The cultural and social life of the University is as vibrant as its intellectual life. Theater and music, lectures and readings, art exhibits and concerts are all staples of campus life . So is physical activity. In a single day, a student can easily canoe, hike, or play soccer, and attend a concert by a well known ensemble or a reading by a well known writer. Just as parks and recreation are conveniently nearby, so is good, affordable housing.
Graduate students can easily find comfortable accomodations within walking distance of the campus .
The university maintains a housing referral service to help students get situated. A prominent feature of the university is the School of Medicine situated on its own campus two miles east of the mathematics building . The Washington University School of Medicine is recognized world-wide for excellence in research, teaching, and patient care. Barnes Hospital, one of several hospitals affiliated with the School of Medicine, is ranked among the five best in the country.