T N E D U T S E W D I E N GU 9 1 0 2
Welcome to Georgetown from
Letter From the Editor Dear readers, Welcome to the Hilltop! Whether you’re a first-year or a transfer student — from the Washington, D.C. area, from abroad or from anywhere in between — your passion and perspective will undoubtedly make an incredible contribution to our campus. And we here at The Hoya — Georgetown University’s newspaper of record for nearly 100 years — are so excited to welcome you! Regardless of who you are or where you come from, moving to a new home can be difficult. So if you’ve never ridden the Metro, aren’t quite sure how to stock your dorm room or have no idea what Wisemiller’s is, this guide is for you. If you already know all of those things, keep reading anyway — you might pick up some fun Georgetown trivia to use as an icebreaker in your next New Student Orientation session. This magazine is meant to give you a helping hand through your first days on campus — helping others is, after all, a core Jesuit value, which you’ll surely learn this weekend if you haven’t already. We hope this guide will prove useful with answering your most burning questions, like: “Who is Leo, and why does everyone keep talking about him?” or “Is there any way to escape the Intercultural Center?” This handy magazine will (hopefully) make your first few weeks on campus a little bit easier — and you can also check out our recommendations at newstudent.thehoya.com. From a (somewhat) wise senior, here’s some unsolicited advice: Call your family. Go to your lectures, when not inconvenient. Take lots of pictures with your friends. Find the groups on campus where you can be yourself. It can take some time for the Hilltop to feel like home — but you’ll find the people who make it feel that way. And, above all, from the entire staff of The Hoya, welcome to Georgetown! Good luck with your first year on the Hilltop, and enjoy it. Hoya Saxa!
Maya Gandhi Editor-in-Chief
2 new student guide 2019
Front and Back Cover Image Credits: Paul B. Jones/Georgetown University
Table of Contents
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24
Map Residence Halls Dorm Essentials Campus Dining Resource Centers Part-Time Jobs Errands Social Scene ’18-’19 News Georgetown History Georgetown Sports Georgetown Glossary Study Spots Getting Around D.C. Things To Do Dining in D.C. Shopping in D.C. D.C. Neighborhoods Bucket List
About The Hoya is the oldest and largest student newspaper of Georgetown University, serving as the university’s newspaper of record since 1920. It is published online daily and in print every Friday during the school year, and each issue also includes a weekly lifestyle magazine, The Guide. The Hoya also publishes a blog: The Fourth Edition. It distributes free copies to various locations across campus and the Georgetown neighborhood during the academic year, and continues to publish online during summers and between print issues. The Hoya has been a central part of the university community since its first publication in 1920. Although not financially independent from the university, The Hoya is produced, managed and edited entirely by students. Over 250 students are involved in the publication of the paper as reporters, photographers, designers, editors and business staff. To find out more about our publication, check out our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Production Staff
Contributing Editors and Photographers:
Maya Gandhi - Editor-in-Chief Amber Gillette - Managing Editor Madeline Charbonneau - Executive Editor Kiera Geraghty - Executive Editor Julia Alvey Madeline Broderick King Margaret Fouberg Natalie Isé Chau Le Victoria Lei
Samuel Nelson - Design Editor Subul Malik - Photo Editor Katherine DeMatteo - Copy Chief Nora Ma Tim McNulty Henry Mihm Meena Morar Jenna Ryu
Kiki Schmalfuss Katrina Schmidt Cady Stanton Jake Wexelblatt Doris Zhang
3 new student guide 2019
Map
14 16 13
17
15
12 6
Cooper Field
5
18 19
8 4
9
7
20
25 28
11
3
10
27
24
21
26
30
Copley Lawn
37th St. NW
36
35th St. NW
1. Healy Hall 2. Lauinger Library 3. Village A 4. Healey Family Student Center, New South Hall 5. O’Donovan Hall
6. Southwest Quad 7. Village C East 8. Village C West 9. Harbin Hall 10. Maguire Hall 11. Isaac Hawkins Hall
4 new student guide 2019
P St. NW
O St. NW
38
N St. NW
39
Prospect St. NW
M St. NW
37
36th St. NW
Illustration Credits: Anna Kooken/The Hoya
12. Wolfington Hall 13. Thompson Athletic Center 14. McDonough Arena 15. Heating and Cooling Plant
34
31 32
22
23
1
Healy Beach
2
29
16. Heyden Observatory 17. Yates Field House 18. Rafik B. Hariri Building/ McDonough
33
School of Business 19. Leavey Center 20. Regents Hall 21. Intercultural Center 22. Red Square 23. Copley Hall 24. Davis Performing Arts Center 25. New North 26. Old North 27. Dahlgren Quad 28. Dahlgren Chapel 29. Jesuit Graveyard 30. White-Gravenor Hall 31. Reiss Science Building 32. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Hall 33. Henle Village 34. Darnall Hall, Epicurian and Co., Student Health Center 35. St. Mary’s Hall 36. Alumni Square/ Village B 37. Poulton Hall 38. Walsh Building, LXR, Nevils 39. Car Barn
Y
ou’re moving onto Georgetown University’s campus, and you’re bound to have a lot of questions. Will you have a cool roommate? Is the plumbing really as bad as people keep saying? Where will you store your archived copies of The Hoya?
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee a cool roommate, but we can happily assure varying degrees of satisfaction on all other fronts. One of four freshman dorms — Village C, Harbin Hall, New South Hall or Darnall Hall — will be the new home to your bins, suitcases and that one weird reading lamp you’re not quite sure where to put. Whichever dorm you move into, you’re sure to enjoy the comfort of a new home and the lasting friendships of a new community. All four freshman residence halls have at least one residential minister, one resident adviser on each floor and convenient — existent, but not always fully operational — laundry facilities. Each dorm, however, has its own distinct layout, amenities and floor culture. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
VILLAGE C
HARBIN HALL A few decades older than Village C, Harbin is best known as the one-time digs of former President Bill Clinton (SFS ’68). Harbin residents live in double rooms arranged in three clusters. Each cluster holds eight or nine rooms, creating a small community sure to yield a close friend — or two or three or 17. Harbin also houses an all-girls floor, an option that incoming students can request during the housing process. Harbin’s location puts it about halfway between the Leavey Center and the front lawn, a relatively convenient location for most trips on campus. A tip from past Harbin residents: The discreet staircase leading up from the building’s patio to New North will almost certainly shave minutes off your travel time crossing campus.
DARNALL HALL Let’s address the elephant in the room: Darnall gets a bad rap. Yes, it’s the only freshman residence hall on the far north side of campus. Yes, it’s closer to the medical school and the hospital than the dining hall or the student center. Yes, it’s been surrounded by construction for far too long. Darnall is also the only dorm with twin beds instead of twin XL, so plan your Bed Bath & Beyond shopping spree accordingly. But alumni of Darnall remember the building’s hidden luxuries. Darnall residents have easy access to the Leavey Center: Starbucks? Check. Meal swipe options? Check. Study spaces? Throw a textbook and it’s bound to land on a convenient table with a great view of campus. Darnall is only a short stumble away from upperclassman social hub Henle Village. Finally, it provides near-dangerous access to quesadillas at Epicurean and Company. Its floors are slightly larger than those in Harbin and boast large hallways with a spacious, central common room fit for cooking and conversation. Its floors are also fitted with full-length mirrors, so you can ensure both your classroom and late-night outfits are always on point. Darnall has some of the closest communities in every freshman class, created perhaps by its isolation from the rest of campus and the opportunity to take late-night conversation downstairs to Epi.
NEW SOUTH HALL You’ll find Georgetown’s most state school-esque dorm room in New South. With never-ending hallways, almost 100 students per floor and a party dorm reputation, New South is a polarizing option. It is often loud and, depending on your proximity to the communal bathrooms, prone to cause some unfortunate encounters, like introducing yourself to a group of strangers while wearing only your towel. New South rooms also feature a sink, mirror and medicine cabinet, which make for a relatively easy before-bed routine. With such populous floors, the residence hall is known for its social culture that can be overwhelming to some. But don’t be discouraged: For every impossibly outgoing social butterfly on your floor, there are five other pleasantly awkward students trying to weather the tumultuous first weeks of college alongside you.
Freshman Dorms
35
Georgetown’s newest freshman dorm, completed in 1986, is split into two separate buildings, each with an X and Y wing. Village C West — don’t forget to take the classic “Look! I live in the West Wing!” photo — houses only freshmen, and Village C East includes freshmen, transfer students and upperclassmen. Village C is the only freshman hall with private bathrooms, an attractive feature for the particularly germophobic among us, for whom the thought of using a communal shower roils the stomach. The tradeoff is that Village C rooms — mostly doubles, with a few scattered singles — run smaller than small; you might want to leave that extra “just in case” bin of clothes in the car, and you might need to bunk your beds. The floors are moderately sized, with around 30 to 40 students each, and the tight hallways and easily accessible common rooms lend themselves to meeting people quickly and often. Nearby, you’ll enjoy convenient access to O’Donovan Hall, the Healey Family Student Center and the sidewalk, or wind tunnel, leading to Cooper Field. The convenient location and private bathrooms make it one of the more coveted first-year residences on campus. Life in Village C can feel secluded compared to life in other dorms, though, given its relatively small floors and rooms, but this often fosters tight-knit floor friendships.
5 new student guide 2019
Dorm Room Essentials
The Hoya’s guide to freshman living
T
heaveragedormroomforaGeorgetownUniversity freshman runs just under 200 square feet — and
that’s if you’re not shacked up in the charming confines of Darnall Hall. A few smart investments, however, can go a long way toward making effective use of your limited space. As you move in, add these products to your dorm essentials list and make the most of your new, modestly sized abode.
COMMAND HOOKS AND COMMAND STRIPS
MIRROR
Command Strips and Hooks are a college student’s best friends. The easy-to-use, removable adhesive strips are perfect for hanging up posters to give your sparsely decorated dorm room a personal touch. The convenient hooks also allow you to maximize every bit of wall space: Consider investing in several hooks to hang your shower caddy — yes, you’ll need one — towels, jackets and even accessories like belts and purses.
Small desktop mirrors and full-length mirrors alike are good additions to your new pad, especially if you don’t have your own bathroom. If you’re thinking about a full-length mirror, coordinate with your roomie to make sure they’re not already bringing one — one is enough! Save some space by hanging it on your door or closet or using your handy Command Hooks. If you’d prefer something more compact, desk mirrors are perfect for helping you get ready in the morning.
