Nine Places and Things You'll Definitely Take Pictures of at SLU
There’s no shortage of photo opportunities at Saint Louis University. Here is a list of picture-worthy places around campus that will definitely earn a spot on your Instagram:
The Fountains
When the fountains come on at SLU, warm weather is on its way. They’re not just markers of changing seasons; SLU’s fountains bring students together and make the campus look great! You don’t have to pick a favorite but you’ll probably catch them all in a photo or two during your time here.
Hint: Facing west outside Busch Student Center, you can capture both the Dolphin Pond and College Church in one iconic shot.
St. Francis Xavier College Church
College Church has been one of the most beautiful buildings on campus for almost 180 years, regularly attracting both students and parishioners from across the city. It’s a popular backdrop for engagement photos and one of the most popular places to get married in St. Louis.
Hint: Snap it as the sun is setting or rising for premium stained glass lighting.
Athletic facilities
From the Fall Welcome soccer game at Hermann Stadium to A-10 showdowns at Chaifetz Arena, SLU’s state-of-the-art athletic facilities are where students show off their school pride. So put on your best SLU gear, grab some friends and practice your “S-A-I-N-T L-O-U-I-S” chants. You’ll want to Instagram this.
Hint: The men’s basketball Billiken Blizzard and Billiken Blue Out games each year are the perfect times to take this shot.
The Clocktower
The Joseph G. Lipic Clocktower is one of the most popular subjects (and Snapchat geofilters) at SLU. The fountains, steps and greenery provide the perfect backdrop, and you’ll always find someone you know passing by.
Hint: Try a straight shot down West Pine or an aerial shot from Spring Hall.
The Billiken
Rubbing the Billiken’s belly before exams and big games is a SLU tradition. On your way to the statue, you may run into the mascot dancing around campus. SLU fans, young and old, love getting this pic.
Hint: If you don’t catch him at a game, the Billiken mascot is almost always present at major SLU events like Homecoming and Family Weekend and Commencement.
Historic Samuel Cupples House and Gallery
Often compared to Hogwarts Castle, Cupples House is one of three museums on SLU's campus and is home to McNamee Gallery for student art. After you take a selfie or two outside, check out the interior. Admission is free.
Hint: Head around the north side of the house to find the picture-perfect patio.
Hammocks
Minimum work. Maximum SLU spirit. Whether you are crowded in with your friends, studying
or just swaying on a spring day, you’ll probably be tempted to take a picture from
one of SLU’s hammocks. Scattered throughout campus, they make their appearance each
spring and hang around through the early fall.
Hint: This is the perfect time to switch up your angle and get your feet in the shot.
Statues
There are dozens of statues on SLU’s campus. (The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius
Loyola, makes an appearance at the center of the Quad and the Billiken can be found
outside of Chaifetz Arena.) They are easy to pose with and never complain if you want
to take just one more shot.
Hint: Bronze is an excellent conductor of heat. If you’re planning to toss your arm
around Robert Frost or pose with your hand on the Billiken, we don’t recommend doing
it on an August day.
The Arch
St. Louis’ best-known landmark, the Gateway Arch, is just east of SLU and is a bonus in any campus beauty shot.
Hint: East of Grand Boulevard is your best bet for catching the iconic monument but if you end up in a tall enough building, it’s visible from almost anywhere on campus.
