Campus Visit FAQs

While our staff can answer your questions in a one-on-one or group setting, here are answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked by prospective GW students.

Planning Your Visit to Campus

The George Washington University is open for in-person tours and offers virtual engagement opportunities, which can be found on our Journey to GW page. For university updates, visit Onward GW.

Do you have student fly-in programs?: Our usual fall fly-in program, Your GW, which celebrates diversity and inclusion, is currently on pause. Check back for updates next summer.
Can I stay in a residence hall when I visit campus?: We do not offer overnight visits. View a list of local hotels offering GW rates.
When is the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Welcome Center open?: Our office is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except university holidays) plus select Saturdays, with extended phone and email hours offered during peak seasons. View engagement opportunities on our Journey to GW page.
Are open houses offered during the fall/spring?: In addition to campus tours, we offer a variety of programs and events throughout the year. See all of our opportunities on our Journey to GW page.
Will I be able to tour a residence hall?: We are not able to show a residence hall on our campus tours due to safety and capacity concerns. If you’d like to see our first-year residence halls, we encourage you to explore GW's first-year residence halls. (Note that hall assignments are subject to change from year to year; this year's first-year residence halls may not be designated for first-years next year.)
Can I sit in on a class?: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer class visits at this time.
What is included on a campus tour?: All campus tours are led by student guides, who offer their own GW story and current student insights. On Foggy Bottom Campus tours, which last about an hour, you will travel from the University Student Center through our downtown D.C. campus, seeing campus highlights such as academic buildings, Kogan Plaza, Potomac Park, University Yard, and more. A Mount Vernon Campus tour helps you to get acquainted with our smaller residential campus, including its library, dining hall, athletic spaces, and more. School-specific tours are also offered throughout the year; view details about our in-person campus tours.
Where is the Admissions parking lot?: While we do not offer free parking for guests, there is a paid GW deck available for visitors below the Science and Engineering Hall. Since we are located in the heart of D.C., we recommend using public transit or alternative methods of transportation to reach GW.
How close is the airport or train & bus stations?: As the only D.C. school with our very own Metro stop on campus, travel is just a ride away. Located on the Silver, Blue, and Orange lines, the Metro can take you to Union Station for rail and bus travel (15 minutes) or to Reagan National Airport (DCA) to travel by air (20 minutes). View a map of the Metro Rail system.
Can I make an appointment to speak with an admissions representative?: Appointments are not necessary; our staff is available to assist you by phone or email. However, if you wish to schedule a meeting or make an appointment, you can reach out to your admission representative.
Do I need an appointment to visit campus?: We strongly encourage visitors to register in advance for a campus visit, as many sessions do reach capacity. We accommodate walk-ins only on a space-available basis. View all of our engagement opportunities on our Journey to GW webpage.
Can I talk with current students during my visit?: Of course, you will have the opportunity to speak with many current students while on campus. Students staff the reception desk in the Welcome Center and will happily answer any questions you may have during check-in - and your tour guide will be a current student who will share their story and answer your questions. If you’d like to speak with a student from a specific discipline, ask at the Welcome Center or contact our office. Visit our Campus Life page to chat with a current student or to submit a question (hours vary).
Can I meet with someone regarding my specific academic area of interest?: Our tour guides offer a wealth of GW information, from academics to extracurriculars. In addition, we have students available from each school and many aspects of student life. Their contact information is available from the Welcome Center.
When is the best time to visit campus?: The best time is the time that works for you, and luckily, GW is beautiful and vibrant at all times of the year! However, we do love our Cherry Blossoms, which typically bloom in March or April.