UNDER-BED STORAGE
DISHES
This one’s a must. Under-bed storage — even if it’s just the spare suitcase you used to move in — is key to fitting all of your prized possessions or snacks into your new home. It’s also perfect for storing things you’ll rarely use but probably need. Pro tip: Check out your room before you buy storage. It’ll help you get a sense of the amount of space you’re working with and what types of storage will work best in your new digs. Bed Bath & Beyond typically sets up a pop-up tent on campus during move-in.
SPARE BEDDING Every college student — and, probably, every functioning adult — needs a spare set of sheets. Your parents probably told you so already and you may have scoffed, but they were right: Bring spare sheets. You will eventually spill an entire cup of coffee on your sheets at 4 a.m. during finals; plan ahead rather than be the kid doing laundry in the middle of the night just so they can get those four hours of sleep.
6 new student guide 2019
You won’t have your own kitchen in your freshman dorm, so you might think you won’t need any dishes. Nevertheless, having just a few dishes can make all the difference when it’s pouring rain outside and you’d rather not trek to O’Donovan Hall. Consider stocking up with a bowl, a plate, some utensils and a quirky mug. Some pots and pans will also come in handy, and you’d be surprised how often you might be in need of a disposable baking foil pan. You’ll want to be able to cook for yourself in the common room when navigating Leo’s weekend hours or when you just really want to try that mug cake recipe that you keep seeing on BuzzFeed.
VACUUM Though the Residence Hall Offices do carry vacuum cleaners, you’ll be competing with hundreds of other residents to get ahold of one. Even then, they can often be unreliable. Having your own vacuum can come in handy when your friends spill popcorn all over your floor or if you break something fragile. Be warned, though: You might end up as the only one of your friends with a vacuum, in which case, be prepared to loan it out. For the especially fastidious, buy a vacuum with a detachable hand-held component to help you clean hard-to-reach spaces.
KEY
O’DONOVAN HALL — O’Donovan Hall, lovingly — or, at least, commonly — known as Leo’s, is Georgetown University’s only dedicated dining hall, boasting a Corp replaced its smoothie and acai bowl offerings with Grounded, range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Extensively renovatan espresso bar with an expanded breakfast menu that finally proed just two years ago, Leo’s is now split into two floors: The bottom vides the HFSC with an easily accessible coffee shop. Students can floor is all-you-can-eat buffet style, while the top includes a range of now find their espresso, bagel sandwiches, parfaits, made-to-order vendors offering set meals in exchange for meal swipes. On the lower salads and, yes, avocado toast all in the same place. level, you’ll find homestyle cooking, pizza, pasta, vegetarian and vegan options, meals accommodating students with gluten, nut or other allergies, and many other options including fruit, cereal and desserts. VITAL VITTLES AND HOYA SNAXA — Downstairs Leo’s is renowned for its weekend brunch, offering not If you live in Village C or Darnall Hall, Hoya Snaxa and Vital Vittles will only a range of food choices, but also the opportunity to debrief your soon become your go-to stops for dorm room friends on the previous night. snacks and groceries. The Corp-run stores If you’re looking for a more distinctive flavor, you’d could sustain you for an entire semester: Snaxa, lthough both better aim for Upstairs Leo’s. The top floor includes located under the archway in the Southwest the Georgetown six separate vendors with rotating menu selections. Quadrangle complex, will satisfy your chip, popneighborhood and Whisk, a bakery and coffee shop, is a popular opcorn and slushie needs. Vittles, located inside tion for a quick breakfast before class. 5Spice offers Washington, D.C., boast an the Leavey Center, is stocked full of groceries, Asian-inspired fare emulating a range of regional microwaveable meals and pharmacy products abundance of dining options, recipes. Launch Test Kitchen, the most eclectic of to save you the trip to Safeway or CVS. most students quickly learn that the bunch, plays host to a variety of menus, from New England classics one week to traditional Amer- a regular splurge on M Street THE MIDNIGHT MUG, UNCOMican chicken and waffles the next. Bodega offers dinners is pretty unrealistic. premade sandwiches and groceries, as well as hot MON GROUNDS AND MORE homestyle meals until as late as 8 p.m. Olive Branch Sweetgreen, Good Stuff Eatery UNCOMMON GROUNDS — cooks up Mediterranean food, featuring flatbreads and Baked & Wired are all Although you may have survived high school as well as a grain bowl station. Finally, Sazon, a great options for an occasional caffeine-free, you might soon find yourself Latin-inspired option, tantalizes with customizable treat, but between full class desperate for a pick-me-up before a long salsa, guacamole and a healthy helping of chips. night of studying or your 9 a.m. class. These schedules and extracurriculars, No matter what’s on your plate, Leo’s will undoubtare the times when The Corp’s trio of coffee edly become the social hub of your freshman year, the majority of Georgetown shops come in handy, conveniently dispersed a place where you will share countless meals and University students — especially throughout campus so that you’re never far conversations with your classmates. When you go from a cup of coffee or tea to keep you going. new students — will stick with home for break, you might even miss it. on-campus dining options where The Midnight MUG, located on the second floor of Lauinger Library, is an indispensable study they can use a meal swipe savior open as late as 2 a.m. from Sunday HOYA COURT — to Wednesday. The ICC’s More Uncommon or some Flex dollars. Luckily, The newly revamped Hoya Court is well-suited to Grounds coffee stand will fuel your pre-class those who spend long hours in the Leavey Center Georgetown’s campus has needs. Finally, Uncommon Grounds, located on or have classes in Regents Hall or the Intercula range of worthwhile dining the second floor of the Georgetown University tural Center. The Chick-fil-A fast-food joint and locales. While the best meal Bookstore, combines The Corp’s signature Crop Chop salad spot are dominant forces in the blends and breakfast options with convenient plan is entirely subjective, first Georgetown dining scene. While these two stellar access to the serene Leavey Esplanade. options are sure to grab your eye, don’t forget to semester is a great time to figure look around the corner for creative sandwiches out what works for you because from Royal Jacket Deli, which takes meal swipes EPICUREAN & COMPANY — you can always switch for the like Crop Chop. Your freshman year will not be complete withspring. You probably won’t need out many trips to Epicurean and Company. Epi as many swipes as you think, boasts fully stocked sushi, noodle and salad BULLDOG TAVERN — bars, a large buffet, and a range of made-tounless you’re a breakfast person. Located in the Healey Family Student Center order sandwiches and pizzas. The true stars of Get to know our on-campus below New South, Bulldog Tavern has a cozy the menu are the quesadillas and onion rings restaurant and bar atmosphere that will make you dining options with this guide. — late-night staples of the Georgetown social feel like you are dining out without ever having to scene, especially on the weekends. Epi is loleave campus. Partly staffed by students, the tavcated adjacent to Darnall Hall and stays open late, making it ideal ern features a menu full of pub fare such as nachos, burgers, wings for midnight snacks and postgame gorging when Leo’s is closed. and a signature Nutella shake. Wednesday’s Bulldog trivia nights are a student favorite, and the takeout window provides a bountiful supply EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS — of cheesy fries to hit the spot during study breaks. Located on the second floor of the Car Barn on the easternmost edge of campus, Einstein Bros. Bagels is the hidden gem of THE HILLTOSS AND GROUNDED— Georgetown dining. Einstein’s is fully stocked with bagels, sandStudents of Georgetown, Inc., commonly referred to as The Corp, wiches, smoothies, coffee and shmears of all kinds. A meal swipe opened The Hilltoss in 2014 to meet the ever-expanding demand at Einstein’s can get you a warm bagel sandwich, coffee and a for avocado toast, salads, smoothies and acai bowls. In 2018, The snack, which may be just what you need before you start your day.
A
7 new student guide 2019
Part-Time Jobs
C
ollege can be expensive, and Georgetown University is no exception. After a few
months of weekend restaurant dinners with friends, Uber rides, late-night snack cravings and the unexpected day-to-day expenses of living away from home, many students find their wallets a lot lighter than they would prefer. Other Hoyas may want to get a head start on bringing in income or help their families contribute to the cost of attendance. Luckily, there are plenty of part-time job opportunities and resources available to students both on and off campus.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OFFICE WEBSITE The easiest way to start your job hunt is to check out the Georgetown Student Employment Office website: seo.georgetown.edu. After logging in with your NetID, you can gain access to HoyaWorks, the SEO’s job board. Many on- and off-campus employers — including different academic departments, professors, local businesses and parents seeking tutors or babysitters — advertise job openings through this website. Especially helpful for students with federal work-study programs, HoyaWorks allows you to narrow down your search by funding source: off-campus federal work-study, off-campus private sector, on-campus federal work-study and on-campus nonwork-study jobs. Then, you can filter by the date the job was posted, hours per week and wage. If you have included off-campus jobs in your search, make sure to click the “I agree” button on the off-campus job disclaimer on the following page to see the postings. Some on-campus departments and offices only grant employment to students with work-study; students with work-study must still go through the application process and be hired by an on-campus employer to earn their award amount. All students employed on campus are paid the Washington, D.C. minimum wage, which increased to $14.00 per hour July 1. For most on-campus jobs, you can apply through the site, though some on- and off-campus jobs will require you to apply through other specified means. The site is full of great opportunities for new students and is particularly active during August, so it may benefit you to start looking for a job before you even step foot on the Hilltop. If you intend on working right away, it may work best to find a job on campus, at least for the first semester or two. Finding jobs on campus eases the transition into balancing work and school. On-campus employers tend to be accommodating and understanding of students’ responsibilities outside of work. You may also have more flexibility in managing your time, as running across campus to your job after a class or a club meeting is much easier than budgeting in time to walk or commute to an off-campus job. Popular on-campus jobs include working at Yates Field House, in Lauinger Library, as a clerical assistant in an office and as a student guard swiping students’ GOCards at the front desk of buildings around campus. Student guard job postings can be found at police.georgetown.edu. Students can also apply to work for the student-run corporation, Students of Georgetown, Inc., commonly referred to as The Corp, which offers a variety of jobs at its various storefronts, as well as in accounting, marketing, catering and IT. The Corp hires new employees every fall and spring; more information about the application and hiring process can be found at thecorp.org.
OFF-CAMPUS One of the handiest functions of the SEO website is the off-campus postings; you can find off-campus tutoring, housework, pet sitting and babysitting opportunities there. Of course, not all potential off-campus employers post on the SEO website. The Georgetown area has a vast number of job opportunities available for students interested in working at restaurants or in retail. Georgetown Cupcake, Saxbys, Vineyard Vines, Grace Street Coffee, South Block and The Tombs are just a few of the many businesses near campus known for employing Georgetown students on a regular basis. Most of the stores and restaurants in the area make applications available on their websites or in person. It never hurts to ask if your favorite store or restaurant is hiring next time you are there. You can also find opportunities posted on bulletin boards in Saxbys and around campus.
CENTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE The Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service is another fantastic resource for students with work-study awards, as well as for those looking to serve the greater D.C. community through volunteering. The CSJ runs a variety of tutoring, mentoring and advocacy programs dedicated to the common good and the welfare of all. Popular programs include the D.C. Schools Project, which provides English-language tutoring for immigrants of all ages in the District; D.C. Reads, which assists elementary school students who are a level or more behind in literacy skills; After School Kids Program, which provides mentoring and tutoring to youth in the D.C. met-
8 new student guide 2019
Image Credits: Paul B. Jones/Georgetown University
ropolitan area who have had interactions with the court system; and the HOME Program, which partners with the Georgetown Ministry Center to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with resources, outreach and a safe environment. You can register your interest and be placed on the mailing list for these programs on the CSJ’s website now. Besides being popular, well-organized programs — for which transportation is often provided — the programs run by the CSJ are a wonderful way for you to leave the Georgetown bubble and interact with the greater D.C. community, as many of the communities served by these programs live outside of the Georgetown neighborhood.
INTERNSHIPS AND THE CAWLEY CAREER CENTER Jumping into an internship is probably an unwise decision during your first semester, or even your first year; they often require commutes and can have stricter requirements on the minimum number of hours you have to work per week. However, it is never too early to start considering which internship opportunities you may want to pursue later, either during a semester or over the summer. Talking to upperclassmen and exploring careercenter.georgetown.edu are good places to start. The Cawley Career Education Center also offers plenty of resources, including counseling appointments, to answer your internship inquiries. The center is a completely free resource that many Hoyas never use. The career counseling, resume workshops and cover letter advice are informative and reassuring for students a little overwhelmed by the job process or hoping to plan ahead for graduate school or careers after graduation. Through the career center, a number of databases accessible on the Cawley Career Education Center’s “Jobs & Internships” page also offer students a plethora of internship, job and volunteer opportunities in a variety of cities in many fields.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS If you are an international student studying at Georgetown on a student visa, make sure you talk to your international student adviser to discuss the restrictions on your permission to work. Some international students are eligible for on-campus employment and off-campus opportunities, but the Office of Global Services advises international students not to plan to meet their educational or personal living expenses through employment earnings. International students should never apply, accept or engage in any off-campus employment, fellowships or paid or unpaid job training without the prior authorizaGeorgetown University Police Department: (202) 687-4343 tion of the Office of Global Services. OGS does Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service: (202) 687-4357 hold employment workshops throughout the semester that are extremely helpful for interSafeRides: (202) 784-7433 national students interested in off-campus Student Health Center employment. For more information, check For appointments: (202) 687-2200 out the resources in the short list or go to internationalservices.georgetown.edu. After-hours emergencies: (202) 444-7243
Campus Resources
SHORT LIST Student Employment Office website CSJ Programs Cawley Career Education Center Job & Internship Information Resume and Cover Letter Tips Financial Aid and Federal-Work Study Information International Student and Scholar Services Home Page International Student Employment
— Ask for the Student Health Center physician on call. Health Education Services: (202) 687-8949 Counseling and Psychiatric Services: (202) 687-6985 After-hours emergencies: (202) 444-7243 — Ask for the CAPS clinician on call. Project Lighthouse, a peer-to-peer online support service — www.projectlighthousegu.com D.C. Rape Crisis Center hotline: (202) 333-7273 Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Services: (202) 687-0323 Emergency Facilities Service Requests: (202) 687-3432 After-hours emergencies: — Call GU Department of Public Safety at (202) 687-4343. Residential Ministers: (202) 687-4300 After-hours: (202) 677-0361 9
new student guide 2019
HAIRCUTS
HOUSEHOLD/DORM ESSENTIALS
Georgetown Hairstyling
TJ Maxx
This quintessential men’s barber shop can be found just two blocks from the front gates. A basic cut is $24, and it accepts both appointments and walk-ins. It’s one of the few places in Georgetown where residents and students interact, and the barber makes a point of trying to learn your name. 1329 35th St. NW
Is your dorm room looking a little bare? Head a short ways down M Street to find TJ Maxx. It’s a reliable source for the unexpected essentials you’ll need in your dorm room, all at discounted prices. Whether you need an extra pillow, a decorative blanket to keep you warm or those string lights to fit your aesthetic, TJ Maxx has it all — and it’s ideal for a college student’s budget. 3222 M St. NW
Aveda Salon and Spa The Aveda salon is the perfect spot for a more luxurious experience, though at a cost — women’s haircuts start at $77, and men’s at $52. They offer a 20% discount for students on Mondays, though. Aveda products are made from all-natural plant extracts and thus minimize damage to your hair. Moreover, this full-service salon offers manicures, pedicures and waxing. 1325 Wisconsin Ave. NW
O Salon You may not expect to find a high-quality hair salon on the same block as a vape shop and a 7/11, but that’s exactly what you’ll get from O Salon. If you only trust the person who cuts your hair at home, this salon could be the place that finally puts you at ease. It may be pricey, but for unbeatable care and a variety of treatment options and services, O Salon is your best bet. 3212 O St. NW
GROCERIES Trader Joe’s
Errands
Georgetown University students are lucky enough to be within walking distance of multiple Trader Joe’s locations. Take a walkdown M Street, turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue and you’ll find yourself right near a Trader Joe’s in Foggy Bottom. Now, however, you can walk just a mile up Wisconsin Avenue to find D.C.’s newest Trader Joe’s location in the Glover Park neighborhood. With its emphasis on easy-to-prepare and inexpensive products, Trader Joe’s is an ideal place for college students to shop. The extensive selection of fresh produce and healthy microwavable meals is great if you aren’t in the mood for O’Donovan Hall and don’t want to order takeout. To avoid the trek to Foggy Bottom, you can even hop on the D.C. Circulator heading to Dupont Circle or Union Station, and use the 30N or 30S buses on the way back. Alternatively, take advantage of the Saturday stops at Trader Joe’s on the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle line to Dupont. If you’re heading to the Glover Park location, take the Wisconsin Avenue GUTS bus from 37th Street and Winfield Lane, which will drop you one block past the grocery store. Dupont Circle: 1101 25th St. NW Glover Park: 2101 Wisconsin Ave. NW Suite A
Safeway If you’re looking for food essentials beyond what Vital Vittles can offer, Safeway is the place to stock up on groceries. Whether you’re craving some fresh fruit or looking for your favorite study snacks, Safeway has a great selection and also boasts an extensive deli counter, a pharmacy and a Starbucks. The walk is a bit lengthy and coming back with all your groceries can be tough, so it’s a good idea to hop on the Wisconsin Avenue GUTS bus, which you can board at 37th Street and Winfield Lane. If you’re feeling lazy, you can also sign up on their website for deliveries to your dorm and get your first one free. 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Target Express Just a short walk over the Key Bridge or a free GUTS bus ride away, the Target Express in Rosslyn is a great place to get everything you knew you needed but forgot at home. The Rosslyn Target is perfect for picking up cleaning supplies, toiletries, groceries and other home essentials at a cheaper price than most locations in the District. It’s also easily accessible from campus and is located just across the street from a Safeway, so you can kill two birds with one stone. 1500 Wilson Blvd. Rosslyn, Va.
DRY CLEANING Georgetown Cleaners and Tailors With its quick and inexpensive service, Georgetown Cleaners and Tailors is a convenient way to avoid burning your favorite shirt on your dorm ironing board. If your suit isn’t fitting as well as you’d like before that big interview, you can bring it in for alterations. 1305 35th St. NW
SHIPPING AND OFFICE UPS Store Located just a few blocks down N Street, the UPS Store is a handy place for all your shipping needs. No matter how big the box or how much packing tape, if you need to ship something — especially during move out — this is your go-to store. 3220 N St. NW
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center If you’re looking for services beyond just standard printing, FedEx has you covered. Whether you need flyers, posters, banners or any other special materials for presentations or student groups, it has the supplies and staff to help you. 3329 M St. NW
PHARMACY CVS When the cold inevitably starts to spread across campus, walk down O Street to CVS Pharmacy to stock up on everything you need to stay healthy. CVS has all of your essentials, from tissues to Advil to Vitamin C supplements. Stop by for shampoo, soap, candy or anything else you might need in a pinch. It’s open 24 hours, though if you’re picking up prescriptions, the pharmacy closes at 9 p.m. during the week and 5 p.m. on weekends. 1403 Wisconsin Ave. NW
10 new student guide 2019
Is it legal for me to drink? Sorry, but unless you took three gap years after high school or took four years to pass eighth grade, probably not.
Okay, so it’s illegal, but where can I do it anyway? If you do choose to drink in your dorm room with your new friends, you probably won’t get caught — as long as you’re smart about it. Resident assistants don’t do random room checks, but making a lot of noise is an easy way to draw their attention — which hosting more than a few people and blasting your impress-my-new-friends-withmy-cool-jams playlist will probably ensure. If people keep coming and going or if retching sounds are heard from the bathroom, the RA on duty will notice, and you will get in trouble.
What happens if I do get caught? How much trouble am I in? If you are “written up,” it means your RA will document the situation and forward it to the hall director, who will decide what disciplinary measures to take. Assuming your transgression was limited to drinking in your dorm and being disruptive, your punishment will likely not include anything more than sanction hours, a fine and/or taking AlcoholEdu®. Repeated violations, however, can end up on your transcript and jeopardize your ability to study abroad and secure on-campus housing.
But drinking in my double in Village C West is pretty lame. Where can I go to get my party on? Especially at the beginning of the semester, freshmen tend to walk in packs around West Georgetown and on-campus apartment complexes, listening for the faint yet unmistakable sound of a tapped keg. For freshmen, this is generally acceptable behavior, and if your group is not too big, upperclassmen will usually graciously let you crash their party. As the semester progresses, however, the university will likely begin to crack down on parties, so upperclassmen will man the door to ensure no uninvited guests come in. How can you maintain a lively social life, then, when party-crashing is no longer a viable option? Someone on your floor is bound to have an upperclassman friend, teammate or special someone who will welcome you to the next social event. Clubs and student organizations also frequently host parties and mixers.
My friend has had way too much to drink. What do I do? If someone seems dangerously incoherent or ill, call Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service immediately on (202) 6874357. Georgetown’s student-run EMTs arrive faster to the scene than D.C. Fire and Rescue does, and the ride to the hospital is free. It’s also important to note that you or your friend will not get in trouble if you contact GERMS, courtesy of a codified medical amnesty clause. Don’t let the fear of getting an underage drinking violation prevent you from seeking medical attention. Always keep an eye on any friends you take to parties with you — it’s just the right thing to do.
