor’s visits. The clinic is well-equipped to deal with minor concerns, and if advanced care is necessary we are literally next to one of the country’s best hospitals! And if you’re just looking for someone to talk to, WUSM has great mental health resources available on or near campus at affordable prices. Student health benefits are included with tuition and they cover a wide range of services with little or no co-pay. You also get some bonus perks for being a medical student, including the ability to self-refer to particular specialties, such as dermatology. So when you feel that cold coming on, head on over to Student Health Services to get back on track! Student health benefits also include dental coverage, and Student Health Services provides dental referrals.
— Jessica H., M1
Safety
The area around the School of Medicine is safe, despite the rumors about the city of St. Louis. Forest Park, the Central West End, and the Grove are all neighborhoods nearby that are enjoyable and fun to explore. Like any city, you have to use your common sense, but there are plenty of places you can travel with a sense of security. Wash U offers various services for students. Security guards are present in all campus buildings and at the MetroLink station, and ID badge access is required for buildings at night. If you are walking home late at night, Wash U Protective Services (available 24/7) will escort you to nearby neighborhoods by car. Additionally, a new carpool service is available for the DeBaliviere neighborhood, dropping students off at their doorsteps. Overall, as long as you use your street smarts, you’ll make it through med school safe and sound.
— Jessica F., M1