ALL ABOUT DC
Guide
Wellness Safety
SAFETY TABLE OF CONTENTS Transportation
GU Safety Resources
Download the LiveSafe App for Georgetown It offers direct communication with both the GU Police Department (GUPD) and the Metropolitan Police Department You can request a SafeRide via the app
SafeRides, is a free service that provides a safe alternative to walking alone at night It covers a designated area by the Hilltop campus.
GU also has GU Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS) which is an FREE ambulance service on campus. If you or a friend needs medical attention, they have an amnesty policy to ensure you are able to seek help without fear of disciplinary action. Hoyas look out for other Hoyas!
Things to Do
Title IX’s site has resources relating to sexual misconduct, discrimination based on sex, and discrimination based on pregnancy, including options for getting immediate help
The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action (IDEAA) promotes a deep understanding and appreciation among the diverse members in the GU community and would be the best resource if you ever have a bias complaint
WELLNESS
Physical
Emotional Social Spiritual
Pay attention to your body - drink plenty of water, get good sleep, eat balanced meals! Listen to what it needs. 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 and 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 and personal health issues. Find stress management techniques that work for you! If you feel homesick, try calling friends or family back home!
Dorm Tips
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, and generally staying organized! 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, and chores!
Branch out of your comfort zone and join new clubs to meet people!
For a low commitment hangout, get dinner with friends! 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!
Campus Ministry offers services for numerous faith traditions! They also host a fun overnight retreat called ESCAPE (open to all religious backgrounds) that is only for first-years so take advantage while you can! John Main Center is an interfaith community of meditation.
Sharing Spaces
Be respectful to cleaning staff and clean up after yourself in common spaces! Bring shower shoes and a caddy for communal showers!
When doing laundry, remember to grab your clothes in a timely manner when they're done!
Social Life
Try to put yourself out there in your classes, clubs, and anywhere! Everyone in their first year is looking for friends so simply putting yourself out there will help you make friends quickly Don’t feel pressured into anything! There’s no reason to say yes to something you don’t want to do
Adulting Hacks
Wash your sheets & pillowcase every week! Always take lint out before and after drying your clothes to prevent dorm fires! Make sure to try and clean your room once a week to help you feel good and productive and not live in a messy space.
TRANSPORTATION
WMATA (The Metro)
The Metro system is one of the easiest ways to break the "Georgetown Bubble" and explore all of DC and the surrounding areas! 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 and get you anywhere.
Metrobus
The Metrobus is a city public bus system that’s an extension of the Metro! They're also equipped with accessibility features, and have stops all around Georgetown and beyond. You can pay with cash, a Metro card, or the SmarTrip app. Look at their website to see all routes to take you all around DC and also to Metro stations around town.
GUTS Bus
GUTS stands for the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle. These are free shuttles that take students around the DMV area! The GUTS buses depart from the back of campus and have routes to Rosslyn, Dupont Circle, the Law Center & Capitol Campus, Arlington, and Wisconsin Ave!
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services can be expensive so we encourage walking and using public transit as much as possible. But if you're in a pinch, you can use apps like Uber & Lyft, or rent a car using ZipCar & Free2Move. There are alsoplenty of bikes and scooters (Capital Bikeshare & Lime) around DC, some ofwhich have student discounts! Make sure to dock bikes and scooters appropriately to keep all paths accessible.
Georgetown Waterfront National Mall
Hiking in Rockcreek
Eastern Market