Does everyone have a fake ID? No. Some do and some don’t. The social scene on campus is lively enough that you don’t need to venture out to D.C.’s vibrant bar and club scene until you can actually do so legally.
I
f you are like the tens of thousands of I’ve got one! Where can I use it? new students who First, we caution you against using a fake ID by statthe obvious — it’s super illegal. Penalties for ushave come before you, ing ing a fake ID are stiff — you could even get arrested. you are likely curious And, unfortunately, saying you’re new to Georgetown and only accidentally walked into the bar (“Wait, this about the Hilltop’s isn’t Leavey Center?”) won’t work. So really do avoid that. Seriously. party scene. Surely,
And sure, it may work at some places, but a place that takes it one night may be strict the next night, no matter how “real” your ID looks or how “old” you look in your picture. The truth is that all fake IDs essentially fall within the range of bad to terrible, and any experienced bouncer will be able to tell it’s not real. Whether or not you’ll get to jam out to top-40 dance music with your friends inside will likely just depend on the benevolence of the stony-faced gentleman in front of you. For places such as Georgetown Piano Bar, the earlier you are, the better. If your heart is set on drinking, however, it’s best to have an upperclassman buy alcohol for you. Fake IDs also tend to work better for girls than guys. Sorry. Still, we know you’ve got them and want to try them. Here is a list of places where you really should not use a fake: Dixie Liquor, Old Glory, El Centro D.F. and The Tombs. Seriously, don’t, especially at The Tombs. Only a handful of underage students get in with a fake ID each year. And besides, getting your forehead stamped at The Tombs on your 21st birthday is practically a rite of passage at Georgetown. Don’t let your impatience ruin it.
questions have popped into your head: Does everyone drink? (No.) How can I sneak a keg into New South? (Please don’t.) Should I buy a toga? (Make one.) Fortunately for you, we have the answers to some of your more burning questions.
What is a Georgetown party like? As good as my dreams? If your dreams include scenes from “Animal House” or “Neighbors,” Georgetown’s lack of a Greek system — the few fraternities and sororities we do have don’t always stack up to their state school contemporaries — may disappoint you. Despite the lack of frat houses, however, off-campus townhouses and on-campus apartments have been known to throw their fair share of ragers that will show you why everyone describes his college years as the best years of his life. Also, unlike at other schools, as underclassmen guests you won’t be asked to pay for a cup. Tradition has been that the juniors and seniors throwing the party pick up the tab for underclassmen, knowing that in a few years, when they’re throwing parties, they’ll pay it forward. It’s just the nice, Jesuit way to do things, of course.
Where am I likely to bump into my classmates? Chinese Disco, Piano Bar and Ri Ra Irish Pub on M Street are popular Thursday night spots.
Do I have to drink? Of course not! Plenty of Georgetown students don’t. Seriously, we’re not just being politically correct. Some choose to opt out of drinking and partying, and that’s cool. Others choose not to drink but party with their friends anyway, and no one notices the difference. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
11 new student guide 2019
Amber Gillette/The Hoya
Georgetown University Student Association
Georgetown Parents, Former Coach Face Bribery Charges The Department of Justice charged former tennis Coach Gordon Ernst with falsely designating at least 12 students as tennis recruits in Georgetown’s admissions process in exchange for $2.7 million in bribes between 2012 and 2018, according to an indictment involving eight U.S. universities. Five parents with children at Georgetown between 2013 and 2019 were among those charged. In May, the university announced its intention to dismiss two students and rescind their initial offers of admission.
Sheel Patel/The Hoya
Campus Speakers
12 new student guide 2019
Last Year
Norman Francis Jr. (COL ’20) and Aleida Olvera (COL ’20) won the 2019 GUSA executive election Feb. 9 by a narrow margin of 40 votes. While solo ticket Nicki Gray (NHS ’20) led in the first two rounds of voting, President Francis and Vice President Olvera received 983 votes and took 51% of the votes in the final round, closely defeating Gray, who earned 943 votes, or 49%. The pair underscored outreach to student advocacy groups in their campaign, running on a platform of transparency, reform, accessibility and progress, abbreviated as T.R.A.P. In a door-to-door poll of 615 students conducted by on Feb. 6, 2% of respondents rated their current trust in GUSA as strong; 23.9% of respondents rated their trust in GUSA as medium and 38.9% rated their trust in GUSA as weak. The election had 32% turnout, with 2,185 students casting votes, the lowest voter turnout since the 2007 executive election. Overall voter turnout for executive student elections was 39% in 2018 and 38% in 2017, according to the GUSA election commission.
Georgetown hosted a variety of speakers on campus in the 2018-19 school year, including actor Bradley Cooper (COL ’97), 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang, comedian Hasan Minhaj and rapper Meek Mill. Cooper, who made his directorial debut with his remake of “A Star Is Born,” released Oct. 5, spoke about his success in film and life at a discussion with Blair Rich (COL ’97) and University President John J. DeGioia (CAS ’79, GRD ’95) in Gaston Hall on Sept. 11. Yang, the first Asian American man to run for the Democratic nomination for president, advocated for the introduction of a guaranteed income program for all U.S. citizens over 18 at an event in Lohrfink Auditorium on Feb. 19.
The Hoya Hub
Fourteen Catholic religious leaders associated with the university have faced credible or plausible accusations of sexual abuse, according to a monthslong investigation by The Hoya published March 15. Georgetown confirmed the university affiliations of all 13 priests and a nun in a March 13 statement to The Hoya. The university had publicly recognized abuse allegations against only four of the individuals named and one priest retained the title of professor emeritus at Georgetown until the week of the investigation’s publication.
On-Campus Food Pantry Opens GUSA opened the Hoya Hub, an on-campus pantry offering free nonperishable food items to members of the Georgetown community, on Oct. 1 as part of an initiative to combat food insecurity. The Hoya Hub partnered with Students of Georgetown Inc., commonly referred to as The Corp, on a Swipe It Forward Flex Donation Drive for students to donate their unused Flex dollars at the end of the school year to restock the Hoya Hub’s pantry.
GUSA President Resigns Following Pressure from Senior GUSA Leadership Former Georgetown University Student Association President Sahil Nair (SFS ’ 19) resigned Sept. 11, 2018, following allegations of sexual misconduct raised against him and the resulting pressure from GUSA senior staff. Nair maintains that no complaints against him were ever submitted to the Office of Student Conduct or in the Title IX sexual misconduct reporting system; a university spokesperson confirmed that, as of May 2019, Nair was not the subject of any complaints through either office. Vice President Naba Rahman (SFS ’19), Chief of Staff Aaron Bennett (COL ’19) and nine senior executive staffers also resigned.
Samuel Nelson/The Hoya
in Headlines
14 Abusive Priests Found in Georgetown’s Past, Present
Summer Quick Hits Georgetown University appointed Samantha Berner as the new Title IX coordinator and director of Title IX compliance, after a yearlong search to fill the role. Laura Cutway vacated her position as Title IX coordinator unexpectedly in June 2018. The announcement of Berner’s permanent appointment was sent via email only to students on the Title IX coordinator search committee and the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Advisory Committee, and leaves vacant the Title IX investigator role in which Berner previously served. The university will introduce Berner more widely after she officially assumes the role and more students are on campus, according to university spokesperson Rachel Pugh. Following the results of the student referendum on the GU272 reconciliation fee, Georgetown’s board of directors did not vote on whether to implement the fee at its June 10 meeting. In April, students voted overwhelmingly in favor of a referendum to establish a semesterly fee that would go toward a fund to benefit descendants of the GU272, the 272 enslaved people sold by the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus to financially sustain the university in 1838. Georgetown is not obliged to enact the results of a student referendum and is not bound to enact the fee, though the board of directors hopes to continue discussion with the community about the issue of a reconciliation fee, according to Pugh.
13 new student guide 2019
Georgetown Glossary ABP
GERMS
Rangila
n.AlternativeBreaksProgram,inwhichstudentsspendtheir vacationonservice-orientedtrips,isrunthroughtheCenter forSocialJustice.UsedtobecalledAlternativeSpringBreak, and many still refer to it as ASB, which does not stand for Associated Student Body, you student government nerds.
n. The student-run Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service acts as the ambulance system on campus. Call when you sprain an ankle, break a bone or are having severe alcohol-related issues.
n. A uniquely Georgetown tradition, this annual show organizedbytheSouthAsianSocietybringstogethermore than 500 Hoyas for a weekend of dancing in Gaston Hall.
The Black House
GUASFCU
n. A student house on 36th Street, housed by the Center for MulticulturalEquityandAccess.Thehandfulofitsresidents areselectedtohostprogrammingfosteringcommunityand diversity, as well as a lot of parties.
n.PossiblythemostcomplicatedofGeorgetownacronyms, the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union, a student-run bank, is most commonly referred to as simply “the credit union.” Pronounced “GUAF-skoo” or “GUAS-ff-koo.”
n. Georgetown’s van service that picks students up inWest Georgetown and Burleith from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Be warned: The service is safe but slow.
Burleith
GUGS
n.The neighborhood to the north of Georgetown’s campus, locatednearthehospitalandthemedicalschool.Itishometo manyupperclassmeninoff-campushousingandafairshareof townhouses and cranky neighbors.
n. Pronounced “jugs,” this abbreviation stands for the GeorgetownUniversityGrillingSociety.Canbefoundgrilling itssignatureburgersinRedSquareonFridaysthroughoutthe school year.WhileVenmo has theoretically been a payment optiononoccasion,remembertobringcashifyouplantoeat one of the burgers.
CAPS n. Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Services, a mental health clinic on the north side of campus behind Darnall Hall. CAPS provides students with services like evaluations, consultations, referrals, and individual, couples or group psychotherapy. Your first evaluation or consultation is free.
GUSA n.This acronym stands for Georgetown University Student Association, pronounced“guss-uh.”GUSA is Georgetown’s student-runpoliticalbody,whosemembersareelectedevery year by other students to fix Georgetown’s problems.
The Corp
GUTS Bus
n. Students of Georgetown, Inc., the student-run business that operates coffee and snack shops throughout campus; locations include The Midnight MUG in Lauinger Library, Uncommon Grounds and Vital Vittles in the Leavey Center, More Uncommon Grounds in the Intercultural Center, The Hilltoss in the Healey Family Student Center and Hoya SnaxaintheSouthwestQuadrangle,amongotherservices.It iscashless,soremembertouseyourFlexdollars,debitdollars or credit card!
n.GeorgetownUniversityTransportationShuttles.Itsmost popular routes run to the Dupont Circle and Rosslyn Metro stops. Other routes go toWisconsin Avenue, Arlington and the Georgetown University Law Center.
