Saint Louis University, also known as SLU, is a private, co-ed Jesuit university in St. Louis, Missouri. The Society of Jesus founded St. Louis University in 1818, and that makes SLU the oldest university west of the Mississippi river. Founding a University west of the Mississippi in 1818 was a huge accomplishment, considering how the US was still primarily an east coast nation at this time. The Association of Jesuit Colleges and universities made SLU one of its 28 members, and then was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

These are basically all the dry facts, but St. Louis University is anything but dry when you take into account its stunning architecture and wonderful athletic teams. Currently 12,309 students are enrolled at SLU, and they come from all 50 states and more than 80 foreign countries, meaning that St. Louis University is the 4th biggest Jesuit University in the US. The university provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and the undergraduate program is ranked 80th in the US.

Let's get to one of my favorite aspects of St. Louis University: the architecture and surrounding neighborhoods! There is some truly unique and beautiful architecture on the SLU campus, and some of the surrounding towns offer great entertainment, food and fun, not just for students, but for the residents as well.

When you take a stroll through St. Louis University, you'll often stumble across a number of interesting and smartly-designed buildings; many of them with their own unique history. Two stand out in my mind as being exceptionally beautiful; with a long and interesting history that will last for ages to come.

The Historic Samuel Cupples House is a St. Louis landmark??well, not officially. The Cupples House is far and away the most beautiful mansion on the St. Louis University campus, and if you get the chance to spend an evening on its historic patio, drinking from a fine selection of wines by the glass, you'll be a more enriched person for it!

The Cupples House is a Romanesque Revival building from the late-nineteenth century. The Romanesque style is quite interesting; refuting the more intricate and complicated style of Victorian architecture, with its winding turns, great arches, and flashy design. The Cupples House, on the contrary, is built in the style of stability, strength, and simplicity.

Venture-off through St. Louis to see a great variety of styles and masterpieces of architecture in the 19th and 20th century styles. You may find something that surprises you, like Art Deco buildings that stimulate the imagination, and even old Spanish Mission Deco buildings like the one found in Grand Center, St. Louis, designed by P.T. Barnett. With its rich Spanish style and unique feel, this building always turns heads.