Travel to DC 05. Meal Plans, Mail, & Packages 06. Finances 07. Breaks & Holidays 08. Student Wellness 09. Sense of Belonging
Student Social Life
Clubs & Employment
Classes & Grades
Important Campus Spaces 14. Frequently Asked Questions
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TRAVEL TO DC
CAR
Driving to D.C. can be a convenient option for students and their families when moving them in for the first time. It makes transporting their things easier and avoids the cost of a plane ticket.
TRAIN
Serving cities all up and down the eastern seaboard, Union Station is a convenient metro ride from campus. It services AMTRAK, MARC, as well as various bus companies.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest and most accessible airport to campus, with a metro to Rosslyn station and a free Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) bus to Georgetown. It's also a short ride away but has fewer flights.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), a larger airport, farther in Virginia and 30 minutes from D.C., offers more flights and cheaper options. Students often use GroupMe to share rides to campus, which cost $40-$60
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), far from campus, may have cheaper flights but involves significant transportation costs and time: up to four transfers if using public transportation or direct rides to campus can be upwards of $70.
MEAL PLANS, MAIL, & PACKAGES
DINING ON CAMPUS SENDING MAILTO CAMPUS
All first years are required to have a meal plan. Students have a variety of meal choices at the dining hall (Leo’s) and at food vendors on campus.
Some students often go to the dining hall, while others prefer to keep more food in their dorms and prepare it on their own time. Make sure your student budgets for how much they’ll spend eating off campus (including meals during travel). For more information, review the Hoya Eats website.
Students can use the following mailing address format:
(Student Full Name) (Building and Room Number) Georgetown University 3700 O St N.W. Washington, D.C. 20057
Note: mail often takes a few days to process before your student receives a notification. If you plan to send packages for move-in, review the mailing services FAQs and expect delays.
FINANCES
budgeting and saving with your student before they arrive on campus.
FINANCIAL AID
Every student has a financial aid team assigned by their last name who should be their first point of contact for any financial concerns. Their contact information can be found at finaid.georgetown.edu/contact-us. The Office of Student Financial Services (the Financial Aid Office) can also be reached at (202)-687-4547 for any questions or concerns!
NECESSITY GRANTS
To help with unexpected expenses, GSP students have access to Necessity Grants. GSP Grants can be used to cover costs like tutoring, medical bills, professional development, and winter attire to name a few! These grants cover expenses not calculated into the cost of attendance, which includes tuition, room and board, books, supplies, etc We always encourage students to use this resource when they need it!
REFUNDS
If your student has a refund available after classes begin, those funds should be used for education-related expenses such as a new laptop, computer repair costs, books, or travel between campus and home at the start and end of each semester. A refund is often just enough to cover these costs, so encourage your student to save those funds!
LOANS
Many students take on an excess of jobs or jump into severe credit card debt out of fear of accepting loans offered in their financial aid package. Accepting loans (Direct Subsidized Loans are good options!) can help your student focus on their studies without added financial stress. Ask your student to talk to their financial aid team about any loans offered in their package.
BREAKS & HOLIDAYS
ALTERNATIVE BREAKS PROGRAM
Georgetown offers students the opportunity to participate in the Alternative Breaks Program (ABP), which takes place during spring break. Rather than going home, students get to participate in service trips that involve immersion in different communities such as D.C., the border, Appalachia, and others. ABP also has scholarship opportunities available. Last but not least, they're amazing opportunities for learning.
For students staying on campus, GSP organizes events over the Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter Breaks so that GSPers (what we call students in GSP!) can enjoy fun activities together. Students who stay sense that special GSP support from our community especially during these times when campus feels eerily empty! GSPers may apply for grocery grants during school breaks since dining locations on campus have reduced hours.
BREAK PROGRAMMING
STUDENT WELLNESS
Students can access resources like Campus Ministry as well as a free Meditation Center to attend to their spiritual wellness. For their physical wellness, students have access to the Student Health Center. Spaces like Health Education Services (HES) and the campus gym "Yates, " which is included in tuition can support your student’s physical and emotional wellness. Encourage your student to find a healthy balance in the various parts of their lives for their well-being!
WELLNESS INSURANCE
All students must have health insurance and are automatically enrolled in the GU Student Health Insurance Plan unless they waive it with other coverage. Ensure state Medicaid or your employer insurance fully covers your student in D.C. to avoid large bills. Scholarships, which are based on eligibility informed by your students’ Student Aid Index (SAI, formerly known as EFC), are available to alleviate the cost. For details, contact the financial aid office.
COUNSELING
The university offers free, confidential counseling through Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Encourage your student to use CAPS for support anytime. For assistance, call (202) 687-6985, including after-hours emergencies. Additional free mental well-being services like HoyaWell are available to all students. HealthiestYou is available only for students on the GU Student Health Insurance Plan.
SENSE OF BELONGING
AFFINITY SPACES
GSP works closely with partners such as the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access (CMEA) and the Community Scholars Program (CSP). We work with the cultural centers like the Women's Center, the LGBTQ Resource Center, and the Disability Cultural Center! Together our offices promote student development and belonging.
FAITH AT GEORGETOWN
Georgetown University and Campus Ministry embrace students of diverse faiths and backgrounds, encouraging exploration and acceptance of all beliefs. There are 11 sacred spaces on campus students can utilize! The campus also offers residential ministers from various religious traditions who live in dorms and provide valuable support and resources to students.