’Cuse n. Short for Syracuse University, Georgetown’s old Big East rival, whom we will once again face in the 2019-20 season. We still hate the Orange. Juice ’Cuse. East Campus n. The area composed of the Nevils apartment complex, the LXR dorms, the Walsh Building and the Car Barn. Its Residence Hall Office now services Village B in addition to Nevils and LXR. Einstein’s n. Einstein Bros. Bagels, located on the second floor of the Car Barn, is home to one of the best meal swipe deals on campus.The employees are regularly voted onto the list of things for which Georgetown is thankful. Epi n. Epicurean and Company, the buffet-style restaurant and sushi bar in the basement of Darnall Hall that is open almost24/7.Quesadillasandthebuffetarestudentfavorites. It sometimes moonlights as a nightclub and hosts private events. It also opened a noodle bar this year. Exorcist Steps n. The stairs next to Car Barn that connect M Street and ProspectStreet,madefamousbytheclimaxofthefilm“The Exorcist.” Frequented by runners looking for an extreme workout. Farmers Market n. Georgetown University Farmers Market, a studentorganized afternoon market held in Red Square on fall and springWednesdayafternoons.Populartreatsincludewoodfired pizzas, fresh empanadas, paella, crepes and boba tea. Georgetown Day n. A campuswide celebration that takes place on the last Friday of spring classes. Copley lawn is transformed into a giant party with free food, inflatables, an outdoor concert and much revelry.
14 new student guide 2019
ICC n. Officially the Intercultural Center, the brick building in Red Square where most language, government and economics classes take place. It is also notorious for its confusing layout. Lau n. Joseph Mark Lauinger Memorial Library, the main library on campus; an ugly building where fun goes to die. Lau 2 n. The second floor of Lau and the only floor on which talking is allowed. While theoretically perfect for group projects, productivity is elusive here. It is also home to The Midnight MUG, one of The Corp’s coffee shops.
SafeRides
SNAP n. Student Neighborhood Assistance Program, a volunteer groupofuniversityofficialsandprivatesecurityofficerswho patroltheneighborhoodssurroundingcampusonweekends, breaking up revelry and loud noises. Tombs Night n. The night before your 21st birthday on which friends gathertotoastyourexistenceupuntilthestrokeofmidnight, at which point they escort you toTheTombs where you can haveyourforeheadstampedbythebouncerandenjoyyour first legal sip of alcohol. Waterfront n.The area on K Street down by the Potomac. Good for runs and romantic walks. Adjacent to the movie theater. Wisey’s n. 1.What most students callWisey’s is actuallyWisemiller’s Grocery and Deli, the deli and convenience store on 36th Street. 2. Its second location, actually called D.C. Wisey’s, is on Wisconsin Avenue and is usually referred to as“Healthy Wisey’s.” derivatives: Hot Chick, n. A staple Wisey’s sandwich with chicken tenders, Muenster cheese, parmesan garlic sauce and chili flakes. Somehow always makes it onto the GUSA presidential ballot as a write-in. Yates n.YatesFieldHouse,thecampusgym,islocatedatthetopof ahill,providingstudentswithasmallpre-workoutworkout. GENERAL COLLEGE TERMINOLOGY Burnett’s n. Cheap vodka available in a mind-blowing number of flavors, from cucumber lime to whipped cream.
La Casa Latina
Darty
n. A student house on 36th Street, housed by the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access.The residents are selected tohostprogrammingandhouseclubmeetingsforminority student organizations.
n.Adayparty.Apartyduringtheday.Fairlyself-explanatory.
Leo’s n. Short for Leo J. O’Donovan Hall, the on-campus dining hall. Say its full name and you’ll sound like a high schooler touring campus. derivatives:O’Donovan’sontheWaterfront,n.thetechnical name for the upper floor of Leo’s. Use when feeling #fancy. Map n. Nickname for “Map of the Modern World,” a pass-fail course that every SFS-er must pass to graduate.You’ll learn every country and every capital in the world, in addition to asurprisingamountaboutplatetectonics.Sporclequizzes make for great study tools. Meme page n. Officially titled “georgetown memes for noncomforming jesuit teens,”this Facebook group is filled with #relatableGeorgetown-themedmemecontentcreatedby procrastinating students like you. RHO n. Residence Hall Office, the place where all your packages will be delivered and where you can go if you’re locked out or need to rent a blue cart, vacuum or other helpful roomcleaningappliances.Usuallyservesmultipleresidencehalls.
Floorcest n. A hookup between two floormates, making floor meetingsawkwardandtension-filledforbothparties.Due to the close-knit nature of most freshman dorms, these relationships are typically fodder for floor gossip. Kegger n.Apartywherecheapbeerisservedfromkegs.Thesetend to“tapout”early,sendingdrovesoffreshmenofftothenext “kegger.” Natty n. Colloquial for Natural Light, a low-cost beer of exceptional quality. Pregame n. To drink before you go out, ensuring a baseline level of drunkenness. Postgame n. To hang around with your friends after the party and continue to drink. May include cheap pizza. Sexiled adj.Thestateofbeingexiledfromyourroomduetoitsbeing occupied.“Sexiling”is usually signaled via a late night text from your roommate asking if the dorm will be free that night.
G
eorgetown University’s campus and the wider Washington, D.C. area have many prime study spots where Hoyas can hit the books. Even if you’ve sworn allegiance
to your favorite table or cubicle on the second floor of Lauinger Library, these study spots offer pleasant atmospheres to make a weekend study session or cramming for finals just a little more bearable.
BIOETHICS LIBRARY Located on the first floor of Healy Hall, the Bioethics Research Library is a beautiful space that’s quiet enough for you to get work done. The library houses the Kennedy Institute of Ethics’ extensive collection of research material, which draws in researchers from both on and off campus. The space also has plenty of tables and couches for students seeking an alternative reminiscent of Lau. Be sure to check the hours before you head over, however, as the library often closes early.
WHITE-GRAVENOR HALL We’re almost reluctant to give up this one: With floors full of spacious, empty classrooms, White-Gravenor Hall is a perfect place to study for finals. Whether you’re studying by yourself or working with a group, the seminar-style classrooms let you spread out your study materials and take advantage of wall-sized chalkboards. The natural light coming through the windows also gives White-Gravenor an edge over the classrooms in the Intercultural Center, which are relatively cramped and generally windowless.
STARBUCKS IN THE LEAVEY CENTER When the coffee shops run by Students of Georgetown, Inc., commonly referred to as The Corp, are already packed, the Leavey Center Starbucks is a great alternative. The inside boasts plenty of space and a warm ambiance. While it’s not as quiet as a library cubicle, the hum of noise stays low enough to foster a surprisingly pleasant environment. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself stocked with Starbucks gift cards after the holidays, this far-hallway pocket of the Leavey Center is the ideal place for an afternoon study session. Make sure you check the hours online, as it sometimes closes early in the day.
LEAVEY ESPLANADE When the weather is nice enough that Copley lawn starts to fill up with students, the Leavey Esplanade is a great place to stretch out and get some sun while you’re studying. There’s always plenty of open green space, and some time outdoors is a good way to break up those long days of studying and paper writing when the trials of early May roll around. The esplanade also conveniently offers an entrance to Uncommon Grounds, one of The Corp’s coffee shops, for a caffeine fix.
Off-Campus
On-Campus
Study Spots
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Library of Congress is a remarkable space to get some work done off campus. You can apply for a free reader card in the James Madison Memorial Building to access the famous Main Reading Room of the Thomas Jefferson Building across the street. Whether you’re there to take advantage of the library’s massive collection for research or just to do some homework, the reading room is unbeatable. Cavernous, beautiful and quiet, it’s perfect for productivity — and for a picturesque Instagram shot. Keep in mind that some larger bags are not allowed in the reading rooms and will have to be checked in one of the library’s cloakrooms. Check online for specific restrictions.
KOGOD COURTYARD The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, which connects the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, is a beautiful open space for enjoying the sights of the District as well as doing some work on the weekends. With its huge overhead glass canopy, the courtyard allows visitors to enjoy sunshine without having to bear the heat. You can also get a bite to eat at the Courtyard Cafe and enjoy free Wi-Fi while you sit, making it a great spot to catch up on work, enjoy some prime people-watching and take inspirational study breaks wandering through the galleries of the adjoining museums.
A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP For those of you who need caffeine constantly within arm’s reach to focus on your work, get yourself off campus and snag a table at a local coffee shop. If you don’t feel like making a long trek, Compass Coffee on Wisconsin Avenue is a good bet — it has plenty of space and free Wi-Fi. Peet’s Coffee on M Street is bright and pleasant, with a spacious second level perfect for settling in to study for the day. If you don’t have any work that requires internet access — or need to make yourself stay off Facebook — Grace Street Coffee is a cozy spot.
15 new student guide 2019
V
isiting Washington, D.C., and becomingfamiliarwithGeorgetown University can be a struggle even for
veterans of the Hilltop, so don’t worry too much. Whether this is your first time visiting Georgetown or your family’s Hoya ties go back to the 1800s, here are some tips and pointers on navigating your new home in the nation’s capital.
CAR We don’t recommend you rent a car for more than your move-in day. Permit rules in Georgetown limit parking space in the neighborhood for nonresidents, the university lacks enough space for every freshman and their family to park on campus, and D.C.’s streets are already congested enough. If you want a quick rental, however, use Zipcar and car2go: They offer rentals that charge your fare based on how long you use the car. Zipcar maintains rental locations on Tondorf Road between McCarthy Hall and Village C West and behind Lauinger Library. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft present your fare at the beginning of the trip, and rides from campus start at around $8. Uber and Lyft fares vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of departure, the amount of drivers nearby and the volume of people requesting a ride. These drivers pick up passengers at the front gates and at the intersections of 37th Street and Prospect Street, 37th Street and N Street, or 37th Street and P Street. If leaving from the north side of campus, drivers can also make pickups at the intersection of 37th Street and Reservoir Road. You can hail a taxi at the front gates or across from the Walsh Building on 36th Street between N Street and Prospect Street. D.C. law requires taxis to accept your credit card, so you don’t have to worry about cash.
METRO The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, operates six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green. Though none of them offer service directly to the Georgetown neighborhood, the two closest stations are located at Dupont Circle for the Red line and at Rosslyn for the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. If you’re coming from Reagan National Airport on the Blue or Yellow lines, though, be prepared to transfer to an express shuttle service between certain stops because of a platform improvement project underway until Sept. 8. Metro service begins at 5 a.m. on Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Service ends at 11:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sunday. You’ll need a SmarTrip card — a permanent, reloadable card that pays your fare — to ride, and you can order one from home so you’re set to explore D.C. when you arrive, if you want to get ahead. Your card will cost $10, and come with $8 of stored fare; you can only get it from WMATA vendors. Fares start at $2.25 and vary depending on the time of day and distance of your trip. The maximum fare is $6 for a trip, and you can reload money online or at a farebox in any Metro station.
