Is AU in a good central area in DC?
AU is on the outskirts of DC. When I visited, it was two turns from getting to Maryland and on the highway. That said, you do get a bus pass which allows you to go into the city whenever you want, and it’s not like it is that far of a walk. It’s a good choice if you want a contained compass/more of a residential feel as opposed to George Washington or Georgetown which are nestled between skyscrapers. So not ‘central’ but it’s still there and it’s easy to go further into the city
AU is adjacent to Embassy Row and very close to Homeland security. AU students attend events at the Embassies and even go Trick or Treating there on Halloween. Tenley Town is a very safe area of DC and it’s easy to get around to other parts of DC by using the unlimited metro pass and the free shuttle from AU to the Tenley Town station.
Students get a “free” (that is, you pay for it in fees, etc., but it’s rolled into other costs, and you don’t have to buy each time) Metro pass for the whole time you’re there. Convenient and easy. My kids go there, and travel to the heart of the city regularly for fun, and probably later for a job or internship. There’s a quick shuttle from campus to the Tenleytown stop on the red line, which goes straight to the mall, etc. You can also take city buses.