<p>Hey I'm looking into GW because its strength in government/IR and its proximity to DC. BUT I really want a comfortable feeling, closed campus and it looks like it's kind of scattered and right in the city. I might not have a chance to visit before I apply...so could a current student or recent visitor tell me about the general 'feel' of the school? Is there a sense of community? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I've been three times (twice on a tour) and feel that people exaggerate the campus' urban incohesiveness (if that's a word). I've heard people compare GW's campus to NYU's--this is ridiculous. It's definitely not "closed", but it's definitely not "scattered". There is a reasonably well-defined 4 x 4 block area that is pretty much GW; almost every building within it is university-owned and has a GW banner hanging from it. Obviously, on the outskirts (some of the freshman dorms, the hospital and metro stop, etc.) this becomes less true, but for the most part you will feel like you are on a college campus.</p>
<p>I am a current student at GW and I was worried like you were before I visited here. The campus is a very definite area. There really is a sense of campus here and it is in no way scattered. You may have one class per semester that is kind of outside of the "campus" but those classes are about a block or two from the four by four city block area that is GW. Whats great about this set up is that GW is definitely a part of the city. A lot of students at other schools do not venture into the city or use the cities nightlife as much as GW students. I hope this answers your question.</p>
<p>The main campus is very cohesive and condensed. There is a definite campus, just not a grassy one. The only part of the university that is removed from this central core is the Mt. Vernon campus. That is the more traditional-looking, grassy part of GW. It is accessible by GW Shuttle bus. You can choose to take classes only on the main campus if you like. Of course, there is a chance you might be placed in housing at Mt. Vernon, although you do have choices on your housing application. The housing there is very nice, just a bit more removed.</p>
<p>researchmaven-
How long is the shuttle bus trip from Mt. Vernon to the main campus? Are the the back/forth logistics difficult if you have classes in both?</p>
<p>The actual shuttle trip takes 10 minutes. The shuttle comes every 15 minutes. Some students do take classes at both campuses but you must allow enough time between classes to make the shuttle trip and walk to class.</p>
<p>Thanks, researchmaven--</p>
<p>i am a current student at GW and, like you, I was terrifed
of living in a "city" campus....I considered living on the Vern
(our mount vernon grassy and traditional campus) but nothing
and I mean nothing beats the actual campus experiance.
You will love it, I have no doubt...it feels very cohesive with
a nice community feel with all the benefits of city life. :-)
good luck</p>
<p>Thanks, lily-- S. was also wondering where students could run in the city (along the mall??). Checked the website and found there was a campus running club, so that's a big plus for him. It sounds very nice!</p>
<p>def. along the mall...that's an amazing experiance being able to
jog along the monuments. washington square and the e street park
are other light options too. i've seen people run down the campus sidewalks as well.</p>