BUS WMATA’s Metrobus service puts its rail service to shame, giving Hoyas access to the entire city for a flat rate and free transfers to other buses within a two-hour period if you pay with a SmarTrip card. Fares start at $2 per ride on a regular bus and $4.25 for express bus lines with limited stops. The G2 bus connects Georgetown to Dupont Circle and Le Droit Park, and it stops right outside the front gates. This bus is fairly reliable and runs about every 20 to 25 minutes. A seven-minute walk to 34th Street and Q Street gets you to the
16 new student guide 2019
Getting Around D.C.
D2 bus, which runs from Glover Park through Georgetown and into Dupont Circle. The D2 and D6 lines share the same route when they get to Wisconsin Avenue, but the D6 goes past Dupont and into the city center. To explore M Street and Foggy Bottom, consider any of the 30-series bus lines that run up and down Wisconsin Avenue. The closest stop is on Wisconsin between Dumbarton Street and N Street. For the most up-to-date information, consult wmata.com; for updates on WMATA in general, check The Hoya’s coverage. The D.C. Circulator also offers bus services on select routes, with two lines serving Georgetown. Circulator buses provide service to high-profile sites for free as of right now — cash and SmarTrip card accepted otherwise. Hop on the Union Station-bound line at the stop across from &pizza on Wisconsin Avenue to see D.C.’s downtown sights.
BIKES AND SCOOTERS By the time you get to campus, you’ll have missed D.C.’s dockless bike-sharing bubble. Of the five services, only Spin and JUMP remain, with Lime Bike moving in to cement its Lime Scooters. The safest bet with biking is to rent a Capital Bikeshare bike, found right outside the front gates. Rent a bike for 30 minutes at a $2 fare, but make sure to read the instructions carefully: You want a single-trip ride in most cases, because if you don’t return your bike before the 30 minutes are up, CaBi will add fees to your ride based on 30-minute increments, meaning you can end up spending more than $10 for an hour and a half-long trip. If your destination is too close for a bike but too far to walk comfortably, scooter rental services have begun taking over campus and in the Georgetown neighborhood. Some brands like Lime have their own app, while Uber and Lyft both have scooters available to rent within their own app. These scooter rentals usually start at a base fee for your first 30 minutes and then gradually increase every 30 minutes after that. There aren’t any set docking stations for the scooters, so use your preferred app to find the closest one and activate it by scanning a QR code or tapping your phone to the scooter. Once you’re done with your scooter, place them somewhere off to the side that won’t block the sidewalk and decrease the accessibility of the path.
GETTING HOME FOR HOLIDAYS Whenever you decide to go home or take a vacation, you’re sure to have many options to travel. Are you from the East Coast? Use a train or bus. Union Station is a hub for Amtrak, Megabus and BoltBus, all providing service to most major cities along the East Coast. For those flying home, Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport all offer flights from the D.C. metro area to all major cities. Reagan is the closest air hub to campus — read The Hoya for the lowdown on the neighborhood’s fight to redirect those noisy planes. An Uber or taxi to the airport will cost you under $20, while WMATA’s Blue line will take you right up to the check-in level. Just hop on the GUTS bus or take the Circulator across the bridge to the Rosslyn Metro station. Dulles and BWI are much farther, however. A trip into Northern Virginia will cost you about $60 for a taxi or Uber, while WMATA operates the 5A bus from the Rosslyn Metro station to Dulles for $7.50. A taxi or Uber to BWI will cost you upwards of $100, but Amtrak or the MARC rail service that both depart from Union Station can get you there for as little as $7 for MARC or $12 for Amtrak.
F
our years is a long time to stay anywhere, even in a city as vibrant as Washington, D.C. When classes are a bit too stressful, campus can feel
ADAMS MORGAN DAY FESTIVAL — SEPT. 8 From the hours of 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., residents of Adams Morgan and the surrounding area are invited to attend a multi-block street festival, which features live music, cultural performances and a number of other activities. The event not only celebrates Adams Morgan’s rich history and diversity, but also highlights the neighborhood’s businesses, restaurants and artisans; at food stalls, visitors can sample different world cuisines, and people can attend workshops and activities led by local artists. Adams Morgan Day, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, just celebrated its 40th year, making it the longest-running neighborhood festival in Washington, D.C., as well as one of its most beloved cultural traditions. Luckily for Georgetown students, the historic neighborhood is just a 15-minute drive from the front gates.
H STREET FESTIVAL — SEPT. 21
Things To Do
a bit claustrophobic, and the urban setting may not be exactly what you need. Nature can be the perfect escape; luckily, Georgetown University is situated near many idyllic nature escapes. While many of them may seem utterly forbidding during the winter, the gorgeous color change of the leaves in autumn and the rebirth of life in spring are perfect opportunities to breathe in some crisp fresh air.
Located in one of D.C.’s most popular neighborhoods, the H Street Festival stretches 11 blocks and features 14 different staging areas that showcase a variety of live music and dance performances, local D.C. artists, contests and family-friendly activities. It has grown into a festival that attracts more than 150,000 attendees by utilizing the arts as the main motivator for the event, which could make for a great experience with new people as you first explore the city.
TASTE OF GEORGETOWN — SEPT. 22
Showcasing 60 signature dishes from 30 local restaurants, this festival highlights the best food that Georgetown has to offer. In the past, attendees have been able to enjoy sweet treats from popular bakeries and shops like Cafe Bonaparte and Baked & Wired, as well as diverse tastings from popular restaurants like Chaia Tacos, late-night Lebanese eatery Muncheez and Bodega, which serves Spanish tapas and drinks. Students can purchase tickets the day of the event and proceeds benefit the Georgetown Ministry Center, which works to create programs and provide services for those experiencing homelessness. The festival takes place on K Street between Wisconsin Avenue and Thomas Jefferson Street.
BIG HUNT — OCT. 5 Every fall, freshmen and transfer students are invited to take part in the Big Hunt, a popular tradition at Georgetown. The scavenger hunt sends its participants across the District in search of clues, helping them become better acquainted with their new home. The event is wellknown for awarding winners of the scavenger hunt with an assortment of wonderful prizes, which have typically been donated by student organizations and local businesses. Some past winners of the Big Hunt have been gifted private tours of D.C. monuments, box seat tickets for games at the Verizon Center, dinners at upscale Georgetown restaurant 1789 and gift cards for The Tombs, a Georgetown staple restaurant and pub beloved by students and faculty.
ALL THINGS GO FALL CLASSIC — OCT. 12 AND 13 Hosted annually in D.C.’s historic Union Market, the All Things Go Fall Classic stretches across two days and features performances from a variety of emerging artists. This year, CHVRCHES and Melanie Martinez will headline the event along with appearances from LANY, COIN, Betty Who and Olivia O’Brien. Tickets can be purchased online for one-day or two-day general admissions and VIP tickets starting at $69. The festival also brings a diverse selection of food vendors.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION SHUTTLE SERVICE Did you know Georgetown is gracious enough to pay for five free shuttle bus services with two access points to the Metro? Hop on the GUTS bus to Rosslyn, Va., for access to the Blue, Silver and Orange lines that take you into Virginia or to the U.S. Capitol Building, or ride the GUTS bus to Dupont Circle for access to the Red line, which takes you through central D.C. into Maryland. These two services run every 10 minutes from the bus turnaround near McDonough Arena during weekday peak hours, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Two other lines to the Georgetown University Law Center and Arlington, Va., depart from McDonough, and a fifth line to Georgetown’s offices on Wisconsin Avenue departs from the intersection of 37th Street and Winfield Lane. Each line has a different schedule and frequency, so check the GUTS website before hopping on.
17 new student guide 2019
O
nce you’ve had your fill of downstairs Leo’s and Royal Jacket sandwiches, it’s time to venture off campus
to explore all the food Washington, D.C., has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a short walk into the Georgetown neighborhood or an adventure into downtown D.C., plenty of tasty options await you.
QUICK BITES IN GEORGETOWN Just about every Georgetown University student swears by a Hot Chick or Chicken Madness sandwich from Wisemiller’s Grocery & Deli (1236 36th St. NW) — better known as Wisey’s. The Hot Chick features chopped spicy chicken tenders, cheese and spicy dressing, and the Chicken Madness includes provolone, peppers and diced grilled chicken. The convenient location makes Wisey’s the perfect stop when you have class in Walsh or the Car Barn. For a cup of coffee, take a stroll to Compass Coffee (1351 Wisconsin Ave. NW). With its signature lattes, cold brew on tap, assortment of pastries and free Wi-Fi, Compass is the ideal spot to meet with friends or catch up on homework. If you’re willing to walk a little farther off campus, we suggest Blue Bottle Coffee (1046 Potomac St. NW) for a delicious latte and outdoor seating. While on Wisconsin Avenue, go to Kung Fu Tea (1529 Wisconsin Ave. NW) for reasonably priced milk tea or fruit teas. This spot is a Georgetown student’s preferred choice for some tasty bubble tea, offering a range of size, ice and sugar options, as well as flavored slushies and warm teas. For a rich, comforting option, go for the taro slush with boba and 50% sweetness. For something more fruity, try the passionfruit green tea. If you’re looking for the staple cheap eat, you must stop at Falafel Inc. (1210 Potomac St. NW). Their $3 falafel sandwiches are the perfect choice for your taste buds and your bank account. Plus, you’re contributing to a good cause with every purchase: The shop contributes aid to the refugee crisis in the Middle East and donates a day’s worth of food to a refugee for every $10 of profit. For more cheap eats, check out Eater DC or Washingtonian’s Cheap Eats list for delicious and affordable options.
CLASSIC GEORGETOWN DESTINATIONS No other Georgetown tradition compares to a dinner or drink at The Tombs (1226 36th St. NW). An underground bar featuring classic pub food and delicious Sunday brunch, it’s the place to go at midnight for your 21st birthday: Tradition holds that a Georgetown student’s first legal drink be conducted here. If you’re under 21, you can still enjoy The Tombs for a reasonably priced dinner with your friends. With affordable, filling meals and a boisterous social scene for freshmen, Mai Thai (3251 Prospect St. NW) is a great restaurant to grab dinner with friends and still have leftovers for lunch the next day. You can’t go wrong with the Red Curry, and don’t miss happy hour for the $3 sushi rolls. Tip: Come for your birthday and receive a hefty discount on any dinner entree. Can’t decided whether you want Indian or Italian food? Visit Curry & Pie (1204 34th St. NW) for a flavorful, inventive combination of the two cuisines. Traditional Indian dishes are served in one of two ways: on a pizza pie or presented with a side of rice. Definitely get the flaky samosas while you’re here, and top it off with a Mango Lassi, a sweet, rich and creamy mango yogurt drink. Of course, for the authentic Italian experience, you must slip into il Canale (1065 31st St. NW), a classic Italian restaurant with delicious pizzas. Stop by for a margherita pizza or tasty lasagna while looking out for notable patrons like the Clintons. Visit Oki Bowl (1608 Wisconsin Ave. NW) if you’re tired of the taste of your instant ramen. The Thai-Japanese fusion restaurant serves ramen and rice bowls and is known for its unusual decor. We recommend the Oki Curry ramen, or the Galanga ramen if you need a vegetarian option.