GSP STUDENT LOUNGE
Located in the lower level of historic Healy Hall, the GSP Student Lounge offers a quiet, comfortable place for students to study, recharge, and connect. The space is stocked with snacks, a coffee machine for long study sessions, and a kitchenette. Designed to build community, it’s an inviting spot your student can rely on between classes.
SOCIAL LIFE
DISCOVERING D.C. ENCOURAGING SMART CHOICES
Georgetown is located in the vibrant and accessible city of Washington, D.C., so we encourage students to venture off campus and explore! It can be really easy to stay on campus and relax, but you should encourage your student to break the "Georgetown Bubble" to see and experience the nation's capital. There are many things to choose from, and often, events and activities are free, such as visiting the wide array of museums in the heart of D.C.
College life offers freedom but also new challenges, especially for students away from home for the first time Discuss making responsible decisions about relationships, social lives, and partying. Talk with them about developing healthy relationships and balance. Encourage your student to care for themselves, explore interests, and engage in campus activities beyond academics
CLUBS & EMPLOYMENT
EXTRACURRICULARS
Georgetown offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including intramural and club sports, performing arts groups, political organizations, and cultural clubs. Students can also start their own clubs if none match their interests! We encourage students to join 1-2 activities to make friends and get involved in campus life. Hundreds of student clubs and daily events are accessible through Georgetown CampusGroups, providing numerous opportunities to engage and connect!
Many students work during the school year to earn money, cover personal expenses, and build their resumes. Students can find on-campus jobs on the Georgetown Management System (GMS) and offcampus jobs by visiting HoyaWorks. We do not recommend working too many hours, especially during the first semester, to ease into to college life! As students adjust to new workloads, they take on more responsibilities and seek professional development opportunities, such as internships.
CLASSES & GRADES
CLASS SCHEDULE
Students take new classes each semester, with two semesters per academic year Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 9 p.m. Students can create schedules either with classes back-toback or with breaks in between. Encourage your student to take breaks and set aside time for themselves, especially during their first semester!
GRADES
Grades in college differ from high school. A great GPA at Georgetown is typically above 3.0 after the first semester. It's normal for grades to be lower initially as students adjust, but they usually improve with time! Encourage your student to utilize resources like the Academic Resource Center, the Writing Center, tutoring services, study groups, and professors' or TAs' office hours.
FINALS
Midterms can occur anytime within the two middle months of a semester, typically known as “midterm season”, while finals take place over about a week and a half at the semester's end. These periods are stressful, with students intensively preparing for exams and final projects or papers.
IMPORTANT CAMPUS SPACES 13
LAUINGER LIBRARY (LAU)
Lau is equipped with group study rooms, computers, the Maker Hub, quiet study floors, and a student-run coffee shop. It houses the Writing Center, where students can get help from peers on papers for FREE! Lau is 1 of 3 libraries on the Hilltop Campus.
AFFINITY HOUSES
Encourage your student to visit Georgetown’s three affinity housesthe Black House, Casa Latina, and AP House - where students host dialogues, study breaks, community programming, and catered events!
LEAVEY CENTER (LEAVEY)
Leavey has study, social, and worship spaces. It also has multiple dining options, a student-run convenience store, the GU Bookstore, and it is home to the Cawley Career Center, which offers career counseling.
HEALEY FAMILY STUDENT CENTER (HFSC)
HFSC has individual study rooms, group meeting rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor study and social spaces. There is also a TV lounge, two dance studios, programming and event rooms, and a student-run food location!
THE CULTURAL CENTERS HUB
The cultural centers hub promotes accessibility with features including a multipurpose room, a unique sensory room, 31 student workstations, and two areas for studying and relaxing! It is conveniently located across from the dining hall and under the HFSC!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Washington, D.C. is a busy city, how safe are the campuses?
Georgetown offers a free service called Saferides to provide a safe alternative to walking alone at night. All buildings have electronic locks accessible only with Georgetown ID cards. The LiveSafe app provides campus safety alerts. Learn about campus police (GUPD) and other services, on the GUPD Webpage.
What happens if my student was hospitalized for underage drinking?
We encourage students to participate in healthy and safe activities. We advise you to have a discussion with your student before they leave.
Georgetown's Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS) offers medical services and transport to the hospital with a medical amnesty policy, ensuring that there will not be disciplinary consequences.
What ifmystudent is struggling or failing a class?
Students' best academic resources are their TAs, professors, and academic deans.
Georgetown offers extensive academic support through tutoring, which is free for some classes. For classes requiring paid tutors, students can apply for a GSP Necessity Grant to help offset costs.
Will a poor grade affect my student’s scholarships?
NO! If your student receives a failing grade (F), they will first be put on academic probation. They will NOT lose Georgetown scholarship aid as a result of academic probation.
However, violations of the student code of conduct (such as possessing illegal substances) can result in loss of financial aid per federal rules.
What will we do with my student’s belongings over the summer?
If FULLY COVERED by another plan, students can waive the Georgetown provided health insurance plan.
Visit: studenthealthinsurance.geor getown.edu/waivecoverage/ for more information.
GSP offers discounted storage annually. Many storage options are available but your student would have to pay the full cost if they opt for a different company. First-year students have access to additional funds to help offset these costs in addition to the discount with our partner!
How can I waive Georgetown’s Student Health Insurance plan?
