The Metro/bus system is one of the easiest ways to break the "Georgetown bubble" and go far! Download the SmarTrip app to add a virtual card to your phone's wallet. To plan your route, your phone's Maps app will work fine! Feel free to check out our extra tips for the Metro here!
The Circulator is a public bus system that only costs $1 to ride! They're also equipped with accessibility features, & the closest stop to Georgetown is on Wisconsin Ave & Dumbarton Ave. You can pay with cash, a Metro card, or the SmarTrip app.
The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) is a free shuttle that takes students around the DMV area! The GUTS buses depart from the back of campus & have routes to Rosslyn, Dupont Circle, the Law Center, Arlington, & Wisconsin Ave!
These can be pricey, so we'd encourage you to walk or use public transportation! But if you're in a pinch, you can use rideshare apps like Uber & Lyft, or rent a car using ZipCar & Free2Move. There are also plenty of bikes and scooters (Capital Bikeshare & Lime) around DC!
Download the Livesafe App! It allows you to request a SafeRide if you're near campus, which is a free & safe alternative to walking alone at night! It also offers direct communication with the Georgetown University Police Department & the Metropolitan Police Department.
The most important tip: always communicate with your roommate! This is a good way to become comfortable with setting boundaries. Some things you should discuss: guests, bedtimes, alarms, private time, shared purchases, & chores!
Don't place pressure on yourself to be best friends with your roommate! If you're not, that's completely normal! Split up the chores and have a regular cleaning schedule to keep your room clean. This includes sweeping, mopping, dusting, scrubbing showers/sinks, taking out the trash, & generally staying organized!
Most importantly: be respectful to cleaning staff & clean up after yourself in common spaces! Bring shower shoes & a caddy for communal showers! Wash your sheets & pillowcase every week!
Always take lint out before/after drying your clothes to prevent dorm fires! Also remember to grab your clothes in a timely manner when they're done!
Don't forget to drink enough water (bring a reusable bottle)! Try joining intramural sports or club sports!
Yates Field House has cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, a track, McCarthy pool, basketball courts, & more!
If you're feeling sick & it's not an emergency, Georgetown has a Student Health Center!
Georgetown's Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS) is a useful mental health service. Never be afraid to reach out!
Health Education Services is here for confidential crisis response & personal health issues. Find stress management techniques that work for you!
If you feel homesick, try calling friends/family back home!
Branch out of your comfort zone & join new clubs to meet people! For a low commitment hangout, go to Leo's w/ friends regularly! Become involved with the DC community by volunteering (the Center for Social Justice is great for this)!
Explore DC with friends: there are SO MANY things to do here together!
Campus Ministry offers services for numerous faith traditions! They also host a fun overnight retreat called ESCAPE (open to all religious backgrounds)!
John Main Center is an interfaith community of meditation. Start a gratitude journal!
Practice daily acts of kindness: compliment people, hold doors, volunteer, donate items, etc!