HEALTHIER OPTIONS Head down to Grace Street under the C&O Canal for a mecca of health foods. Grace Street features spots like the vegetarian taco joint Chaia Tacos (3207 Grace St. NW) and a food complex (3210 Grace St. NW) that includes acai bowl and smoothie place South Block and the globally inspired sandwich company SUNdeVICH . You might consider a stop in the biggest Sweetgreen (1044 Wisconsin Ave. NW) salad shop in the District. This two-story storefront is the latest Georgetown iteration of the national chain founded by Hoyas. You can also visit the Tavern (3333 M St. NW), a sister store of Sweetgreen. In addition to serving their classic salads, the Tavern stands out as a healthy marketplace selling locally sourced food.
18 new student guide 2019
Dining in D.C.
For dessert, stop by renowned ice cream parlor Thomas Sweet (3214 P St. NW) for a brownie sundae or their signature Blend-In. You can also check out Baked & Wired (1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW), the true favorite cupcake bakery in Georgetown, even if it didn’t have a reality show. The debate among Baked & Wired, Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles will feature heavily during your time on the Hilltop. Make the trip with friends: Baked & Wired’s enormous cupcakes are sharing size, and the gluten-free options accommodate all. If you can’t make the trek, though, Insomnia Cookies (3204 O St. NW) is dangerously close and delivers until 3 a.m.
BRUNCH TIME Take a trip to the classic restaurant Le Diplomate (1601 14th St. NW) for a French-American taste distinct to D.C. The city’s best French onion soup can be found here, as well as the best omelet and Eggs Norwegian in the D.C. metro area. “Le Dip,” as the locals call it, is also a great dinner spot. Farmers Fishers Bakers (3000 K St. NW) by the Georgetown waterfront is the most popular spot for brunch. The all-you-can-eat weekend brunch is pricey at $32.95 per person, but if you’re willing to get up early, you can still eat all you want without having to take out extra loans. Between 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. on weekdays, go to First Bake to get the same delicious breakfast for a fraction of the price.
MAKING A DAY OF IT For the perfect, mouth-watering slice, make the trek to Wiseguy Pizza (300 Massachusetts Ave. NW), a short walk from the National Mall and the best of D.C.’s museums. On a nice day, you can also walk across the Key Bridge and visit Wiseguy’s Rosslyn, Va., location. Appreciate the street vendors and yummy brunch spots that line the streets of 7th Street in Southeast with an afternoon trip to Eastern Market (225 7th St. SE), an old school indoor market building surrounded by outdoor stalls and fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. After a morning of shopping, the best place to grab a bite is at The Market Lunch (225 7th St. SE), a small vendor inside the market’s building. The weekend shrimp and grits are popular, as are the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. For cheaper bites while still out in the city, swing by Union Market (1309 5th St. NE) for the essential indoor food hall experience, connecting you to the diverse cuisines that can be found in the District. Artisanal vendors can prepare you Venezuelan arepas, Ethiopian fast-casual dishes, jerk chicken empanadas and so much more. Grab a bite and swing by the new Politics & Prose bookstore or watch a movie at Angelika Pop Up, all within walking distance of a Metro station.
Shopping
A
in D.C.
t some point during your time at Georgetown University, you may
realize that your favorite shirt or goto yoga pants need some replacing. Fear not! The Hilltop puts you in the perfect location to access some of the best shopping scenes in the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Ranging from attainable fashion to high-end classics and from preppy to athleisure, you are sure to find whatever suits your style needs within walking distance, a quick bus trip with the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle or even a Metro ride away. Just about every name-brand style outlet has a storefront in the Georgetown neighborhood. Wallet-friendly options like H&M, Forever 21 and T.J. Maxx (all located at 3222 M St. NW) cater to your basic needs and party favorites without draining your bank account or your walking energy. Slightly pricier shops like Urban Outfitters (3111 M St. NW), Free People (3009 M St. NW) and Francesca’s (3128 M St. NW) also provide everyday attire options for the average Hoya. West Coast staples like Madewell (1237 Wisconsin Ave. NW), Brandy Melville (3307-B M St. NW) and Chubbies (1251 Wisconsin Ave. NW) offer a taste of home for those in need of a little sun or denim, while classic Northeast prep shops like Vineyard Vines (1225 Wisconsin Ave. NW), Ralph Lauren (1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and Lilly Pulitzer (1079 Wisconsin Ave. NW) offer just about any pastel polo or floral frill you’ll need to match the masses strolling through Healy lawn. At some point in your Georgetown career, you may find yourself a guest at a sports team semi-formal, a club gala or the School of Foreign Service’s Diplomatic Ball while lacking the proper attire. In these cases, shops like Brooks Brothers (3077 M St. NW), Rent the Runway (3336 M St. NW) and Alice + Olivia (3303 M St. NW) are your best bets for a quick stitch or ball gown. In a similar sense, you may find that your club interview or dream internship requires business-casual attire. Banana Republic (3200 M St. NW), J. Crew (3262 M St. NW), LOFT (1239 Wisconsin Ave. NW) and COS (1200 Wisconsin Ave. NW) are sure to refresh your professional wardrobe. D.C. is also ranked among the most active cities in the United States, and Georgetown students’ love for runs, hikes and SoulCycle (1042 Wisconsin Ave. NW) supports that statistic. Embrace your sporty side with a trip to Nike (3040 M St. NW), Athleta (3229 M St. NW), Patagonia (3104 M St. NW), Outdoor Voices (3025 M St. NW) or Lululemon (3265 M St. NW) for yoga pants, gym shorts or whatever else you may need. Of course, the fashionista in you may drive you to look beyond the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. No need to worry: A quick GUTS bus ride across the Francis Scott Key Bridge to the Metro’s Rosslyn, Va. station grants you access to the Blue line ride to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and the Silver line ride to Tysons Corner Center, both fantastic malls with classic department stores. The District is also home to more independent options like Joint Custody (1530 U St. NW) or Current Boutique (1809 14th St. NW). Happy shopping!
19 new student guide 2019
W
hen first walking onto Georgetown University’s campus, it’s impossible to miss the
giant statue of a man sitting commandingly in a chair. This statue is partly known for the tradition of Georgetown students sitting on its lap while the Georgetown University Police Department is not looking, but the man it depicts has contributed far more to Georgetown’s history than just the Instagram pictures in which he’s featured. His name was John Carroll, and he founded Georgetown in 1789, around the same time the United States itself was established. As freshmen, it’s probably more pressing to find out about the food in O’Donovan Hall, the best freshman dorm or the date of our first basketball game, rather than learn more about Georgetown’s history. Answers to the above questions can be found in this guide, too, but Georgetown’s 225-year history has more impact on our present than you might expect. We consider 1789 the university’s official founding year, but Georgetown’s roots can be traced back to a school in St. Mary’s, Md., founded by Frs. Andrew White and John Gravenor, S.J., in 1634, when they were involved in the founding of the Maryland colony. Carroll purchased 60 acres of land on which to build his university in 1789, with classes commencing in 1792. In fact, the university’s iconic 700-seat Gaston Hall is named for the first student, 13-year-old William Gaston. After receiving the first federal university charter from Congress, the College — then the university’s only school — granted its first two bachelor’s degrees in 1817. Throughout the next two centuries, Georgetown expanded its educational offerings, beginning with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 1820, the School of Medicine in 1851, the Law School in 1870, the School of Nursing in 1903, the School of Foreign Service in 1919, the School of Continuing Studies in 1956 and the School of Business Administration in 1957, which changed its name to the McDonough School of Business in 1998. The university further grew with the establishment of the School of Foreign Service’s Qatar campus in 2005 and, most recently, the McCourt School of Public Policy in 2013.
During the Civil War, students dropped out to serve in both the Union and Confederate forces. Enrollment fell to only 17 students between 1859 and 1861, and university buildings served as temporary hospitals and lodging for soldiers. President Abraham Lincoln spoke to Union troops from the steps of Old North in 1861 — one of 14 presidents, including Barack Obama, to speak at the venue — and at the end of the war, Georgetown chose blue and gray as its colors to signify unity between the Union and Confederate soldiers returning to campus. Since then, Georgetown has seen its fair share of historical moments. Fr. Patrick Healy, S.J., served as the first black president of Georgetown or any major university in the United States from 1873 to 1882, though his mixed-race ancestry only came to light during the 1960s. During World War II, Georgetown housed the Army Specialized Training Program, a federal effort to recruit junior officers from universities. In 1969, Georgetown became fully coeducational when the College began admitting women, who until then had only been allowed to enroll in the School of Nursing. University President John J. DeGioia (CAS ’79, GRD ’95) became the first layperson to lead Georgetown in 2001, then became the university’s longest-serving president in 2015. Under his leadership and that of his predecessors, Georgetown has grown from an all-white, all-male and all-Catholic local school to the diverse, competitive and internationally recognized university you are entering today. We know Georgetown’s history cannot be adequately summarized in one article, but we hope this article serves as a welcome introduction to the rich and dynamic heritage this school has witnessed in the past, and one we will all contribute to in the future.
20 new student guide 2019
Georgetown History
During the 1800s, Georgetown ran into certain challenges — namely, it’s relationship with slavery and the Civil War. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, enslaved people worked the campus grounds and contributed to the university’s day-to-day functioning. In 1838, after suffering financial setbacks, the university authorized the sale of 272 enslaved people to a plantation in Louisiana, an event our community is still attempting to come to terms with and memorialize. In fact, last spring, the student body voted to create a semesterly fee that would go toward a fund benefiting descendants of the 272 enslaved people, also known as the GU272.
Georgetown Sports
G
eorgetown University sports are a prominent part of life on the Hilltop. During the
2018-19 academic year, Georgetown’s strongest sports were lacrosse and soccer; the men’s and women’s teams of both sports won the Big East championships and advanced into their respective national tournaments. The women’s soccer team was especially successful, coming within a goal of reaching the NCAA tournament finals.
