GW Living & D.C. FAQs

GW Living & Washington D.C.

What do students do for fun at GW?: D.C. is a great place for college students, with many inexpensive culturally enriching opportunities. Many students visit the monuments and various Smithsonian Institutions, explore different neighborhoods of D.C. like Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill, or partake in any of the seasonal festivals, concerts, and events in the area.
Is there Greek life?: Yes, GW has 35 Greek organizations on campus, including pre-professional, cultural, and social fraternities and sororities. About 30 percent of students participate in one of those organizations. About 10 percent of GW students participate in traditional Fraternity and Sorority life at GW.
Can you tell me about religious groups on campus?: Religious life at GW is inclusive and lively, across the board, with more than 20 student organizations centered on faith plus the Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life.
What’s the weather like?: Mid-Atlantic region weather means mild temperatures for fall and spring, with a warm summer and chilly winter. D.C. is a four-season climate.
Where can I find out more about the District of Columbia on the web?: A great place to start is www.washington.org. You can learn about the different D.C. neighborhoods, places to eat, where to stay, and things to do!

Living on Campus

Are students required to live on campus?: All students who begin at GW as first years are required to live on campus for three years unless they have been approved for a Residency Exemption. Incoming transfer students must live on campus through the spring semester of their first academic year. More information regarding housing and the registration process can be found on GW's Campus Living & Residential Education website.
How do I decide where to live?: Over the summer, deposited students will register for housing. During this process, you will rank your housing preferences, including residence halls on our Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. Typically, students get one of their top three choices on the housing form. Learn more from GW's Campus Living & Residential Education.
Can I live on-campus all four years?: Yes, first-time-in-college students are required to live on campus for their first three years. Seniors may choose to remain on campus or move to off-campus housing. Students who transfer into GW are required to live on campus through the spring semester of their first academic year at GW. View details and exemptions from Campus Living & Residential Education.
Are there any support programs for students with learning differences?: As a diverse and inclusive community, we strive to meet the needs of every GW student. Learn about the numerous supports for students with learning disabilities offered by GW’s Disability Support Services.
Can I have a car on campus?: First-year students on Foggy Bottom cannot have a car on campus, but those on Mount Vernon can. Students in their second year and above may have a car, although very few students find it necessary. Find out more about Transportation and Parking Services on campus.
Is tobacco use allowed on GW’s campus?: No, GW is proudly a smoke-free campus.
What are the dining options for GW students?: GW offers an "all you care to eat" dining plan for students. Students may eat at dining halls on the Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon campus, which all offer buffets plus made-to-order food, or at retail locations on campus. Dining plans also include a "declining balance" that students may use at area restaurants and food trucks. Get plan prices, browse our dining partners, and get more information from GW Dining.
Does GW offer any kosher/vegan/gluten-free dining options?: Yes, GW Dining is attuned to the dietary preferences and restrictions of our students, as well as food allergies. Options abound for every student and staff is available to address any concerns.