For those that have visited, what did yoy think of AU’S campus?
I visited last summer for the first time in 10+ years. If you like a relatively small campus with a tree-lined quad and buildings that don’t all look alike (although many of them have elements in common), then you may like it. Everything is completely walkable–no more than 15 minutes point-to-point, and usually much less.The new “east campus” was not completed when I visited, so I didn’t get to see that portion of the campus (it was a big parking lot when I attended 20+ years ago; now it has 3 brand new dorms on it). I will tell you that the condition of the campus–buildings, grounds, sign, etc.–is significantly better than it was when I attended.
We visited last week. We’ve seen many campuses and it’s one of the best looking ones. Landscaping was well done throughout the campus. The wide quad dominates the upper part of campus and has nice grass throughout and pathways crossing it towards the buildings on either side, widthwise of the quad. The exteriors of buildings were nice looking and as good or better than what you see in photos or AU’s videos. I think the size of the campus is ideal for the enrollment: the library was well used but not full and the paths/sidewalks (lower part of campus) were well used but pleasant to walk on.
When we were there, a couple tables were put up next to each other in the quad. One was pro-Israel and another was pro-Palestine. Everyone seemed to get along and nothing was in your face. Students were mingling. I think the students were interested but also tended to lineup at whichever table was giving away free food.
The SIS building was gorgeous and well done. The communications building is modern and has a nice studio in it. The new east campus has very modern but aesthetically matching buildings to the main campus. It is just a crosswalk away. The Arts & Sciences building looked good but nothing outstanding (just walked through tho).
As parents, we didn’t get to see many of the interior buildings besides the aforementioned and Mary Graydon Center (MGC acts as the main food and union building). MGC was modern and had some food court choices and a snack stand on the main level. Lots of eating and gathering areas too. The cafeteria on the lower level looked modern. Our son ate there and said the food was pretty good, although trays and silverware were a problem getting replenished during the rush. On one of the upper floors is the bookstore which had plenty of AU gear and was quite nice. On the backside of the building is a small roadway that passes through the lower end of campus. It has access to a subway, Starbucks (if I recall correctly), sandwich shop and more, as well as the arena, I believe.
Overall, I think the campus is one of the finest features of AU. I think former DC residents that we spoke with also agree. The campus is also situated in one of the nicer neighborhoods in DC filled with beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. We took Lyft several times going back and forth to DC and enjoyed the relatively short-ride past nice neighborhoods and embassies (going to DC), then through the Georgetown (I believe) area before heading into DC.