I’ll be starting at GW in the fall and I’ve been working on my housing app. One of the questions asks if I’d prefer substance free housing. I don’t really care either way (I don’t smoke or do drugs or anything like that), but I have to answer and was wondering if answering one way or another seriously limited my housing options or if it doesn’t matter. Thanks in advance! xx
Normally, I’d say it will in no way limit your housing options. All the questionnaire does is try to match you with compatible roommates with regard to study habits, cleanliness, partying (substance use).
However, according to https://living.gwu.edu/living-options it says Mitchell hall is “Sober Housing,” so I’m thinking that particular question might offer people that want to part in alcohol or other substances a “safe haven.”
My suggestion: if you don’t care either way, don’t answer that you want substance-free housing. It’s possible that you’ll get put in Mitchell, which in my and many others’ opinions, is the least-desirable dorm.
My daughter will be starting at GW in the fall as well. We are all so excited about it! I think she listed Mitchell Hall just under Potomac House. Why do you say it is the least desirable? Thanks for all your help. I think you’ve responded to some questions she has posted as well.
@WhartonWoman Mitchell is the least desirable for a few main reasons: it’s at the outer bounds of campus and can be a hike for a lot of classes as well as the Marvin Center where a lot of student eat their meals, the rooms are a bit older and outdated, the rooms are singles (can be an issue for students wanting to meet other students), and it’s the only dorm with shared restrooms for each floor.
Positives: (so you and your daughter don’t feel discouraged) it’s on the same block as Thurston, where a large percentage of the freshman class will be, it’s really close to the Elliot School (in case your daughter is studying International Affairs), the rooms are singles (this is a positive if your daughter values privacy).
Thank you! Yes, she liked it because of its proximity to Thurston. She was torn about it being singles. I think she read that since all the rooms are singles, the floors tend to be very friendly, especially the freshmen floors. She is quiet, so that is a concern. Thanks again for the help. I guess she’ll see what happens.
@NHuffer Great! Thank you so much for the information, I won’t be putting that down then!