The Washington University library system comprises 12 libraries, with the main library, Olin Library, centrally located on the Danforth Campus. According to the American Library Association, it is the 44th largest library in the United States in terms of volumes held, containing over 5.3 million volumes.^[148] In 2020, the Princeton Review ranked the Olin Library among the top 10 "Best College Libraries" in the United States.^[149] The remaining 11 libraries in the system include:

– Walk In, Lay Down, the semesterly concert in the Quad which brings in popular musical acts. The future of WILD remains unclear with multiple cancelled events due to COVID and university concerns an alternative event NAP was run in Fall 2023 off campus in an attempt to redefine WILD.^[171]

WILD

– The oldest and largest student-run carnival in the nation,^[172]^[173] run by Thurtene Honorary.^[174]

Thurtene Carnival

Vertigo – A dance party put on by the Engineering School Council (EnCouncil), featuring an innovative 8-by-16-foot (2.4 by 4.9 m) computer-controlled modular LED built by students.

illuminated dance floor

Cultural shows – Each year Washington University student groups put on several multicultural shows. Ashoka, the South Asian student association, puts on a performance for , the Indian festival of lights, that includes a skit and dances. Black Anthology is a student-run performance arts show celebrating black culture. Lunar New Year Festival is a student group that puts on a performance in collaboration with a philanthropic partner organization to celebrate the Lunar New Year through various Asian performing arts. Africa Week and the African Film Festival are annual events hosted by the African Students Association. Finally, the Association of Latin American Students showcases various forms of Latin and Spanish dances during their performance, Carnaval.

Diwali

– A superstition among students to never step on the university seal at Brookings Hall. It is said that doing so will prevent one from graduating on time.^[175]

Brookings Hall

Convocation – A large gathering for new students and their families intended to welcome them to the university. Among others, it includes speeches from seniors and university leadership.

[176]

DUC N' Donuts – Taking place on the first Friday of every month at the Danforth University Center (DUC), this tradition allows students to learn about monthly events while enjoying free coffee and donuts.

[177]

Cheap Lunch – Every Wednesday, the Engineering School Council (EnCouncil), provides pizza, chips, and cookies for a low cost.

[178]

Art Prom – Every Spring, students from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts host a “formal” dance with a creative twist.

[179]

Underpass Panels – A series of panels along the walls of the underpass connecting the South 40 to the main Danforth Campus. Tradition involves the painting of each panel by students and clubs to advertise upcoming events. Located adjacent to the underpass is a large concrete ball, a concrete cube, and pyramid, also painted to advertise student events.