Bear Necessities
6618 Shepley Drive
St. Louis, MO 63105

We are located on the “South 40” portion of the Danforth Campus, right in the heart of the residential area on campus, on the first floor of the Umrath House dorm.

Phone: 314-935-5071
[email protected]

Normal Hours
Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

During School Breaks
Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Hours may vary based upon special events and circumstances.

Bear Necessities was founded in 1966 and moved to its present location in Umrath House in 2009.

Bear Necessities (BN) is a not-for-profit store on the Danforth Campus, supporting the Women’s Society of Washington University in St. Louis. BN is managed by University Services Management team members and provides work-study employment opportunities to students who receive financial aid.

The store carries a variety of dorm and office supplies, as well as a large selection of carefully curated WashU apparel and souvenirs. BN also offers customized birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookie cakes and balloons for any special occasion. Parents and loved ones can be a part of their student’s celebrations from afar by ordering through the website.

Proceeds from Bear Necessities fund the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship Endowment, provide project grants for on-campus student organizations, and support the Harriet K. Switzer Achievement Award and continuing education programs.

We look forward to seeing you in our campus store when you visit!