<p>I love the city and I love DC. However, I still have my worries that the Foggy Bottom campus will be too overwhelming after growing up in a pretty small town in CT. To any students to who were unsure about the urban campus (or loved it from the start too), do you ever feel like you'd rather have a traditional campus (grassy quads, etc)? or that the city is too overwhelming? What are your feelings about it in general?</p>
<p>David: I am from a small city in NC, and I encounter DC to be exciting rather than intimidating.
THe locals can be rude, and your first culture shock will be at Starbux when somebody ahead of me will not keep the door open knowing I am right behind them, rather my nose has suffered significant bruising until I got the point. In my town we say g’morning Ma’m, and in here I looke pretty awckward doing so.
But you are never alone. There is so much to do that you hardly have any time to get homesick. I don’t know of campus life in the traditional way, because I was always at foggy Bottom, but’ I am sure some other cc’er will help with that. Goodluck</p>
<p>davidsjudo: I, like Multitasker, found the move to a more urban environment exciting. I was worried about attending such a large university after growing up in a small-ish town and attending a small prep school. However, I found that it is very easy to carve out a smaller niche within the larger community to provide you with that smaller sense of community. I had thought when I was applying that I wanted a traditional campus, but I find that I truly don’t miss it. I think you’ll find that once you’ve settled in, made friends, etc., the presence or lack of trees in your immediate proximity will not make much of an impact on your daily life. I also agree with Multitasker that I’m often surprised about people being inconsiderate, especially regarding their failure to open doors, etc. I’m the type of person who holds doors, says please/thank you, and says hello to people as I pass them on the street. Is that unusual for an urban environment (regardless of city)? Yes. But I think it’s these common courtesies that make you stand out, and I know that my morning greetings have brought smiles to the faces of at least a few hurrying business people. There’s no need to lose your small-town ways in a large city. =)</p>
<p>you are right, Carly, there is no need to change much, because it will take the essence of who you are. HAving said that, ther is always a bus, train or plane to take you home and get a little fresh air , and be able to breathe. I love coming back for a visit since I can wear my hoodie, flip flops, an relax, prior to returning to the big city, and get all dressed up to go to your internship!</p>
<p>I have some of the same worries about Foggy Bottom, and have decided to live in Pelham on the Mount Vernon campus for my first year. Hopefully this will help with any transition problems, though I am kind of worried about Mount Vernon being dull compared to FB. Where are you from, Multitasker? I’m from Raleigh, and have yet to meet another person from NC going to GW.</p>
<p>Hey Sarah, Greensboro, NC!
First year sure involves anxiety, wether you are in FB or in MV. Separation from parents, making new connections, sharing the room with a total stranger that not necessarily can become your BFF. Yes, there is more excitement in FB, but you are hardly missing it! you can always crash in someone’s dorm if you want to go out , or you have the vern Express to take you home safely. They are many people from the South, including one of the Poli Sci teachers, from WS, Professor Sides. He has a noticeable SOthern accent during office hours, concealed during lectures. chapel Hill is pretty big itself, and you’ll find yourself comfortable there in Washington. Ya’ll see!</p>