GWU Campus Visit Itinerary – College Trips and Tips

George Washington University, Washington, DC

Getting There

Closest major airport:

Arlington

10-20 minutes from campus, depending on traffic.

Nearby colleges:

Georgetown University	Washington, DC	8 minutes
American University	Washington, DC	15 – 20 minutes
University of Maryland – College Park	College Park, MD	35 – 40 minutes

Admissions Info Session/Campus Tour Options:

Guided	90 minute tours are held Monday through Friday, occasionally Saturday. Tour times are 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m.	Reserve here.
Self Guided	Pick up a map at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the University Student Center Monday – Friday, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. No pre-registration required.	Print & use this campus map.Also see the list of spots to hit on campus below!

Trip Planning Tips:

If you are visiting on a weekend or an official tour/info session is unavailable ~ you can still get a great feel for campus life! Register for a self-guided tour and see our top campus visit spots below.
Are there students on campus from your local high school or town? Maybe parents can help arrange to meet-up for coffee. At first it may feel awkward reaching out to someone you barely know – but most college students love the opportunity to help someone from their hometown. It’s also great to have the opportunity to ask questions of a student that isn’t an Admissions tour guide.

Directions to campus & parking info:

GWU Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Admissions Welcome Center – Marvin Center, 800 21st St NW Suite 100 Washington, DC 20052

Phone: (202) 994-6040

Google Maps: Enter “Science and Engineering Hall, 22nd Street Northwest, Washington, DC” for the University Parking Garage.

There is a paid University Parking Garage below the Science and Engineering Hall available to visitors. From the garage, walk south on 22nd St NW toward H St NW and then turn left on H St NW. Walk straight and then turn left onto 21st St NW, where the Marvin Center is on the left. This is a 5 minute walk. Please note, George Washington University recommends taking public transportation or alternative methods, such as a ride share service, as it is in the middle of DC.

See map below:

Once You’re There

GW Visit Tips:

Check out Kogan Plaza on campus, a popular gathering spot for students right in front of Gelman Library. It’ll provide a good snapshot into campus life.
Check out Western Market on campus for various quick dining options.
If possible, check out the Office of Career Services. Ask questions and compare services and programs from campus to campus. This office can be very helpful for securing internships and figuring out life after college!
Walk around campus – explore University Yard. U Yard is a nice outdoors area where students hang out.

Where to Stay, Eat & Do

Hotels:

Foggy Bottom:

Residence Inn ~ A Marriott hotel that is a five minute walk from campus, has a fitness center and in-room kitchens.

Hotel Hive ~ A nice micro hotel (rooms are very small at 125-250 sf) but on campus location is hard to beat and there’s a great artisanal pizza and craft bar serving breakfast, lunch and good grab & go food items on-site, as well as a great rooftop for happy hour and dining.

West End:

Yours Truly DC ~ A bohemian style hotel in the West End neighborhood just a 10 minute walk from campus. Enjoy a happening lobby scene and grab breakfast at the famous Call Your Mother Deli next door.

Restaurant suggestions:

Founding Farmers – American – Foggy Bottom. Other locations across the city include Farmers Fishers Bakers located on the Georgetown Waterfront.
Duke’s Grocery – American – on campus in Foggy Bottom.
Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy – American – on campus in Foggy Bottom.
Tatte – Bakery and cafe – West End.
Mission Dupont – Mexican – Dupont Circle.

Things to Do

National Mall – The National Mall is just a half a mile from campus. Be sure to visit the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. You can even ride a Capital Bikeshare bike on the National Mall to the Capitol Building.
Capitol Building – Tour the Capitol Building and get to see the Rotunda and Statuary Hall. Advance reservations are required.
National Zoo – The National Zoo is a 15 minute car ride from campus. Be sure to visit the Giant Panda! Admission is free, but reserved entry passes are required.
National Portrait Gallery – Visit the National Portrait Gallery to see famous paintings of presidents and other historical figures.

CAMPUS VISIT TIPS:

What to wear? Be comfortable, but not sloppy. Khaki shorts/pants with shirt/pullover for guys and nice pants/top/sweater for girls – the only exception is for an on-campus interview. In this case, dress up a little more – similar to what you’d wear for a job interview, i.e. business casual or more formal is always appropriate too.
Initially, many students don’t really know what to ask on a campus tour or at an activities fair, so help them brainstorm a couple questions beforehand. Then parents need to resist the temptation to ask lots of questions – your teen should do it or split up and go on separate tours so parents can ask their questions and compare notes later on.
A top tip from a college Dad – “Check out the Office of Career Development while on campus. Ask questions and compare services and programs from campus to campus.” This office can be very helpful in figuring out life after college!
Implore your teen to text or write a couple notes immediately after each visit. Much of the info sessions and college data will start to sound the same, so a record of their initial thoughts and impressions is important.
- Campus Feel: Did I like/dislike campus setting and college town?
- Social: Do I think I could fit in here? Feel comfortable?
- What makes this school different?
- Thoughts on dorms? food? classes?
As the process continues, be prepared for your teen to change his or her mind — that’s part of how they figure out what’s really right for them.

We welcome your comments or suggestions! Text: (781) 710-0577 or

Email us: collegetripsandtips@gmail.com

Website: CollegeTripsandTips.com