I spent this past summer interning in Kirkwood, Missouri, about twenty minutes away from Wash U. Staying in STL for a summer was something I wanted to do since freshman year and I'm so glad I did it. Living on Kingsbury with friends and spending countless hours with other people who stayed in STL for a summer definitely made it worth it. If you have the opportunity to stay in the Lou, I would highly suggest doing it. You have so much more time than you do during the school year to explore St. Louis and really get to know the city.

Here's 10 reasons you should consider staying in St. Louis for a summer:

1. Summer events in STL

So much happens in St. Louis during the summer. Seriously, if you stay tuned to events on Facebook there's so much to do. To name a few: festivals, Slide the City, Cardinal's games, Wednesday concerts at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Food Truck Fridays and much more. You won't be bored if you get engaged with the STL community.

2. Ted Drews and Mr. Wizards

It's socially acceptable, honestly probably encouraged, to eat lots of ice cream/frozen custard in the summer. STL summers are very hot so eating ice cream to cool down is a must. I think I may have eaten a bit more ice cream than I probably should have (would not suggest it as a dinner substitute), but it is definitely great. Plus check out Mr. Wizards before it closes for winter. Much closer to campus than Ted Drewes and just as good in my opinion.

3. Pretty much unlimited time to explore St. Louis

Since mostly everyone works 9-5ish (shoutout to the STL summer homies), there's lots of time after work and on weekends to explore St. Louis. There's a lot to see in all the different neighborhoods and so many good restaurants to eat at if you look for them!

4. Living with your friends

Unlike some of my friends who I didn't get to see at all this summer (sad), you get to hang with your friends in STL all summer and it's so fun! (Shoutout to 2W).

5. Float trips

Probably the most fun I've ever had. Very summer. Make sure to do one before senior week.

6. Millbrook Pool

Ok honestly it's not that great. But if you spend a summer in STL, you will undoubtedly put in some hours here. Plus, many times on the weekends, pool parties happen, which are really fun.

7. 4th of July in STL

I missed the 4th to go home. But I know it's a great time. Lots of friends come to visit STL for the fourth and I have heard good things.

8. Cheap living expenses

STL is so much cheaper than other cities that I was actually able to save some of the money I made this summer. It's great now that school's starting and I have money in my pocket. And this probably wouldn't have been the case if I had been in most other cities.

9. So many WUSTL people around

Did you miss seeing your friends every day this summer? Well, stay in St. Louis and there will not be a shortage of WUSTL people. Trust me. There's so many. The Summer in STL page had over 800 members. You get to hang out with your friends all summer and make new ones because you have so much time to just hang out in the summer.

10. You may want everyone to come back, but you won't miss the beauty that is WUSTL because you're there!

At the end of the summer, you may be ready for everyone to come back to school. But, you won't have the longing for WUSTL like other people will because you can go stare at beautiful Brookings anytime you want!

Hope I convinced you to stay in STL one summer!