<p>I was wondering if anyone has any useful information on CI. Is it mandatory? How helpful/needed is it? Are classes scheduled prior to, or at, CI? In addition, how likely would it be to attend an already "Full" session of CI? I would like to attend but I will only be able to attend a booked CI, due to personal emergencies. How receptive is the GW administration to my circumstances?</p>
<p>I actually just got back from CI and it was really fun! Its a bit overwhelming meeting SOO many people while sticking to a very hectic schedule, but its incredibly well done and the activities are pretty fun. The CI Cabinet was overall really nice, outgoing, helpful, and hilarious! It felt like the whole point of CI was to get excited for GW and meet new people, while getting used to life on the campus and the city of D.C.... so if you're looking for that kindof help, I think its definitely worth going to.</p>
<p>I don't think CI is mandatory, but I'm not absolutely sure. When registering for a CI date online, you also pick the date you will register for classes online. Most people at CI registered for their classes on First Class (online)... all those dates have passed. However, I know a few people weren't able to register beforehand and attended a special registering session at CI.</p>
<p>I have NO idea how receptive the administration will be, but you should try contacting them just to see what they say.</p>
<p>Hey, I went to CI#1 and had a great time. Although I don't think your GW experience would be ruined by skipping out on it, it got me really excited for the fall, and I also got to meet tons of new people.</p>
<p>Also, CI was definitely helpful in terms of deciding where I want to live next year, as they provided tours of most of the freshman dorms (a room in potomac wasn't ready for CI #1, but I still got to go inside and get an idea, and I hear it's ready now). I know some people who initially hadn't even thought of living on Mt Vernon (or the other way around) completely changed their minds, and a lot of people found roommates. It was definitely a good experience to stay in Thurston as well.</p>
<p>You should have already registered for classes, but you can always register when classes open July 10th (i think). Or, krocket said that you could register at CI.</p>
<p>I also have no idea about trying to get into a full CI. It might be an issue as they only have several floors of Thurston for CI kids, and so if it's all filled up they might not have a bed for you. If the timing is really bad, I know that they have a 6th CI for international students right before classes start, so maybe you could go to that one.</p>
<p>Good luck! I definitely recommend going to CI though.</p>