The heart and soul of Georgetown sports is the basketball program, with the women playing on campus in McDonough Arena, which is attached to the Thompson Athletic Center, and the men playing across the city at Capital One Arena. The women are coming off of a strong 19-16 season which culminated in them making it to the Elite Eight of the National Invitational Tournament after going 9-9 in Big East play and defeating Villanova in the first round of the Big East tournament in Chicago, Illinois. The Hoyas are graduating multiple leaders in Brianna Jones, Dionna White, Mikayla Venson and Dorothy Adomako, but the team is in good hands as returners Morgan Smith and Anita Kelava appear poised for breakout seasons. For the men’s team, last season was an improvement upon year one of the Patrick Ewing era, as senior Jessie Govan and a strong freshman trio of Mac McClung, Josh LeBlanc and James Akinjo carried the team to a 19-14 record, going 9-9 in conference play. The Hoyas yet again faltered in tournament play, losing their first games of the Big East and NIT tournaments. While losing Govan will hurt, the triumvirate of newcomers who started nearly every game last year is ready to lead the team to new heights and possibly back into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015. The strong sophomores and veteran leaders Jagan Mosely, Jamorko Pickett and Jahvon Blair will be joined by a freshman class led by Qudus Wahab as well as multiple strong transfers, especially Omer Yurtseven from North Carolina State, Galen Alexander from LSU and Terrell Allen from UCF. Almost all Georgetown home games are held on campus, and all games hosted by the university are free for current students to attend. The lone exception is men’s basketball, where student full-season passes are available for $99, a bargain by the time the season is complete. On Shaw Field, the women’s and men’s soccer teams will look to build upon the success of 2018. The women’s team has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, having won three consecutive Big East tournaments, as well as two straight regular season conference titles. Although they graduated six seniors, including reigning Big East Offensive Player of the Year Caitlin Farrell and Goalkeeper of the Year Arielle Schechtman, the team’s prospects are still bright. Among those returning this season are senior Meaghan Nally, the 2018 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a coaching staff that was named as the nation’s best by the United Soccer Coaches. The women’s team’s first home match will be Aug. 25, when they’ll face NC State. The men’s soccer team will have its home opener later that week, as they’ll take on Syracuse on Aug. 30. The men’s team has also been highly successful in the past couple years, with three Big East tournament championships in the past four years. With three returning all-conference starters, including the reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year in senior Dylan Nealis, the men’s team looks to be in a good position to continue its strong play and make another deep run into the postseason. Cooper Field, the bright green artificial turf expanse at the heart of campus, hosts games for the football team as well as the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. Lacrosse on campus is a can’t-miss event — the women’s team will look to repeat as Big East tournament champions in the spring, while the men will be chasing their third consecutive conference tournament championship. The football team will open its 2019 home schedule on Cooper Field on Saturday, Sept. 7, against Marist University. During homecoming weekend, the Hoyas will host Patriot League rival Fordham on Oct. 12, and the team will face off at home against another conference foe when Lafayette comes to campus for family weekend Oct. 19. If you’ve been to all those games and still can’t get enough, Georgetown has many other varsity and club sports teams, meaning there’s never a shortage of events for avid fans. The men’s and women’s track and field, swimming and diving, tennis, and rowing teams all found success last year. The baseball and softball teams also competed in exciting contests throughout the spring. For those who aren’t satisfied with just watching from the bleachers, Georgetown also offers a number of club and intramural sport opportunities throughout the year. Whether you attend a club Ultimate Frisbee game on Cooper Field or a volleyball match in McDonough Arena, you’ll find that Georgetown sports give Hoya fans a unique and electrifying experience, giving you a passion and sense of community that will stay with you long after you’ve left the Hilltop.
21 new student guide 2019
22 new student guide 2019
DUPONT CIRCLE
D.C. Neighborhoods
Just a quick 30-minute walk from the front gates or a 15-minute bus ride, Dupont Circle combines the hustle and bustle of downtown Washington, D.C., with the stately architecture found in the neighborhood you now call home. With a thriving culinary and shopping scene — as well as a Red line Metro station — Dupont is one of the most exciting places in the District. Just off the circle, you can find one of the city’s most prominent farmers markets on Sunday mornings, which offers everything fr om organic produce to ice pops from more than 50 different vendors. Located in Dupont Circle, Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe combines an independent bookstore with a cozy cafe. If you’re looking for a book that may be a little harder to find, the nearby Second Story Books specializes in out-of-print, used and rare works. Dupont Circle is filled with restaurants of all types, whether you’d like to grab a quick bite to eat at chicken chain Nando’s PERi-PERi or celebrate after a tough week of midterms at Banana Leaves, Bistrot du Coin or Sette Osteria.
14TH STREET CORRIDOR/LOGAN CIRCLE No area in D.C. has grown quite like the 14th Street Corridor, which was the city’s main red-light district only around 25 years ago but is now the site of a culinary boom. Nearly 30 new eateries opened in this area just in 2013, and the number is growing as construction on residential and commercial properties continues at a dizzying pace. The star of the revival is French bistro Le Diplomate, which, after being open for just a few years, has already taken a spot among the most popular restaurants in the city. On 14th Street, quantity has not come at the cost of quality. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace specializes in catfish sandwiches, gumbo and, of course, oysters, while The Pig’s menu focuses nearly exclusively on pork. Birch & Barley has an unbelievable 555 beers on tap to go along with its understated New American cuisine, while its sister restaurant, ChurchKey, offers an even larger selection of brews in a more casual setting. Logan Circle is also the unofficial center of D.C.’s LGBTQ community. You’d be hard-pressed to find a local business that doesn’t have a pride flag draped outside, and there are a host of gay and lesbian clubs nearby, including Number Nine and Nellie’s Sports Bar, which is also considered the best sports bar in the District.
U STREET
Located just north of Logan Circle is U Street, a rapidly growing area that is arguably the center of the District’s cultural life. A good time on a weekend night, however, is nowhere near all this area has to offer. The most famous institution on U Street is Ben’s Chili Bowl. The only business in the area to survive the 1968 riots that devastated the city, Ben’s and its famous half-smokes — a sausage and hot dog combo topped with chili and cheese — are a throwback to a different era. U Street is equally well-known for its high concentration of live music venues. The one you’ll most likely head to is the 9:30 Club, which will host popular acts such as Jade Bird, Cigarettes After Sex and Bishop Briggs this fall. Another popular venue is the Black Cat, known for featuring lesser-known alternative acts and for its Red Room Bar. Other venues in the area include the venerable jazz club Bohemian Caverns, U Street Music Hall, DC9 Nightclub and the recently reopened Lincoln Theatre. The Howard Theatre is also located nearby. Restaurant, bookstore and event space Busboys and Poets is another U Street highlight.
ADAMS MORGAN
Adams Morgan is the tried-and-true home of late-night D.C., less stuffy than the occasionally buttoned-up Dupont Circle and more worn in than what you’ll find on U Street. As the murals that line the neighborhood’s buildings show, Adams Morgan is culturally vibrant. Although soaring rent prices over the past 20 years have caused what was once the city’s most diverse neighborhood to become somewhat gentrified, Adams Morgan nevertheless retains an aura of multiculturalism and artistry that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city. Late-night eating options are plentiful: Pizza Mart, which provides the prototypical jumbo slice for which the District is known, is open until at least 3 a.m. every night, Amsterdam Falafelshop is one of the best places to get falafel in the city and The Diner, which offers typical but refined diner-style food, is open 24/7. There are also a number of record stores in the area: Smash! Records specializes in rock ’n’ roll albums, and Hill & Dale in Georgetown is recognizable for its sleek interior. The nightlife options in Adams Morgan are extensive, as well. The main corridor of 18th Street is lined almost entirely with bars, so there will always be somewhere to go.
H STREET NE A proposed streetcar line from Georgetown to Union Station has been in the works for a long time. The most exciting prospect of this plan isn’t that it will be easier to take the train home — it is how easy it will become to get to H Street NE, one of the fastest developing areas of D.C. Like the U Street Corridor, H Street, damaged heavily during the 1968 riots, was once a cultural hub of the District. Like U Street, H Street is now the home of new businesses and rapid apartment construction, not to mention a front-row view of the positives and negatives of D.C.’s rapid gentrification. While H Street is similar to U Street in that most of its establishments are relatively new and cater to a younger crowd, the locations here are a little more playful and bohemian. The neighborhood also features some stellar food and drinks: Sidamo Coffee & Tea may just be the best coffee shop in the District, with standard black coffee as impressive as its lattes. Toki Underground, although small and often crowded, serves unbeatable ramen. If you’re looking for a place to grab dinner with friends or relatives, Smith Commons is delicious and reasonably priced and has an excellent brunch, too.
CAPITOL HILL Capitol Hill is the city’s largest neighborhood and presents a more lively visitor experience than its austere name would suggest. That doesn’t mean, however, that the building for which the neighborhood is named isn’t worth a visit. The U.S. Capitol building is the home of Congress, and the architecture and aura are awe-inspiring even to the less politically inclined. The Supreme Court building and Library of Congress are also close by if your interest extends beyond the operations of the legislative branch.
23 new student guide 2019
Georgetown Bucket List
Learn the fight song. Go kayaking on the Potomac. Enjoy the finest O’Donovan Hall has to offer: Chicken Finger Thursday. Get drenched in the fountain in Dahlgren Quadrangle. Visit the monuments at night. Line up for a guest speaker event in Gaston Hall at 4 a.m. Tailgate and root for the Hoyas on homecoming weekend. Watch the men’s basketball team play at Capital One Arena. Get your head stamped at The Tombs on your 21st birthday. Order a Chicken Madness or a Hot Chick sandwich at Wisemiller’s Grocery & Deli. Write a viewpoint for The Hoya. Take a course taught by a Jesuit. Watch “The Exorcist” on Halloween. Organize a snowball battle with your friends or floormates. Get involved with the Center for Social Justice: Tutor with D.C. Reads or D.C. Schools or go on an Alternative Breaks Program trip. Trick or treat on Embassy Row. Get to know a chaplain or one of the faculty-in-residence. Go to their weekly events — if only for the free food! Go to the White House on election night and attend the inauguration on the National Mall. Stargaze at the Georgetown University Heyden Observatory. Visit the National Gallery of Art, the National Portrait Gallery or another Washington, D.C. art gallery or museum. Eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl. Tour the White House. Take a selfie with a politician — and with Jack the Bulldog when you spot him on campus. See a show by one of Georgetown’s many performing arts groups. Find your way into the not-so-secret secret tunnels. Sit on John Carroll’s lap. Attend the Mr. Georgetown pageant. Vote in a Georgetown University Student Association election. Lounge out on Copley lawn with a book and some friends.